NORMAN MAILER

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In The Armies of the Night, Mailer's first celebrated piece of literary journalism, published in 1968, Mailer describes a conversation between the poet Robert Lowell and himself as both were preparing their speeches to be delivered before the first mass rally and march on the Pentagon in October 1967:
"You know, Norman," said Lowell in his fondest voice, "Elizabeth and I really think you're the finest journalist in America."
... Lowell now made the mistake of repeating his remark. "Yes, Norman, l really think you are the best journalist in America."
The pen may be mightier than the sword, yet at their best each belong to extravagant men. "Well, Cal," said Mailer, using Lowell's nickname for the first time, "there are days when I think of myself as being the best writer in America." (1968a, 32-33).
Mailer continues to describe how Lowell, sensing the author's offense at his attempted compliment, tries to wriggle out of his faux pas while sinking himself deeper into the quagmire. "Oh, Norman, oh, certainly," he said, "I didn't mean to imply, heavens no, it's just that I have such respect for journalism. "
"Well, l don't know that I do," said Mailer (33-34; emphasis in original)."
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