Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics is a 1996 book by columnist Joe Klein, published anonymously, about the presidential campaign of a southern governor. It is a roman à clef (a work of fiction based on real people and events) about Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign in 1992. It was adapted as a film of the same name in 1998.
The book has been compared to two other novels about American politics: Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men (1946) An early reviewer opined that the author wished to remain unknown because "Anonymity makes truthfulness much easier". Klein initially denied writing the book and publicly condemned Foster.
Fictional characters and believed real-life inspirations
- Jack Stanton, southern governor – Bill Clinton
External links
- Random House - Book website and excerpt