As public figures remember Senator Edward M. Kennedy, his love of poetry and literature has surfaced in tributes.

In a probing essay for the Guardian, prolific author Joyce Carol Oates used classic literary works by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Joseph Conrad to measure Kennedy’s reputation. It is an tough portrait of the Senator and an exploration of public redemption in America.

Here’s an excerpt from the essay: “One is led to think of Tom and Daisy Buchanan of Fitzgerald’s the ‘Great Gatsby,’ rich individuals accustomed to behaving carelessly and allowing others to clean up after them … The poet John Berryman once wondered: ‘Is wickedness soluble in art?.’ One might rephrase, in a vocabulary more suitable for our politicized era: ‘Is wickedness soluble in good deeds?’” (Via The Awl)

Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Grand Central Publishing will release a limited edition $1,000 version of the politician’s upcoming memoir, “True Compass.”

According to The Boston Globe, Kennedy earned a $8 million advance for his memoir, co-written by Ron Powers who wrote “Flags of Our Fathers.” Published by the Twelve imprint, the publisher will print 1,000 copies of the leather-bound book with Kennedy’s electronic signature.

Here’s more, from the article: “Kennedy’s book was originally scheduled for a 2010 publication date. Twelve is now planning to release the regular hardcover edition on Oct. 6, with a retail list price of $35. It is planning an initial print run of 1.5 million copies.”