98.12a

“Mailer’s Gut Reaction.” Squib in New 29 June-6 July, 19. Mailer is quoted about hitting New Republic publisher, Marty Peretz in the stomach after The Gospel According to the Son (97.13) was panned in his magazine: “He came up and smiled at me, so I punch him in the stomach.” Peretz said Mailer’s punches were “flabby.” Mailer retorted: “Actually I didn’t hit him that hard purposely, because he’s not a fighter.” See 65.15.