Controversial and compelling, In Cold Blood reconstructs
the murder in 1959 of a Kansas farmer, his wife and both their
children. Truman Capote's comprehensive study of the killings and
subsequent investigation explores the circumstances surrounding
this terrible crime and the effect it had on those involved. At the
centre of his study are the amoral young killers Perry Smith and
Dick Hickock, who, vividly drawn by Capote, are shown to be
reprehensible yet entirely and frighteningly human. The book that
made Capote's name, In Cold Blood is a seminal work of
modern prose, a remarkable synthesis of journalistic skill and
powerfully evocative narrative.
'The American dream turning into the American nightmare... a
remarkable book.'
Tony Tanner, Spectator
