The Gay Place

By Billy Lee Brammer,

Book cover of The Gay Place

Book description

Set in Texas, The Gay Place consists of three interlocking novels, each with a different protagonist-a member of the state legislature, the state's junior senator, and the governor's press secretary. The governor himself, Arthur Fenstemaker, a master politician, infinitely canny and seductive, remains the dominant figure throughout.

Billy Lee Brammer-who…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Gay Place as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Brammer’s novel has resonated throughout my career, warning of almost inevitable disillusionment with a political powerhouse. Brammer had served as a top aide to Lyndon Johnson, on whom he based Arthur Fenstemaker, a star as bright as Penn Warren’s Willie Stark. The Gay Place spoke to me even more directly, focusing on minor politicos and their ambitions, frailties, and humanity. And the book drove home, through a pervading sadness, the anomie that rises from disillusionment. Brammer’s “Flea Circus” metaphor continues to amuse and bum me.

From Charles' list on political bosses.

Want books like The Gay Place?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 87 books like The Gay Place.

Browse books like The Gay Place

Book cover of All the King's Men
Book cover of Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical Politics
Book cover of The Last Hurrah

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,592

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Texas, politics, and Lyndon B. Johnson?

Texas 224 books
Politics 771 books