Breakfast at Tiffany's: The Official 50th Anniversary Companion [Hardcover]

Sarah Gristwood (Author), Hubert de Givenchy (Foreword)

Book Description

Release date: September 6, 2011

A celebration of a timeless classic, this companion volume, timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the release of the iconic film, is the perfect book for any fan of Audrey Hepburn or the cinema. This gorgeously illustrated tribute to Breakfast at Tiffany's is the only official companion to be published in association with Paramount Pictures and the Audrey Hepburn estate. It celebrates the film's ongoing popularity:complete with candid behind-the-scenes photos, facsimiles of the shooting script, full-color reproductions of the poster art, a special section on the costumes, the score for Moon River, and much more. Many of the illustrations included have never been published before.
Breakfast at Tiffany's features a top-notch cast, including George Peppard, Mickey Rooney, and Patricia Neal, yet Holly Golightly was the role that transformed Audrey Hepburn into a movie icon. Dressed by Hubert de Givenchy, directed by the infamous Blake Edwards, and brandishing the trademark cigarette holder, hers was the most memorable role.  Rich in detail and in illustration, this keepsake tribute volume is the perfect celebration of a beloved classic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rizzoli has released an exquisite tribute to Truman Capote's magical vision of Manhattan with Breakfast at Tiffany's The Official 50th Anniversary Companion." ~The New York Times

"One of the great moments in a movie classic and to mark its 50th anniversary a handsome book has been published It is as elegant to behold as the late Hepburn herself. Even the cover with silver lettering on Tiffany blue paper looks like a gift from the famous Fifth Avenue jewelry store. Breakfast at Tiffany's was a wonderful movie and this is a fine tribute to it." ~Courier Journal

"This (along with the DVD) is a perfect gift for movie buffs." ~JoyHog.com

About the Author

In her days as a journalist, Sarah Gristwood interviewed everyone from Martin Scorsese to Giorgio Armani. She is the author of the best-selling historical biography Arbella. Hubert de Givenchy began his own label in 1952 after apprenticing with the famed designer Elsa Schiaparelli. He was championed by such notable fashion icons as the Duchess of Windsor, Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy, and especially Audrey Hepburn, who came to be seen as his muse.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; 50 Anv edition (September 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847836711
• ISBN-13: 978-0847836710
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.8 x 11.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #187,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book! A "Must Have" Companion to the Film September 25, 2011

By William D. Thompson

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This lovingly executed book is the perfect companion to the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's". It is filled with studio photos (most I had not seen before), De Givenchy drawings, script pages, etc., as well as interesting stories about those involved with the film. If you care about Audrey Hepburn and this film, you will love this book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The OFFICIAL companion... the ultimate guide October 4, 2011

By A.L.L

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm a huge Capote and film fan. Obviously, Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my favorites from both. This companion is the ultimate guide to Breakfast at Tiffany's, filled with great stories from the cast/crew, amazing wardrobe sketches, never before seen photos and of course the now infamous "airbrushed" Audrey publicity photo before retouching and post-airbrushing comparison. I pre-ordered this, had to have it, it did not take me long to finish it.

I also would recommend Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson, but I believe Wasson writes more "text-book" like, for film buffs in general.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book about a Wonderful Film November 27, 2011

By Gary P. Cohen

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the second book I have read this year about one of my favorite films, "Breakfast at Tiffanys," the other book being "Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M." They are both nice companion pieces to a film I consider to be a tribute to Hollywood film making. The other book has much more biographical data on Capote, Audrey Hepburn, the screenwriter George Axelrod, director Blake Edwards, etc. This book is larger in size and pictures many beautiful color photographs from the film, many off-camera shots, etc. There is also a great deal of information although, as stated, not as much as the other book. It is a beautiful book to look at or browse through.
With the possible exception of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn was probably the most charismatic actress I can think of in cinema history. The camera loved her and she was incapable of taking a bad shot. She and George Peppard are wonderful in this film (despite the fact that Capote did not want her for this role and director Edwards did not want Peppard.) The end scene of their kissing in the rain, with Holly's cat between them, is absolutely magical and a wonderful part of motion picture history.
Another thing I love about this film is the fact that some of it was filmed on location in New York City. As someone who was ten years old when this film was made and who has lived in New York his entire life, I enjoy looking back at the Manhattan of 1961, as featured in this film. (This book has many wonderful photos shot on the streets of Manhattan as they were making this film.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this book (and the other as well.) If you love this film or are a big fan of the incomparable Audrey Hepburn, you will greatly enjoy it.