Lillian Hellman: Her Legend and Her Legacy

Lillian Hellman was the most daring and original playwright of her time. In spite of her three volumes of highly acclaimed memoirs, Hellman has remained an enigma because of her need to conceal her real life and to invent a legend. Rollyson reveals through newly discovered diaries, letters, interviews and state department files the truth about her controversial political activities, personal feuds and numerous tempestuous love affairs. Of particular interest are the real story of how Hellman and Dashiell Hammett formed their liaison, new information about her lawsuit and feud with Mary McCarthy and insight into how Hellman attempted to influence a circle of acolytes to defend her reputation.

Carl Rollyson is Professor of English at Baruch College, The City University of New York. He writes articles on American literature, film and history and his books include lives of Lillian Hellman, Martha Gellhorn, Norman Mailer, Marilyn Monroe, and Pablo Picasso