Mr. Vidal's copy editor

The other day I praised Gore Vidal's Lincoln, mentioning in particular the accuracy of its historical details. 

Now I learn that the estimable Heidi Landecker, now of The Chronicle of Higher Education, was the fact checker for the book (which she did not much esteem) and a principal source of that historical accuracy. 

Her account of working with Gore Vidal is well worth a few minutes of your time.