Teaching himself to read and write at a young age, Truman Capote spent most of his life writing. Becoming enthralled with the craft as a child, Capote began writing short stories that were published in magazines like Harper’s Bazaar and The New Yorker before moving his way up to full length novels. His love for the written word led him to create some of pop culture’s most well-known stories, including Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood. Here at RR Auction we have been thrilled to offer many pieces from the acclaimed writer, and our buyers continue to clamor for Capote items.
In 2013, RR Auction received extensive press coverage for our sale of Capote’s final working draft manuscript for his 1958 hit Breakfast at Tiffany’s for $313,056. In this manuscript, complete with his own handwritten notes and revisions, Capote makes his most important story revision in changing his heroine’s name from Connie Gustafson to the well known femme fatale Holly Golightly. According to CBS News, “Capote – in creating his Holly Golightly character – is said to have found inspiration in his close friendships with designer Gloria Vanderbilt and Oona O’Neill, daughter of playwright Eugene O’Neill.”
Originally meant to be serialized in Harper’s Bazaar, the magazine criticized the work, namely its raunchy language and Holly’s profession. However, Esquire magazine purchased the serialization rights, causing sales for the novella to spike. The novel’s success would later lead to its silver screen debut with actress Audrey Hepburn playing Miss Golightly, solidifying the character’s image in pop culture. “The winning bidder is Russian retail billionaire Igor Sosin, who plans to display it in Moscow and Monaco,” said USA Today.
You can also browse some of Capote’s personal letters on our website, such as this letter discussing his novel, In Cold Blood. In this letter Capote writes, “I have been working, and working steadily and single-mindedly, on a new book for the past five, almost six years. Now it is almost finished. The title is: ‘In Cold Blood.’ Devoting several years to his ‘non-fiction novel,’ In Cold Blood details the murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, and the small town community grappling with the tragedy. After its publication 1966, the novel became a sensation and launched Capote to worldwide recognition.
Truman Capote’s creations stem from a true passion for writing, and his works are enduring staples in the world of pop culture. Do you have any Truman Capote items you’re looking to sell? Reach out to us at 800-937-3880 or click the consign button below – our professionals are happy to help you with any questions you have. We’ll get you the best price out there for your Capote memorabilia!
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