Marilyn: The Lost Photographs, the Last Interview

Marilyn Monroe’s final interview, published in Life magazine shortly before she died, was just a small part of the full conversation, with only eight photos out of hundreds taken being published. With the complete archive now accessible, this book showcases Monroe at a pivotal point in her life and career. The simple setting of her new home—a blank wall, a window overlooking a garden, and an armchair—along with Monroe herself in a blouse, slacks, and high heels, offers a glimpse of the woman behind the movie star facade. The selection of black-and-white photos paired with different sections of the interview has been carefully curated. Monroe trusted journalist Meryman (1926–2015) and was candid with him about her thoughts on fame, life, and even her childhood. The photographs and conversations are tinged with sadness about the life that might have been; the reader knows how this story ends. Backmatter includes all the archived photographs and four artistic interpretations of Monroe by contemporary artists. Meryman’s eight hours of taped interviews served as the foundation for HBO’s 1992 program Marilyn: The Last Interview.