We Must Love One Another or Die: The Life and Legacies of Larry Kramer

Larry Kramer is the closest thing to a leader that the international gay community has. The 24 contributions in this collection, written by many of today's highest-profile gays, discuss the thoroughly intemperate writer-activist and his work. A novelist (Faggots), a screenwriter (Women in Love) and a playwright (The Normal Heart), Kramer is better known as the fomenter of action and the founder of the Gay Men's Health Crisis and ACT UP to combat AIDS. Were it not for editor and longtime Kramer friend Mass's genuflectory introduction and occasional editorial indiscretions, this could possibly be a notable book. Instead, it is a worthwhile book that collects several great essays, including Gabriel Rotello's ""Kramer as Prophet""; a number of very good articles, including Michael Denneny's ""A Mouthful of Air""; and a few pointless pieces. Given Kramer's prophetic powers (he warned gay America of the coming plague in his famous plea, ""1,112 and Counting,"" in 1981), his strength of character and his tirelessness, he will certainly be mythologized. This book, which begins that process, will be widely read and discussed. (Jan.)