Books

Fans of the Game Show Network and Nick at Nite can now read the true Hollywood story of Paul Lynde, the gay comedian who cracked wise on The Hollywood Squares and zinged zingers on Bewitched.

"Those jokes would be very lame if he was not the one saying them," says Steve Wilson, co-author with Joe Florenski of Center Square: The Paul Lynde Story (Alyson). Wilson says he appreciates the "bizarre character actor's manic delivery," noting that "he was very witty while being such a jerk."

But while he made the public laugh, most of Lynde's TV show jokes were scripted. According to the authors, in private Lynde was particularly cruel, getting drunk and "eviscerating" people using his own words and pent-up frustrations.

Yet even two decades after his death, Wilson still thinks Lynde has appeal. "He's gone from being the butt of a joke — representing this era of self-loathing in the gay community — to being a pioneer. He got away [with] being gay every day on TV," Wilson says. "I don't think he was out to break taboos and get gay culture out there. He got his career up and going and didn't care anymore. He let his own personality take over without coming out of the closet."

And while the authors will share their favorite Lynde moments at their reading/signing, Wilson offers this bon mot: When asked by Squares host Peter Marshall, "According to author Desmond Morris, do chimpanzees kiss the way humans do?" Lynde answered with a wink, "Better."

Steve Wilson and Joe Florenski read Wed., Aug. 31, 5:30 p.m., Giovanni's Room, 12th and Pine sts., 215-923-2960.