8vo. 5 3/4 x 8 1/2 "; 128 pages. Illustrated with 43 photographs. Boldly signed by Marilyn Monroe in blue ballpoint ink with her name alone to the first free endpage and with the evidence of her first signing attempt to the front dustjacket where she signed the first "M" before realizing the contrast against the red background would be too poor. The dust jacket with wear around the edges and small losses to the upper corners, lightly toned inside and staining to the lower foreedge, but very clean internally throughout. Obtained in person by Paul McMahon in New York City at a theatrical performance attended by Monroe and Arthur Miller, ca. 1957.

Signed books by Marilyn Monroe - far more so than any other format autograph items from her - are of the utmost rarity. Indeed, we have been unable to locate any other example of this title or any other biographical book actually signed by the star herself, having appeared at auction in the past 40 years.

Pete Martin (1901-1980) was a Hollywood reporter for the "Saturday Evening Post" from 1932-1962 and also worked as a ghost writer for several celebrities. This one of the few books published in Marilyn's lifetime for which she herself granted interviews and Martin combines this with others he interviewed as well.  This is all quite amusingly achieved through a fictionalized narrative device of them all sitting at the Polo Patio at the Beverly Hills Hotel, ready to order lunch, each person taking turns talking about Marilyn, and Marilyn herself sharing her own perspectives.Many well known Marilyn quotes originate from this book, and it's considered to be very reliable. Quotes such as "I think people need human warmth even when they're asleep and unconscious", "Those who know me better know better", and while on the subject of her nude calendar, "I'm saving a copy of it for my grandchildren" can all be found on these pages.

From the collection of PaulMcMahon, a critic, photographer and artist whoworked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and laterspent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.