Capote reaches the summit and then flames out

Having just finished reading Gerald Clarke's biography of Truman Capote, one cheers his determined rise to successful writer, his individuality, and depth in re-creating characters and atmosphere. And one sympathizes with the lonely
neglected child whose parents left him with eccentric relatives and denigrated him. Luckily he had a loving aunt, a supportive step-father, an inspired English teacher, and others who encouraged his career.
After his tour de force, "In Cold Blood" he flew high in international social circles, which he valued, and no wonder, considering his impoverished background.
The second half of the biography degenerates into a gossip column recounting the changing partners of those in high society and literary circles, including Capote's own homosexual partners. Writing takes second place to social adventuring and Capote is affected by the aimless society in which he circulates. He becomes a victim of alcoholism and drug addiction, his judgement wanes, and reason loses out to sexual passion. His choice of unworthy partners leads to his humiliation and degradation, as his addictions lead to his death. He reminds one of the hero of Maugham's "Of Human Bondage" who falls for an unpleasant, uncultured and unworthy woman, and allows himself to suffer for this misdirected passion. For someone with such taste and sensitivity as Truman Capote to wallow among the crude and brutal seems incredible - as if he had been given the love potion which made Titania fall in love with an ass in Midsummer Night's Dream.
Capote's life is like fiction - only a fictional account would provide more weighty reasons for a hero to have such a fall. In life, Capote's character seems never to have fully developed. [But then, look at Clinton, look at Mayor Ford, look even at FDR and JFK - what flaws were theirs!]