A one-of-a-kind copy of Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's will add sparkle to any library, writes Robb Report.
The highly anticipated first edition, set to sell for $1.5 million at the upcoming New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, features 30 carats of diamonds and one dazzling sapphire. The book was created in honor of the centenary of Capote's birth and signed by the great writer himself.
Bound by award-winning artist Kate Holland, the stylish volume features a black goatskin cover depicting a 1950s map of the Big Apple. Bentley & Skinner's "Main Streets" are paved in platinum, set with more than 1,000 white diamonds, and the Tiffany flagship at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street is, naturally, highlighted by a one-carat emerald-cut sapphire. The title is made of platinum and the doublures are made of black goatskin with platinum trim.
The packaging also shows impeccable craftsmanship. The folio is housed in an ebony birdcage designed by cabinetmaker Dom Parish of Wardour Workshops. (The birdcage is a recurring motif in the book, symbolizing Holly Golightly's fear of capture and desire for sexual freedom.)
The elegant structure sits on a cast glass pedestal created by glassblower Jade Pinnell.
All rare items are presented in a special chest made by Parish based on the classic Louis Vuitton Trianon chest.
“The design had to be as stylish and iconic as Audrey Hepburn's little black dress. I also wanted to address the quandary of how to present a book as an object of art rather than as a spine on a shelf,” noted Hallad.
In addition, the book comes with a portfolio containing a complete set of photomontages by David Atty. The photographer was commissioned to illustrate Breakfast at Tiffany's for Harper's Bazaar, but the novel was considered too risqué and was subsequently sold to Esquire. Only one of Atty's original images has been published in print—that is, until now.
Also included are facsimiles of Capote's original letters, in which he says he would allow Esquire to print his story only if it used images of Atty.
A prototype of the book will be on display at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair from April 4 to 7, and the actual book will be available for purchase at the Lux Mentis booth there.
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