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Author, journalist Dominick Dunne dies at 83

Hollywood producer turned writer Dominick Dunne passed away yesterday at his home in Manhattan after a battle with bladder cancer. He was 83.

Dunne was famous for his five best-selling novels that centred on scandal and crime in high society, as well as his role as special correspondent for Vanity Fair, where he covered the trials of O.J. Simpson, the impeachment of Bill Clinton, and the death of Princess Diana. In the last year of his life, he was devoted to finishing his latest novel, Too Much Money, which will be released by Random House in December.

A eulogy by Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter, an extensive obituary, and an archive of his articles for the magazine are all on the Vanity Fair website. New York Social Diary has posted a tribute to the author, along with several reader memories, including this quirky comment from Steven Stolman in Palm Beach:

He lectured down here at the Society of the Four Arts – and while wandering down Worth Ave walked into my shop.

I immediately reminded him that I too was from West Hartford – and wished that I had his latest book with me for him to sign – as I was in the middle of it. Alas, it was at my apartment.

He said, “How far away?” “Two blocks …” It was near closing time, so he sat on the sofa in the shop and said, “Let me use your phone and you run home and get the book. I’ll watch the store.”

I made a mad dash to my little place and upon returning – he was still on the sofa – phone in his hand – and said, “Your mother called … and I sold a skirt.”

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