A Diamond Guitar A Diamond Guitar "A Diamond Guitar" is a short story by Truman Capote, first published in "Harper's Bazaar" in 1950; it is noted as one of his better quality early short stories. The title refers to the prize possession of the younger man, a rhinestone-studded guitar; the guitar serves as the key image of the story. Capote wrote "A Diamond Guitar" in April 1950 during a three-week-long transatlantic freighter crossing from New York to Italy. It is one of three short stories normally published in the same volume as "Breakfast at Tiffany's", first released in 1958. The story is set
Truman Capote tribute to Tennessee Williams, who had died in February of that year, appeared in "Playboy" magazine. Capote died in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on August 25, 1984, age 59. According to the coroner's report, the cause of death was "liver disease complicated by phlebitis and multiple drug intoxication." He died at the home of his old friend Joanne Carson, ex-wife of late-night TV host Johnny Carson, on whose program Capote had been a frequent guest. Gore Vidal responded to news of Capote's death by calling it "a wise career move." Capote was cremated and his remains were reportedly divided between