Robert Westbrook (Author)
Encyclopedia
Robert Westbrook Robert T. Westbrook (born 1945) was born to columnist Sheilah Graham Westbrook
five years after the death of her lover F. Scott Fitzgerald
. There is some question as to Robert’s biological father, who Graham claimed was Trevor Westbrook, a British businessman she divorced in 1946. However, after Graham’s death in 1988, the British philosopher A.J. Ayer came forward to say he was the father of Robert’s older half-sister Wendy and that Robert’s biological father was most likely the Hollywood actor Robert Taylor
. From his earliest recollection, Robert Westbrook always wanted to be a writer. Raised in Los Angeles
until his teen years, his mother then moved Robert and Wendy to New York City
. Robert attended the progressive Putney School in Vermont
and Columbia College in New York.
he wrote his first book at age 17, Journey Behind the Iron Curtain, published in 1963 by G.P. Putnam's Sons. The wild years at Columbia University
in the 60's helped inspire his first novel, The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart, published by Crown
in 1970. The novel became an MGM film that introduced an 18 year old actor named Don Johnson
in the title role. The film was praised by Andy Warhol
for its depiction of the New York counter culture scene of the late 60's. Robert Westbrook did not write again for 15 years.
, he began a handful of satirical mysteries set in the 1950s Los Angeles
where he had grown up. In 1988 he was living in Greece
when his mother Sheilah Graham died on November 17 in Palm Beach, Florida
of congestive heart failure. In the wake of her passing, he was inspired to write the story of his mother's romance with Fitzgerald
. Accessing her notes and letters, he included many details omitted from Graham's best selling 1958 memoir Beloved Infidel (Link leads to Wikipedia entry for the film adaptation starring Gregory Peck
and Deborah Kerr
). Published by Harper Collins in 1995, Westbrook's Intimate Lies is widely considered a valuable contribution to the compendium on Fitzgerald
, and Graham.
, which he began writing after he and his wife Gail moved there in 1991. He has also written novels adapted from screenplays, including The Mexican
, Insomnia
and The Final Cut. He conducts writing workshops in Taos and frequently travels with his wife to teach abroad.
The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart Crown
1970
Left Handed Police Man Mysteries
The Left Handed Police Man Crown
1986 Warner Books paperback 1987
Nostalgia Kills Crown
1988
Lady Left Crown
1990
Rich Kids Birchlane 1992
Intimate Lies Harper Collins 1995
Howard Moon Deer Mysteries
Ghost Dancer Signet 1998
Warrior Circle Signet 1999
Red Moon Signet 2000
Ancient Enemy Signet 2001
Novels based on screenplays
The Mexican
Signet 2001 From the film starring Julia Roberts
and Brad Pitt
Insomnia
Signet 2002 From the mystery thriller starring Al Pacino
and Robin Williams
The Final Cut Onyx, 2004 Adapted from the sci-fi thriller with Robin Williams
and Mira Sorvino
The Saudi Connection Jack Anderson and Robert Westbrook Tor/Forge
2006
Synopses of Intimate Lies with biographical info: http://www.vqronline.org/articles/1996/spring/kuehl-sheilah-scottie/
Jewish Women's Archive article on Sheilah Graham by daughter Wendy Fairey: http://jwa.org/weremember/graham
Sheilah Graham Westbrook
Sheilah Graham Westbrook was an English-born American nationally syndicated gossip columnist during Hollywood's "Golden Age," who with Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper wielded power to make or break careers prompting her to describe herself as "the Last of the unholy trio."Graham was also known...
five years after the death of her lover F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was an American author of novels and short stories, whose works are the paradigm writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined himself. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the "Lost...
. There is some question as to Robert’s biological father, who Graham claimed was Trevor Westbrook, a British businessman she divorced in 1946. However, after Graham’s death in 1988, the British philosopher A.J. Ayer came forward to say he was the father of Robert’s older half-sister Wendy and that Robert’s biological father was most likely the Hollywood actor Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor, Rob or Bob Taylor may refer to:*Robert Taylor , British general of the late eighteenth century*Robert Taylor , American computer scientist...
. From his earliest recollection, Robert Westbrook always wanted to be a writer. Raised in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
until his teen years, his mother then moved Robert and Wendy to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Robert attended the progressive Putney School in Vermont
Vermont
Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd in land area, , and 45th in total area. Its population according to the 2010 census, 630,337, is the second smallest in the country, larger only than Wyoming. It is the only New England...
and Columbia College in New York.
Early career
After a summer trip to the Soviet UnionSoviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
he wrote his first book at age 17, Journey Behind the Iron Curtain, published in 1963 by G.P. Putnam's Sons. The wild years at Columbia University
Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, Ivy League university in Manhattan, New York City. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York, the fifth oldest in the United States, and one of the country's nine Colonial Colleges founded before the...
in the 60's helped inspire his first novel, The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart, published by Crown
Crown Publishing Group
-External links:*...
in 1970. The novel became an MGM film that introduced an 18 year old actor named Don Johnson
Don Johnson
Donnie Wayne "Don" Johnson is an American actor known for his work in television and film. He played the lead role of James "Sonny" Crockett in the 1980s TV cop series, Miami Vice, which led him to huge success. He also played the lead role in the 1990s cop series, Nash Bridges...
in the title role. The film was praised by Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andrew Warhola , known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art...
for its depiction of the New York counter culture scene of the late 60's. Robert Westbrook did not write again for 15 years.
Return of the Writer
In the 80's, while living with his family in HawaiiHawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
, he began a handful of satirical mysteries set in the 1950s Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
where he had grown up. In 1988 he was living in Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
when his mother Sheilah Graham died on November 17 in Palm Beach, Florida
Palm Beach, Florida
The Town of Palm Beach is an incorporated town in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The Intracoastal Waterway separates it from the neighboring cities of West Palm Beach and Lake Worth...
of congestive heart failure. In the wake of her passing, he was inspired to write the story of his mother's romance with Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was an American author of novels and short stories, whose works are the paradigm writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined himself. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the "Lost...
. Accessing her notes and letters, he included many details omitted from Graham's best selling 1958 memoir Beloved Infidel (Link leads to Wikipedia entry for the film adaptation starring Gregory Peck
Gregory Peck
Eldred Gregory Peck was an American actor.One of 20th Century Fox's most popular film stars from the 1940s to the 1960s, Peck continued to play important roles well into the 1980s. His notable performances include that of Atticus Finch in the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird, for which he won an...
and Deborah Kerr
Deborah Kerr
Deborah Kerr, CBE was a Scottish film and television actress from Glasgow. She won the Sarah Siddons Award for her Chicago performance as Laura Reynolds in Tea and Sympathy, a role which she originated on Broadway, a Golden Globe Award for the motion picture The King and I, and was a three-time...
). Published by Harper Collins in 1995, Westbrook's Intimate Lies is widely considered a valuable contribution to the compendium on Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was an American author of novels and short stories, whose works are the paradigm writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined himself. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the "Lost...
, and Graham.
1990's to Present
Robert Westbrook is probably best known for his Howard Moon Deer mysteries, set in Taos, New MexicoTaos, New Mexico
Taos is a town in Taos County in the north-central region of New Mexico, incorporated in 1934. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,700. Other nearby communities include Ranchos de Taos, Cañon, Taos Canyon, Ranchitos, and El Prado. The town is close to Taos Pueblo, the Native American...
, which he began writing after he and his wife Gail moved there in 1991. He has also written novels adapted from screenplays, including The Mexican
The Mexican
The Mexican is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, with a plot that is an unusual mixture of romantic comedy and road movie....
, Insomnia
Insomnia (2002 film)
Insomnia is an American psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank. The film, released on 24 May 2002, is a remake of the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name.-Plot:...
and The Final Cut. He conducts writing workshops in Taos and frequently travels with his wife to teach abroad.
Books
Journey Behind the Iron Curtain G.P. Putnam's Sons 1963The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart Crown
Crown Publishing Group
-External links:*...
1970
Left Handed Police Man Mysteries
The Left Handed Police Man Crown
Crown Publishing Group
-External links:*...
1986 Warner Books paperback 1987
Nostalgia Kills Crown
Crown Publishing Group
-External links:*...
1988
Lady Left Crown
Crown Publishing Group
-External links:*...
1990
Rich Kids Birchlane 1992
Intimate Lies Harper Collins 1995
Howard Moon Deer Mysteries
Ghost Dancer Signet 1998
Warrior Circle Signet 1999
Red Moon Signet 2000
Ancient Enemy Signet 2001
Novels based on screenplays
The Mexican
The Mexican
The Mexican is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, with a plot that is an unusual mixture of romantic comedy and road movie....
Signet 2001 From the film starring Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts
Julia Fiona Roberts is an American actress. She became a Hollywood star after headlining the romantic comedy Pretty Woman , which grossed $464 million worldwide...
and Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt
William Bradley "Brad" Pitt is an American actor and film producer. Pitt has received two Academy Award nominations and four Golden Globe Award nominations, winning one...
Insomnia
Insomnia (2002 film)
Insomnia is an American psychological thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank. The film, released on 24 May 2002, is a remake of the 1997 Norwegian film of the same name.-Plot:...
Signet 2002 From the mystery thriller starring Al Pacino
Al Pacino
Alfredo James "Al" Pacino is an American film and stage actor and director. He is famous for playing mobsters, including Michael Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, Tony Montana in Scarface, Alphonse "Big Boy" Caprice in Dick Tracy and Carlito Brigante in Carlito's Way, though he has also appeared...
and Robin Williams
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian. Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
The Final Cut Onyx, 2004 Adapted from the sci-fi thriller with Robin Williams
Robin Williams
Robin McLaurin Williams is an American actor and comedian. Rising to fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork and Mindy, and later stand-up comedy work, Williams has performed in many feature films since 1980. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance...
and Mira Sorvino
Mira Sorvino
Mira Katherine Sorvino is an American actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Mighty Aphrodite and is also known for her role as Romy White in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.- Early life :Sorvino was born in Tenafly, New Jersey...
The Saudi Connection Jack Anderson and Robert Westbrook Tor/Forge
Tor Books
Tor Books is one of two imprints of Tom Doherty Associates LLC, based in New York City. It is noted for its science fiction and fantasy titles. Tom Doherty Associates also publishes mainstream fiction, mystery, and occasional military history titles under its Forge imprint. The company was founded...
2006
Sources
Westbrook Author Biography: http://robertwestbrook.com/bio.htmlSynopses of Intimate Lies with biographical info: http://www.vqronline.org/articles/1996/spring/kuehl-sheilah-scottie/
Jewish Women's Archive article on Sheilah Graham by daughter Wendy Fairey: http://jwa.org/weremember/graham
External links
- Westbrook Author Biography http://robertwestbrook.com/bio.html]
- Robert Westbrook page on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Westbrook/e/B001HNR2RI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1