One Sentence Summary:
A biographical account of the close relationship between iconic actress Katharine Hepburn and author A. Scott Berg.
Book Genre:
Biography/Memoir
Main Topic of the Book:
The bond between Katharine Hepburn and A. Scott Berg and their shared experiences and memories.
Key Ideas:
- A celebration of the life and career of Katharine Hepburn through the eyes of a close friend.
- An exploration of the inner workings of the iconic actress, her relationships, and her impact on Hollywood.
- The enduring friendship between Hepburn and Berg, despite their differences in age and background.
- The personal struggles and triumphs of Hepburn, including her love affairs, family dynamics, and career highs and lows.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Part One: The Early Days – Introduces Katharine Hepburn and her upbringing, from her rebellious childhood to her rise to stardom in Hollywood.
- Part Two: Digging Up the Past – Berg’s personal journey in getting to know Hepburn and uncovering her past through their conversations and interviews.
- Part Three: Into the Thirties – A deep-dive into Hepburn’s most successful decade, highlighting her acclaimed performances and tumultuous love life.
- Part Four: The Later Years – Covers Hepburn’s later years and her enduring friendship with Berg, including her relationship with Spencer Tracy and her final years.
Key Takeaways:
- The complexities of Katharine Hepburn as a person and as an actress, including her fiercely independent nature and nonconformist attitude towards societal norms.
- The enduring power of friendship and how it can transcend age, background, and differences.
- The impact of Hepburn on the entertainment industry and her lasting legacy as one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
A. Scott Berg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, known for his detailed and insightful biographies of notable figures such as Charles Lindbergh, Sam Goldwyn, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. He had a close relationship with Katharine Hepburn, and their friendship spanned over two decades.
Target Audience:
Fans of Katharine Hepburn, biographies, and Hollywood history. The book also appeals to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the impact of famous personalities on society.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 2003.