Here, from the incomparable John Waters, is a paean to the power of subversive inspiration that will delight, amuse, enrich--and happily horrify readers everywhere. This book is, in fact, a self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities--some famous, some unknown, some surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, the owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to playwright Tennessee Williams; from atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair to insane martyr Saint Catherine of Siena;from English novelist Denton Welch to timeless singer Johnny Mathis, these are the figures that helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness.--From publisher description. - (Baker & Taylor)

The director of such cult films as "Hairspray" and "Pink Flamingos" presents irreverent literary profiles of the figures who influenced his life and work, from martyr Saint Catherine of Siena to English novelist Denton Welch. - (Baker & Taylor)

The cult film director of such productions as Hairspray and Pink Flamingos presents irreverent literary profiles of the figures who influenced his life and work, from martyr Saint Catherine of Siena to English novelist Denton Welch. - (Baker & Taylor)

Here, from the incomparable John Waters, is a paean to the power of subversive inspiration that will delight, amuse, enrich--and happily horrify readers everywhere.

Role Models is, in fact, a self-portrait told through intimate profiles of favorite personalities--some famous, some unknown, some criminal, some surprisingly middle-of-the-road. From Esther Martin, owner of the scariest bar in Baltimore, to the playwright Tennessee Williams; from the atheist leader Madalyn Murray O'Hair to the insane martyr Saint Catherine of Siena; from the English novelist Denton Welch to the timelessly appealing singer Johnny Mathis--these are the extreme figures who helped the author form his own brand of neurotic happiness.

Role Models is a personal invitation into one of the most unique, perverse, and hilarious artistic minds of our time.

John Waters is an American filmmaker, actor, writer, and visual artist best known for his cult films, includingHairspray, Pink Flamingos, and Cecil B. DeMented. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.