Truman Capote's Manuscript Insights

The transcript discusses a manuscript by Truman Capote, believed to be his last work, intended for Playboy's 30th anniversary issue. The editor faced challenges with the manuscript's quality and collaborated with Capote through phone conversations to improve it. The piece was published, and the manuscript's rarity and value were highlighted, with an estimated auction value of $20,000 to $30,000.

Who was the legendary American author whose manuscript was discussed?

• Ernest Hemingway

• Truman Capote

• Mark Twain

• F. Scott Fitzgerald

What role did the narrator have at Playboy magazine?

• Articles Editor

• Chief Editor

• Creative Director

• Managing Director

What was the nature of the assignment given to Capote in 1983?

• A screenplay adaptation

• A short story collection

• A memoir of his friendship with Tennessee Williams

• A novel about his life

How did the editor initially describe Capote's submitted manuscript?

• Brilliant

• Horrible

• Mediocre

• Incomplete

What was Capote's usual sign-off in conversations with the editor?

• See you later

• Okie dokie, Mr. Morgan

• Goodbye

• Take care

Why did Capote ask the editor to revise the manuscript?

• He was too busy

• He was really sick

• He lost interest

• He had another project

How did the editor gather more content for the manuscript revision?

• By reading Capote's letters

• Through recorded telephone conversations

• By interviewing Tennessee Williams

• By visiting Capote's home

What is becoming rare among great authors of the 20th century?

• Typewritten manuscripts

• Longhand manuscripts

• Digital manuscripts

• Printed books

What was the estimated auction value of Capote's manuscript?

• $40,000 to $50,000

• $20,000 to $30,000

• $30,000 to $40,000

• $10,000 to $20,000

What did the editor find exciting about Capote's writing?

• His use of humor

• His narrative style

• His stories about great writers

• His distinctive handwriting