Norman Mailer: Works and Days

Norman Mailer Sent to Bellevue

The New York Herald Tribune's long front-page report on Mailer's commitment to Bellevue — and on his earlier TV appearance that day, where Mike Wallace interviewed him about running for mayor.

“Norman Mailer Sent to Bellevue.” Article by Frank Kelly. New York Herald Tribune, 23 November 1960, 1, 9.

The report covers Mailer’s being sent by a magistrate to a psychiatric ward and his earlier appearance that day on a WNTA-TV program, where Mike Wallace interviewed him about his intention to run for mayor. It gives a partial list of those attending the 20 November party at the Mailers’ apartment at 250 West 94th Street, along with a longer version of his court statement. Protesting his commitment, Mailer said, “If this happens, for the rest of my life my work will be considered as the work of a man with a disordered mind.” He was released after seventeen days.

First published: 1960-11-23
Form: article
Lennon & Lennon: 60.10f
Cite as: /works/1960-11-23-mailer-sent-to-bellevue
Last updated: 2026-05-25