In March, Mailer accepts the position of writer-at-large at Vanity Fair.

In late October, Harlot's Ghost (91.26) is published after advance excerpts appear in nine publications, including Esquire, Playboy, Rolling Stone and Partisan Review.

On 13 November, he receives the New York State Edith Wharton Citation of Merit, and becomes New York State Author for a two-year term.

Begins work on Portrait of Picasso as a Young Man (95.38). Norris leaves him after learning of his philandering, but they are reconciled after a few months.