Six months after Truman Capote died in 1984, Conversations with Capote was published and reached the top of best-seller lists in both New York and San Francisco. The Philadelphia Inquirer called it "A gossip's delight...full of scandalous comments about the rich and the famous." Parade called it "An engrossing read. Bitchy, high-camp opinions...from a tiny terror who wore brass knuckles on his tongue." People found it "Juicy stuff... provocative and entertaining...vintage Capote." The Denver Post called it "A wonderfully outrageous read...fearless candor about practically everything-and everyone-on Earth." Said the San Francisco Chronicle, "All the rumors you ever heard about Capote are here... Refreshing ...thoughtful and reflective." Grobel talked to Capote over a period of two years and it remains an essential part of the Capote canon.