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The Gay Place: Being Three Related Novels Audiobook
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(3.17) - 155 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Since its 1961 publication, Billy Lee Brammer's book inspired by Lyndon B. Johnson has gained a cult following. It has been praised by the New York Times, Gore Vidal, and Larry King, and has been ranked alongside All the King's Men as one of the great American political novels. Brammer, who served on Lyndon Johnson's staff, uses his knowledge as a political insider to show the good and the bad of politics. Three interlocking tales each feature a different protagonist-a state legislator, a junior senator, and the governor's press secretary-and illuminate the figure of Arthur 'Goddam' Fenstemaker, a master politician and the governor of Texas. Considered a ruthless, exuberant politician, Fenstemaker works for the ultimate good of the people, even though he often employs questionable methods. After receiving glowing critical acclaim for The Gay Place, Brammer was unable to write another novel praised so highly. Consequently, this novel stands alone in its portrayal of Texas-and American-politics. "[A] classic American political [novel] ... stunning, original, intensely human ... It will be read a hundred years from now."-New York Times Book Review
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"Often mentioned here, in Austin, Texas, as being the quintessential historical representation of modern Texas politics. It's not nearly as dry as that sounds, since modern Texas politics can be fascinating; The Gay Place is so well-crafted it would be worth reading just for the novel aspect. "
— Elizabeth (5 out of 5 stars)
The Gay Place Listener Reviews
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leland collard, 2/18/2024
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" Often mentioned here, in Austin, Texas, as being the quintessential historical representation of modern Texas politics. It's not nearly as dry as that sounds, since modern Texas politics can be fascinating; The Gay Place is so well-crafted it would be worth reading just for the novel aspect. "
— Elizabeth, 12/28/2013 -
" Interesting character insight into LBJ if you believe Fenstemaker was based on Johnson. The three stories are woven together exceptionally well, and it still really captures the spirit of Austin, Texas. "
— Patrick, 9/30/2013 -
" About Texas poiltics, culture and shenanigans (read: LBJ)in the 50-60's. I wasn't there but he makes it sound like god-damned good time. "
— Matt, 9/6/2013 -
" Best novel on American politics bar none. Brammer was a press secretary for LBJ in the 1950s, so he knew very well what he was writing about. "
— Joseph, 6/5/2013 -
" Make sure to read the edition with the brilliant introduction by Don Graham. "
— Blanca, 12/7/2012 -
" Brilliant political portrait, easily on a par with All the King's Men. "
— H, 7/3/2011 -
" Maybe the best political novel ever written. Rich, scintillating, shocking -- and informed by exeperience. "
— Charles, 12/31/2010 -
" This is essential reading for anybody interested in American politics/society. Sort of like watching The Wire in the 1950s. "
— Erik, 6/18/2010 -
" This book is vivid and very well-written. It was, in fact, a bit hard to read at first for those very reasons. But it's a real classic, full of color and verve. Made me a bit more aware of / cynical about politics. "
— Cindy, 4/11/2010 -
" This book paints a clear picture of how in politics there is no such thing as a healthy, committed, noble relationship in any sense of the word. Yes, this is what I took away from this book! "
— Victoria, 4/9/2010 -
" About Texas poiltics, culture and shenanigans (read: LBJ)in the 50-60's. I wasn't there but he makes it sound like god-damned good time. "
— Matt, 1/5/2010 -
" This book is vivid and very well-written. It was, in fact, a bit hard to read at first for those very reasons. But it's a real classic, full of color and verve. Made me a bit more aware of / cynical about politics. "
— Cindy, 8/9/2009 -
" Interesting character insight into LBJ if you believe Fenstemaker was based on Johnson. The three stories are woven together exceptionally well, and it still really captures the spirit of Austin, Texas. "
— Patrick, 3/14/2008 -
" This is essential reading for anybody interested in American politics/society. Sort of like watching The Wire in the 1950s. "
— Erik, 2/24/2008 -
" Best novel on American politics bar none. Brammer was a press secretary for LBJ in the 1950s, so he knew very well what he was writing about. "
— Joseph, 7/9/2007 -
" Make sure to read the edition with the brilliant introduction by Don Graham. "
— Blanca, 5/3/2007
About Billy Lee Brammer
William Lee Brammer was an author, journalist, and political staffer in Texas and Washington, D.C.. He is best known for his set of three linked novellas, The Gay Place.
About George Guidall
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.