Review
"This witty and insightful book suggests how the gossip journalism meant as entertainment has not only diminished “the impact of shame in public life.” It has also led to a grab for celebrity among America’s elites, who are using the fame they once eschewed to get “more of everything...A sharp-eyed and disturbing chronicle."—Kirkus (starred review)
"Whether you’re a student of US Weekly or cultural studies, Gatecrasher manages to be fun, frothy and just the #inspo you need to topple the bourgeoisie." —BookPage
"A fascinating and punchy account...This eye-opening account of a moment when 'being wealthy was becoming embraced as a sub-culture' will delight pop culture enthusiasts.” —Publishers Weekly
Widdicombe has spent two decades not only covering celebrity culture but also creating it...taking what could be mindless material and injecting it with a hilarious urgency."—Bloomberg
"Widdicombe’s arch tone and observational acumen make for...entertaining reading...What’s most interesting are his musings about the intertwining of wealth, fame, and politics, setting up his theory that Paris Hilton led directly to President Trump. Dish with a dash of straight talk."—BOOKLIST
About the Author
Ben Widdicombe writes the weekly “No Regrets” social column in The New York Times Styles section and is a twenty-year veteran of the celebrity and society beat. A specialist in the intersection of high culture and pop culture, he is the only journalist who has worked for both The New York Times and TMZ.
