Resident Alien: The New York Diaries

by Quentin Crisp

Quentin Crisp's witty and yet profound diaries cover four years of hectic cosmopolitan life. At an age when most people are moving into nursing homes, Crisp has launched himself into life in New York.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBT, Gay, Biography, New York, Queer

Paperback

First published April 7, 1997

About the author

Quentin Crisp, born Denis Charles Pratt, was an English writer, artist's model, actor and raconteur known for his memorable and insightful witticisms. He became a gay icon in the 1970s after publication of his memoir, The Naked Civil Servant, brought to the attention of the general public his defiant exhibitionism and longstanding refusal to remain in the closet.

Reviews

[Petra X · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book, The Naked Civil Servant the author was a humble man, determined to live his life on his terms, to be moral if not legal at all times. Now he is famous and very old, 85. He's living in one room in a bad area of New York, just about getting by he says. But the book is all about all his promotion tours, his invitations to openings, to parties, to dinner, to the theatre, to be in films, to do shows. to be interviewed, to review this play or that book. He can't have been that poor. He does say though he would do anything for money (and free food).

All of this work rests on the fame of his first book (and his agent) and his stage shows and the fact that he is a flamboyant, effeminate (his word) homosexual, loud and proud. People want him to speak for gays! He has this to say about fame, it might have been true at the time, but it isn't now, it's the same in the UK,

In the rest of the world, fame is something that happens to you whereas in the United States it is something to do - a career in itself.

A good description of those facile reality tv shows like Big Brother, Love Island, Married at first Sight etc.

The style of the book is very dated, and even making allowance sfor the author's great age, calling everyone Mr. or Miss sounds fake, Mr. Shakespeare, Mr. Warhol, Miss Dietrich, Miss Madonna and Miss Cher (!) sounds a bit precious. But it is what it is, he was a very great man in his way and of his time.

To sum up the author's life, his own words,

People have always imagined, or pretended to imagine, that I seek to provoke hostile attention. This is rubbish. What I want is to be accepted by other people without bevelling down my individuality to please them - because if I do that, all the attention, all the friendship, all the hospitality that I receive is really for somebody else of the same name. I want love on my own terms.

And at the end he said, just as true to himself,

I look neither forward where there is doubt, nor backward where there is regret. I look inward and ask myself not if there is anything out in the world that I want and had better grab quickly before nightfall, but whether there is anything inside me that I have not yet unpacked. I want to be certain that, before I fold my hands and step into my coffin, what little I can do and say and be is completed.

____________________

A quote on journalism and a rant on relevant news today (2nd Sept. 2021)

"I do not pretend that journalism is an art, but I do think it is a skill to give readers what they wish to hear while claiming to present stark, unbiased truth.

Hence all the Fox News haters saying how rightwing biased it is. And their counterparts, who accuse CNN of being the mouthpiece of the leftwing. What follows is a long rant full of spoilers, you may want to tl;dr it!

I have recently seen just how an author who is very much part of the establishment got accused of racism and just about every other 'ism in reviews of her book. She accused reviewers of lying (they weren't), tried to get the reviews removed and made direct threats to the reviewers. And then her PR company put out a press release with just a few examples. The press all ran with it, without doing any original research, just put their own slant on it and used the given examples.

The right-wing press such as The Times and the Telegraph, said it was a woke mob, The left-wing (which in the UK is represented by the very middle-class Guardian and the BBC) weren't quite so in her camp. But in the end they all rallied round because she is establishment as are their readers. Every last one of them, right or left, ignored her appalling behaviour because it didn't fit the narrative of what their readers were looking for. It was interesting to see how much what Crisp says about journalism is true.

I have never liked the phrase, 'my truth' as truth should be an absolute. Either it is, it happened, it was said, or it wasn't. But that simply isn't 'true' anymore. Every one has their own version of the facts and must be believed. If they aren't, then the media will not change the narrative because they have to please their readers, instead the journalist and their supporters must be brought down.

Meghan Markle gave a two-hour magnificent Victimhood interview to Oprah for undisclosed millions. She cast aspersions without names or proof, and told lies. For instance that her son Archie had been denied being made a Prince because he was mixed race. As her husband Prince Harry would absolutely have known, since 1917, only the monarch's children and grandchildren and 'the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales are entitled to use 'Prince'". That's Prince George. Since Charlotte was born next, the Queen in letters patent changed the succession from all males first to first-born, so she comes next, and I suppose in a spirit of fairness to Charlotte gave her a title too, and then of course her younger brother, Louis had to have one!). The Queen has 11 great grandchildren, none of them outside of the three mentioned are entitled Prince or Princess. All will have those same as Archie, when Charles becomes king. It is my betting that only Meghan's children will use them, none of the others will want them. It's not marketable this side of the Atlantic! (Markle turned down the Scottish title of Earl of Dumbarton for Archie, because supposedly it had the word 'dumb' in it, and she wants him to be a prince, not an earl. Jesus wept.) So, Piers Morgan called her out on this, said he didn't believe a word she said, on a morning tv programme in the UK. For this he got castigated, and had to resign.

Yesterday, Sept. 1st 2021, Ofcom (the regulatory board of communications media in the UK) cleared him, saying that it was a threat to free speech to try and muzzle the media from expressing their opinions as he had. But what was more interesting was what was behind it. 47,000 people had complained about Piers Morgan's remarks. Usually I think Ofcom gets in the region of 10-100 complaints. Meghan Markle had mobilised (much as the bully author had) her supporters to complain en masse. That not being sufficient, Markle herself wrote to the ITV boss Dame Carolyn McCall appealing to her as both being 'women and mothers' to censure him and as it was put colloquially, demanded his head on a plate. ITV rolled over and by lunchtime it was all over. Piers was gone.

I'm not a fan of Piers at all, but I am of free speech. Markle and McCall might both be fans of the woke tools of cancel, deplatform and don't allow questioning, but I am not. Neither, thankfully is Ofcom. Without free debate of any opinion, with censorship of the media, biased as it is, unpopular or not, we move one step closer to revisionism of history and a totalitarian state.

"Mental health" is the current victim card. It demeans those who have been really and unfairly made mincemeat of by the media these people who cry 'my mental health' when really they don't like being called out publicly. Look at how the media really went for Simone Biles when she withdrew from some competitions in the Olympics. She had such extreme mental health issues that she couldn't perform safely, but that didn't fit the narrative. Nah, she was a bad loser because she hadn't been #1 in the first round. I'm glad she was able to work through them and come back, but the media reported that according to what their readers wanted to hear without any kind of apology for their nastiness.

It seems vindictive to me for Meghan to try another way to muzzle media criticism of her, by having her mouthpiece Omid Scobie say that he questioned Ofcom's decision because 'freedom of expression' under the 1998 Act is subject to the restriction of 'protection of health or morals'. In other words, Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex is throwing a big strop because Piers Morgan said, "I don't believe a word of it" even though she lied.

Quentin Crisp was right, "I do not pretend that journalism is an art, but I do think it is a skill to give readers what they wish to hear while claiming to present stark, unbiased truth," but he forgot to say that the trump card for both the bullying author and Markle who has turned it into a very lucrative career, is victimhood trumps all.

[Charles Blanchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quentin Crisp (1908-1999) lived in a single room in a rooming house in England for over thirty years spending his time quite profitably by doing very little and living as modestly as possible, letting life pass him by to which he replied "Thank God I didn't get mixed up in the beastly thing." He was close to sixty when he wrote his autobiography, The Naked Civil Servant, a moving document, which according to Crisp represented a life of total failure. When it was made into a film in 1975, he was given the opportunity to come to the United States for the first time, to promote the film and introduce himself to American audiences. This success which he grabbed for all it was worth, changed his life.

It was during this period that he left England and moved into a single room in New York City, where he remained for the rest of his life. The difference of course was that now he was famous. He was famous for two reasons. He had an incredible wit and dry humor like no other, which gave him his style. The other reason was because of his life in England. It was a life of rejection and abuse by a society that could not accept him for who he was. And he protested against that society by continuing to live as himself. He was a flamboyant homosexual for all the world to see.

Quentin Crisp was a man of courage both in England and in his decision to move to another country when he was already an elderly man.

This book is comprised of his journals from 1990 to 1994, a period that was possibly the most exciting time in his life. He had an opinion on everything from politics to films. His writing is vivid and entertaining, amusing and likeable. He is profound in his thinking and proudly talks about being invited to speaking engagements and other functions and once he arrived he ate as much as possible. He has no problem being a free loader. He quite rightly felt entitled to this. He hated the snow and loved films. He also worked in films during the '90s. He had minor roles in Orlando and Philadelphia with Tom Hanks. His phone number was listed in the telephone book and he loved when people called him, although not at 3am.

He was finally living a charmed life in America by just being himself. He made friends and was limousined everywhere. He enjoyed the company of people since they were always interested in what he had to say. He was finally not only accepted for who he was but now celebrated for it.

A documentary film was made about Quentin Crisp, entitled Resident Alien and he talks alot about that. This book is highly recommended and reading it is pure enjoyment for the uplifting message of hope it can bring when success happens to the most unlikely and most deserving, even when the life itself is nearing its end.

[Jerome Baladad · Rating 4 out of 5]

witty, witty, witty!!! (i may just be misreading, but i just wonder why he had this thing against filipino nurses, whom he thought was rather so intrusive, so nosey as he was poked, checked on by 1 filipino nurse when someone must have called up 911 to wheel him up to the hospital.....his recollection of the experience was rather funny, but sadly condescending towards filipino nurses ........well, filipino nurses are among the world's best, if not the best...i should know.......my mom's one...even if some envious, ill-informed people, who'd be sick one day soon, think of the job of nurses as being "dirty" ha ha ha ha!!! )

[Hector · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading Crisp's ruminations about his life in NY. At times witty and other times controversial, Crisp delivers a set of diary entries that never disappoint. His views on the LGBT community and various Hollywood stars are memorable. Crisp's diaries taught me the importance of being direct, honest, and simple. These are the characteristics for every true artist and intellectual. These diaries are a gift to all audiences.

[Lance Reynald · Rating 4 out of 5]

met Q at a reading in Chicago years ago.

lovely gentleman, impeccable style and nice dry humour.

[Thirstyicon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only going to give this 4 stars, as it was a good read; but I realized I dog-eared so many pages that I *had* to give it 5!

[Ken Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It was hell. I was asked what was wrong with the world. I managed to refrain from saying 'the people' and said 'the music'."

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished "Resident Alien." Though Quentin Crisp (1908-1999) was better-known for "The Naked Civil Servant," I found that book grim and depressing. In it he describes entering into sexual and romantic entanglements that seemed to have no real point. And his life sounded so unpleasant I couldn't understand why he didn't kill himself.

In "Resident Alien," however, he is an old man, free of the nonsense of romance and sex, and enjoying the life of a celebrity. There are portions where he talks about staying in his dirty little apartment all day doing crossword puzzles and watching TV, but for the most part he is very active for his age.

His number is listed in the Manhattan phone book, which means he gets weird phone calls from people from all over the world at all hours. This he allows because he does not like to turn down requests, a policy which gives his life a degree of adventure.

He spends a good deal of time doing small film roles and posing for photo-shoots. He rubs elbows with the rich and famous at parties, gallery openings, premieres, and fund raisers, and goes to the movies, the theatre, and the ballet. He is flown all over the country to do book signings, speaking engagements, and personal appearances.

All of these activities are described in an entertaining manner. It seems that at the end of his strange life, Crisp was able to find a degree of fulfillment that hitherto he had lacked.

[Dan McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently re-reading this gem. I originally bought this for my trip to New York last year, and I read it cover to cover within days. When I asked the cliched question, "Who would you invite to a dinner party, alive or dead?", Quentin Crisp would top that list. His wit and intelligence seem almost effortless, as he regales of his life in 1990s New York. While he has the habit to repeat himself, it does not become annoying - in fact, it is rather charming. Having read The Naked Civil Servant, and thoroughly enjoyed, Resident Alien seems less cynical and downbeat; and it is all the better for it. I am delighted that Mr Crisp found happiness in his cramped East Side apartment, next door to Hell's Angels members, towards the end of the life; and I am even more delighted that he took us along for the ride.

[João · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quentin Crisp foi um indivíduo original e único e as suas memórias dos anos de Nova Iorque como "alien", nos dois sentidos, de estrangeiro e estranho (extraterrestre), são extraordinariamente perspicazes, inteligentes e por vezes controversas, tanto no que se refere aos comportamentos e hábitos dos seus compatriotas ingleses, que deixara para trás, como aos dos americanos que o acolheram, como aos seus próprios!

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Sting's song, "Englishman in New York"the "Englishman" in question is the famous eccentric QUENTIN CRISP. Sting wrote the song after Crisp moved from London to an apartment in New York's Bowery. Crisp had remarked jokingly to the musician "...that he looked forward to receiving his naturalization papers so that he could commit a crime and not be deported."
GOTTA LOVE HIM:)

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Crisp came to live in New York City when he was already in his 80's. The man had balls, people. An example for us all.

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accept yourself.

[Damon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would much preferred that he sat in a chair, in a stark room, and read this book to me. But this isn't a bad second option.

[Antonomasia]

[unfinished because had to return borrowed copy]

[Dave Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only for devotees. If you want an intro to Quentin Crisp it should probably be his memoir, The Naked Civil Servant. This one's a collection of journal entries cataloguing his days, usually involving his being picked up in a car and taken to some event that seeks to be enlivened by his inimitable presence. Crisp (born 1908) can have at times some feeble opinions, particularly around U.S. politics and activism, and he is not the sort of queer hero we admire for Furthering The Movement, but he is a hero, and a true original. I love listening to him declaim. The gifts of this book unfold when you submit to it, and pretend as though you get to live his rather unlikely life for a little while.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

i read /i once told Comrade Nureyev that the charm of ballet was that someone might break his neck/. the entire chapter. i was amazed i knew all his references. meaning that when it was published this was even more uncomplicated of a text. each phrase in itself is mildly funny in its unpleasantness and pretentiousness. but wait, what's the point? another parasite that needs a handout, and someone is ready to give him that without questions, but that someone needs a token to please the taxman. the only quality of the text is its chronology. which can be dubious. and the old gas bag is so happy to do name dropping, enough to show he is just a tolerated outsider.

[Natalie Bayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Mr Crisp, what a joy you are to read. Each word is a bon mot, each sentence a scarf elegantly wrapped around meaning.

I think I enjoyed this even more than The Naked Civil Servant, mostly because dear, ancient Mr Crisp is finally having the fun he so richly deserved.

What a delight.

[Adam Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry. A lot of comments on films and plays long since gone.

[Alec Downie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read from the last truly great English wit.

Stephen Fry tries but he is just not it.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quentin Crisp's wit and insight partially elevate what is otherwise a dull account of celebrities spoken to, plays attended, and movies saw. May be my fault for not realizing that "diaries" was literal. Watch John Hurt's second portrayal of him in "An Englishman in New York" instead. Few of the details it leaves out are worth reading about.

[Janet Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed it from the library, another excellent read. Felt quite sad regarding the end of his life though. Feel he should have gone out with more of a bang!

[Karen]

* Understanding Oppression: Gay Rights