Overview
Spanning more than thirty five years of Lawrence Wright’s reporting for The New Yorker, Texas Monthly, Rolling Stone and other magazines, these pieces remind us what a brilliant observer Wright has been of institutions, of political maneuverings, and of people—dangerous, eccentric, or beloved.
Some of the essays included:
ORPHANS OF JONESTOWN (1993): A profile of Jim Jones’ two sons. In 1978, when they left Jonestown to play in a basketball tournament, their father ordered the deaths of everyone they knew and loved, leaving them alone in a society uncomprehending of their experience.
A RAPIST’S HOMECOMING (1995): The ethical dilemma of a prison therapist, concerned that her patient—about to be released—could attack again.
A LIVING DOLL (1988): A very personal column. How the author relates to his 5-year-old daughter through her dolls and stuffed animals.
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF RICHARD BRAUTIGAN (1985): An incisive look at the 1960’s and 1970’s literary icon.
CAPTURED ON FILM (2006): Dissident filmmakers in Syria.
SPACE CADET (1981): How a sanitary engineer combined her expertise and career with her love of space exploration and NASA.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE COURTOOM (2022): Should animals have legal rights?
And many others: A profile of the great spitball pitcher, Gaylord Perry; a look at how a Pentecostal Texas cattle farmer and an orthodox rabbi from Jerusalem come together over the End of Days; a 2006 essays detailing an attack in Gaza that mirrors the tragedies occurring today; a profile of Jamaal Khashoggi; one of Jimmy Carter; and a group of essays that deal with Wright’s life as a father.
This is an important collection that will demand attention, and a stirring overview of an extraordinary career.
This book title, Headshots (Profiles, Essays, and Reflections), ISBN: 9780593537817, by Lawrence Wright, published by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group (October 7, 2025) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Headshots (Profiles, Essays, and Reflections) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Headshots (Profiles, Essays, and Reflections) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!