Thomas Kennerly "
Tom"
Wolfe, Jr. (born March 2, 1931) is an American author and journalist, best known for his association with and influence over the
New Journalism literary movement, in which literary techniques are used in
objective even-handed journalism. He began his career as a regional newspaper reporter in the 1950s, but achieved national prominence in the 1960s following the publication of such best-selling books as
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test (a highly experimental account of
Ken Kesey and the
Merry Pranksters), and two collections of articles and essays,
Radical Chic & Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers and
The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby. His first novel,
The Bonfire of the Vanities, released in 1987, was met with critical acclaim, became a commercial success, and was adapted as a major
motion picture (directed by
Brian De Palma).