Low-tech edition
Low-tech edition
Lawrence, Kansas
In Cold Blood: A Legacy
Truman Capote saw a small story in the New York Times about the Clutter murders and determined that the case would be the perfect vehicle for his breakout achievement: the self-described "nonfiction narrative." Capote, then 35, spent months in Kansas doing interviews for the book, which was first serialized in the New Yorker in fall 1965 and published shortly thereafter. The book is considered one of the great literary works of the 20th century. It is the author's best-known work, and it launched him into the high-society circles he so desperately wanted to be part of. He died in 1984 at age 59.
An extended, web-only collection of photos related to "In Cold Blood: A Legacy." Launch slide show | View thumbnails »
"I was born after the incident and right before the convicted men were put to death. But I grew-up in the atmosphere of the shock in the community. My mom described the incident where trust was brought to a halt...."—Posted by charlie.
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Read a review of In Cold Blood: A Legacy from the Garden City Telegram. Go »
Herbert Clutter, born in 1911; owner of River Valley Farm in Holcomb; killed in his home by Smith and Hickock on Nov. 15, 1959.
Bonnie Clutter, born in 1914; Herbert Clutter's wife; she was Smith and Hickock's last victim.
Perry Smith, born October 27, 1928, in Elko County, Nevada; executed April 1965.
Dick Hickock, born June 6, 1931; executed April 1965.
Truman Capote, then 35, spent months in Kansas researching the Clutter murders, the subject of "In Cold Blood."
More personalities from "In Cold Blood" »
Read Journal-World stories on the Clutter murders, the investigation, and Smith and Hickock's trial, from November 1959 to March 1960. Go »
"In Cold Blood: A Legacy," the story of people hoping for decades that the world will forget, premiered on Sunflower Broadband Channel 6 on Sunday, April 2, 2005. Watch online »
Read about the students and teachers behind "In Cold Blood: A Legacy." Go »
View JPG's or PDF's of the print version of "In Cold Blood: A Legacy." Go »
