Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens A Life in Pictures is available at greygardenscollections.com

March 25, 2009 - PRLog -- Eva Marie Beale is pleased to announce that a special signed edition of her book about Little Edie, Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens: A Life in Pictures is now available exclusively through her website at www.greygardenscollections.com. Signed copies from the limited first edition run are available to ship immediately, and will include a special souvenir glossy brochure from Grey Gardens, The Broadway Musical.

Prior to the release of the book, very little was known about the early life of Edith Bouvier Beale (or "Little Edie") as she grew up at Grey Gardens in East Hampton. Her later life was documented in the 1976 film, Grey Gardens, but until now there was very little information on Little Edie during her young, debutante days.

"People want to know more and we want people to know more about her," says Eva Beale. The book, which contains poems, scrapbooks and family snapshots of Little Edie and her brothers Phelan Jr., and Buddy growing up in East Hampton through the 20’s, give some insight into her world as she transitions from a young girl to an elegant, self-confident woman. Her charisma is evident at a very early age. Telegrams, photos and snippets of letters create a timeline that tell the story of the change in the family fortunate over the years. Through it all, there is evidence of Little Edie’s fierce love and loyalty to her mother.

In the book’s post word Eva writes,

“Following her death in 2002 our family began the heartbreaking task of putting Little Edie's remaining possessions in order. Nostalgic and captivated, I carefully sifted thought the contents of the boxes, suitcases, and scrapbooks that she had saved over the decades: photographs, journals, writings, poetry, sketches, and letters were packaged in small, labeled bundles (an arrangement that eventually made the publication of this collection possible), that presented an insightful chronology of Little Edie's life.”

“Although Little and Big Edie Beale were thrust into the public's view following the release of the Grey Gardens documentary, the true story of Little Edie's life has essentially remained a mystery since the mid 1950's. In contrast to the documentary, what became strikingly clear was the love, dedication, and seeming normalcy of her privileged youth."

"Filled with family vacations, costume parties, soirées, fashion shows, fundraising functions, and weekly trips to the cinema, the Beale family lived a remarkably loving life within the Hamptons high society of the early 20th century. I found an astounding number of photographs, letters, and poems from her childhood, presenting quite the contrast to the cats and decrepitude of Grey Gardens during the 1970s."

"Immediately following my Aunt Edie's death, I began the arduous process of reconstructing her young life in order to compile this collection. As a close family member, I have enjoyed the privilege of having Edie's humor and wisdom in my life, and as a result this anthology was conceived with deep dedication, understanding, and personal connection."

The Life in Pictures book series, designed and edited by Verlhac Editions have included John Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, John Kennedy Jr., Pope John Paul II, Grace Kelly, Paul Newman, Marilyn Monroe, Herbert von Karajan, and now Edith Bouvier Beale.

Title: Edith Bouvier Beale Of Grey Gardens, A Life In Pictures
By: Eva Marie Beale
Foreword: Peter Beard
Introductory essay: Bouvier Beale, Jr.
Price: USD 75.00
Pages: 192, hardback with dust jacket
Available at www.greygardenscollections.com

"...Eva Marie Beale’s “Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens: A Life in Pictures” could be considered a prequel to the film. Published by Verlhac Editions late last year, the limited edition coffee-table book features almost 200 pages of photos, portraits, and documents from the private collection of the Beale family." --The East Hampton Star

"The book is filled with photographs, letters, drawings and sundry scrapbook items (J.F.K. and Jackie's wedding invitation, a letter from Macy's encouraging her to model) culled from Edie's overstuffed and truly inspiring archives." --The New York Times

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Founded by Eva Marie Beale, Grey Gardens Collections features items inspired by the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, or Little Edie, of Grey Gardens during the 1920's and 30's.