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Cover of The Executioner's Song
Biography & Memoir· United States

The Executioner's Song

by Norman Mailer
Aggregate Editorial Score66/100
★Pulitzer Prize
Published 19801056 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of biography & memoir have earned the sustained critical attention that The Executioner's Song (1980) by Norman Mailer continues to receive. Mailer's massive 'true-life novel' follows the last months of Gary Gilmore, the convicted murderer who insisted on being executed in 1977, becoming the first person put to death in the United States after a decade-long moratorium. The Pulitzer winner is a landmark of New Journalism and a profound inquiry into violence and American society. Themes of capital punishment, violence, American society run through the work. The book has received recognition from Pulitzer Prize 1980 and TIME 100 Best Novels 1979.

Book Details

AuthorNorman Mailer
Published1980
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages1056
Category✍️ Biography & Memoir
ISBN9780375700422
Editorial Score66/100
About the Category

✍️ Biography & Memoir

True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

Explore all Biography & Memoir books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

Norman Mailer published The Executioner's Song in 1980, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of biography & memoir from United States. The book's treatment of capital punishment, violence, American society, crime accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Among its recognitions: Pulitzer Prize 1980; TIME 100 Best Novels 1979. With an editorial score of 66/100 drawn from 2 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of The Executioner's Song lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of capital punishment, violence, American society, crime is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Executioner's Song reflects Norman Mailer's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 2 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Pulitzer Prize
winner · national
198048
TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
197921
✍️
About the Author
Norman Mailer
United States
View Author →

Norman Mailer is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of biography memoir.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Executioner's Song about?

Mailer's massive 'true-life novel' follows the last months of Gary Gilmore, the convicted murderer who insisted on being executed in 1977, becoming the first person put to death in the United States after a decade-long moratorium. The Pulitzer winner is a landmark of New Journalism and a profound inquiry into violence and American society.

Who wrote The Executioner's Song?

The Executioner's Song was written by Norman Mailer, from United States. First published in 1980.

What awards has The Executioner's Song won?

The Executioner's Song has received the following awards and honours: Pulitzer Prize 1980; TIME 100 Best Novels 1979.

Is The Executioner's Song worth reading?

The Executioner's Song is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 66/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 2 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in capital punishment, violence, American society.

Where can I buy The Executioner's Song?

You can buy The Executioner's Song on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Executioner's Song?

The Executioner's Song is classified as Biography & Memoir. True accounts of real lives, told by the subject or a biographer.

What country is The Executioner's Song from?

The Executioner's Song originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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