Calvin Tomkins

About the Author

Calvin Tomkins is a distinguished American writer and journalist renowned for his insightful profiles of artists, writers, and cultural figures that have graced the pages of The New Yorker for over six decades. Born in 1925 in Orange, New Jersey, Tomkins honed his craft through meticulous research and a keen eye for the nuances of creative lives, blending biography with cultural critique in a style that is both elegant and accessible. His work often explores the intersections of art, society, and personal ambition, offering readers a window into the worlds of influential personalities. Notable among his books are Living Well Is the Best Revenge (Modern Library), a captivating portrait of the expatriate community in post-war Europe, and Making It New: The Art and Style of Sara and Gerald Murphy, which vividly chronicles the lives of the iconic couple who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night. Tomkins's enduring contributions continue to illuminate the human stories behind artistic innovation.