Notable archive of 134 letters from legendary leading lady Katharine Hepburn, including 127 TLSs and seven ALSs, with the letters signed in a variety of ways—“Katharine Hepburn,” “K. Hepburn,” “K. Hep,” “Kath. Hep,” “Kate,” “K. H.,” and “K”—and the actress adding handwritten postscripts to approximately 20 typed letters. The correspondence covers a span of 16 years, with each letter addressed to Sal Condoluci on her personal stationery, which ranges in size from 5.5 x 8.5 to 6 x 8. The years and their corresponding letter totals are as follows: 1980 (1), 1981 (7), 1982 (10), 1983 (9), 1984 (5), 1985 (14), 1986 (11), 1987 (10), 1988 (5), 1989 (5), 1990 (7), 1991 (12), 1992 (8), 1993 (13), 1994 (3), 1995 (4), 1996 (2), and 1997 (1). The majority of the letters consist of quick, one-line or two-line pleasantries, messages of gratitude for sent presents and well wishes, brief updates on her travel schedule, and the occasional offer to visit. Highlights include:
August 17, 1982: “Yes—E.T. himself was sort of totally appealing—Too many sad scenes at the end.”
January 15, 1985: “You were very sweet to ask us all to dinner, but it really is not possible for me to accept. I never go out and it is too late for me to do this and that. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I am so busy that I have no time to even think. You must realize that this is the truth,” with postscript: “I hope you understand what I am trying to make clear. It is not you—it is no time.”
March 5, 1985, regarding her last leading role in a Hollywood film: “Grace Quigley has a new beginning and a new end—and I hope it is the end of Grace Quigley.”
March 14, 1991, on the publication of her forthcoming autobiography, Me: Stories of My Life: “I just tried to call you—I’m in the midst of struggling with the last pages of the book and have no time for gaiety—We’re all going crazy here—It’s like a terrible jail—I’ll let you know when I free up.”
January 14, 1992: “Don’t make life any more difficult than it is—I’m still waiting for the linzer torte—and I’m sorry you felt I was rude—I was just desperate—So cheer up—and try and see the good side of things instead of the bad.” Also includes an unsigned handwritten note from Hepburn. In overall fine condition. Accompanied by newspaper clippings, an invitation, two postcards, and a huge assortment of the original mailing envelopes. Following the adored actress into the twilight of her career, this is a simply marvelous assemblage of letters from the four-time Oscar-winner.
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