A collection of more than seventy pages of unsigned notes in Hepburn’s hand, most evidently related to her 1991 autobiography, Me, on yellow legal sheets, circa late 1980s–early 1990s. This extraordinary archive provides a unique glimpse into Hepburn’s creative process in writing her intimate, revealing memoir, in which she candidly discussed both her personal and professional lives. Some of the notes address Hepburn’s own trepidation at undertaking such a project: "What is this thing I'm trying to do—writing my life story—what the hell is a Life story. Is it I was born I did I died. Or is it a sort of summary of all the happenings which have really made mine personal.... All my life I have been known as an actor—a well—a creature.... Now I’m asking you to look at me as a writer—And I’m asking you people to sell me as a writer.” Other writings include biographical and ancestral information, jottings on her career (“Understudy in Big Pond ... for lead—got it, opening night great luck.... My career fell apart ... then Phil Barry wrote Philadelphia Story.... box office poison.... Lion in Winter ... was a fascinating script.... If a film is to be made of my life it seems to me that I should be the one to make it”), observations on her colleagues (“David Lean is a name in motion pictures that stands for perfection”), and her views on abortion and other issues (“I was brought up on the fight for women’s rights.... They say human life is sacred—I agree but which human life—and the very fact of why women a single sex should bear this burden”). Interspersed throughout are notes evidently related to speeches, personal and domestic business (“The car seems to have developed a permanent wobble”), her own health (“very low thyroid—hair breaking”), shopping lists, and more. Accompanied by several pages of typed transcript. In very good condition, with handling wear and scattered wrinkles, blots, tears (some tape-repaired), and stains. Hepburn’s shaky, elderly handwriting, though sometimes difficult to read, is, with a little effort, generally legible. A singularly intimate, one-of-a-kind relic from this most legendary of screen giants! R&R COA.
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