Getting the New South Wrong

Tom Wolfe was the only major American literary figure of his time with a reputation for conservatism. As academia, the college class in general, and the elite media particularly became precious, Wolfe became almost a figure of populism among our major writers. He dedicated the last part of his career to writing very successful novels in order to return America’s gaze upon itself, observing society, commenting on manners and mores, and satirizing the arrogant cowardice of American elites.