Books About Grace Kelly
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Coffee Table Books & Photo Books
Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl by Jay Jorgensen & Manoah Bowman
This visual biography of Grace’s Hollywood career features more than 400 black-and-white and color photographs. It includes many rare images never before seen by the public. The book covers Grace’s artistic journey from her early television appearances to her films with Alfred Hitchcock. It also includes childhood snapshots, wardrobe sketches by Edith Head and Helen Rose, original portraits, and vintage magazine covers.
Grace Kelly Style: Fashion for Hollywood’s Princess by Kristina Haugland, Jenny Lister & Samantha Erin Safer
This illustrated book explores Grace’s fashion sense as Hollywood star, royal bride, and princess. The book shows her classic yet accessible style and how she transformed herself from actor to bride to princess through her wardrobe. It is the companion to the exhibition that opened at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2010. The book features detail photos of Grace’s gowns, drawings, and large-format photos, with each designer receiving an essay.
Grace of Monaco: Princess in Dior by Florence Müller, Frederic Mitterrand & Brigitte Richart, with a foreword by Prince Albert II of Monaco & Bernard Arnault
This book documents Grace’s style and relationships with the artistic directors of Dior, including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and most notably, Marc Bohan. It goes beyond simply documenting the Musée Christian Dior’s 2019 exhibition, celebrating Grace’s elegance and Dior’s iconic designs. It highlights Marc Bohan’s close relationship with Grace and the Grimaldi family. The book includes Grace’s Dior wardrobe.
Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures by Pierre-Henri Verlhac & Yann-Brice Dherbier
This book is a collection of almost 200 pages of photographs, both candid and posed, that capture Grace’s life, from her early years to her Hollywood career, marriage, and private life. Although the book lacks a clear arrangement, the images capture Grace’s beauty, both onscreen and off. The book includes quotes from Grace herself and her children.
Grace Kelly: A Life in Pictures by Jenny Curtis
This book covers Grace’s life with more than 120 photos, showing her beauty and sophistication from her childhood to her time as a princess. The visuals give a detailed portrait of her life.
The Grace Kelly Years: Princess of Monaco by Frederic Mitterrand
This book covers Grace’s life. It includes rare photos, family album pictures, quotes, and letters from those who knew her best, offering a comprehensive look at different aspects of her life, from Hollywood to her time as Princess of Monaco. It’s a large coffee table book with plenty of pictures of Grace, though the captions are somewhat small. The book is a good look at Grace’s life as a stylish actor and princess.
Grace: An Intimate Portrait by Her Friend and Favorite Photographer by Howell Conant
This 1992 book features the best-known pictures of Grace taken by her friend and photographer, Howell Conant. The extensive section dedicated to Grace’s wedding is particularly noteworthy. Despite being out of print, this book is worth seeking out for anyone who admires Grace.
Remembering Grace: 25 Years Later by Life magazine & Howell Conant
A special issue from LIFE magazine commemorating Grace on the 25th anniversary of her death.
Grace Kelly: Film Stills by Daniel Dreier
This book features a collection of stills from Grace’s short but notable film career. Covering her work from 1952 to 1956, it includes images from her roles in Hitchcock classics.
Biographies
High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly by Donald Spoto
Spoto provides a comprehensive account of Grace’s life, covering her childhood, Hollywood career, and later years as a princess of Monaco. While focusing on her acting career, the book also delves into her personal life with honesty and objectivity. Spoto presents Grace with admiration, but without idolization. The personal interviews with Grace herself, her co-stars, and friends offer unique insights into her life, introducing new information and details that are fascinating and easy to understand. This 2009 biography portrays both Grace’s personal and professional struggles and achievements.
True Grace: The Life and Times of an American Princess by Wendy Leigh
This well-researched 2007 biography of Grace was constructed from over 100 sources to paint a vivid picture of Grace’s life, covering her history, acting career, and charitable work in Monaco. The book discusses Grace’s sexual aggressiveness and portrays her as the daughter of a philandering self-made millionaire. It sheds light on Grace’s unhappy marriage to Prince Rainier, the cash-strapped ruler of Monaco, and the challenges they faced. The book presents a comprehensive and revealing portrait of Grace, including new information about her life and relationships.
Grace by Robert Lacey
This 1994 biography of Grace highlights her relationships and feels scandalous at times, but is well-researched. Although the author’s overanalysis can make the text less readable, the book still succeeds in creating a powerful and engaging portrait of a complex woman. It uncovers the truth behind Monaco’s charming facade and the unhappy ending to Grace’s life.
Grace Kelly by Glenn Hopp & Paul Duncan
The book may be smaller in size, but it packs a punch with its 192 pages of high-quality photo paper and informative text. The photos, sourced from the Kobol Collection, are simply stunning, and the English, French, and German captions provide insights into Grace’s life. From her early years to her later life as Princess of Monaco, the book offers a captivating glimpse into her world. In addition, this 2007 book includes a reprint of an earlier article by Patty de Roulf from Grace’s hometown.
Grace: The Secret Lives of a Princess by James Spada
While this 1987 biography has been a bestseller in six countries, it has been criticized for including partial-truths and tabloid sensibilities, and for not making Grace a compelling figure. The book’s epilogue and afterword have also been criticized for being judgmental toward Grace’s family.
My Days with Princess Grace of Monaco by Joan Dale
This memoir by an American diplomat’s wife documents her 25-year friendship with Princess Grace, offering intimate access to the royal family’s private life in 1960s Monaco. Dale draws from personal letters, photographs, and diaries to reveal Grace as a devoted mother and charitable princess navigating royal obligations while maintaining her American warmth. The book provides valuable insider details about Grace’s Monaco years, though readers seeking comprehensive coverage of her Hollywood career or childhood will need other sources.
Princess of Monaco: the Story of Grace Kelly by Gant Gaither
Authored by Gant Gaither, a close friend of Grace and a founding trustee of the Grace Kelly Foundation, this 1957 biography offers a unique perspective on Grace’s life. Gaither, who first discovered Grace in a small summer stock play, charts her journey from a shy child in Germantown, Pennsylvania, to a Hollywood star, and finally, to the Princess of Monaco. Despite its modest size, the book provides profound insights into her transformation and decision to trade fame for family. Enhanced by 48 pages of striking photographs, the narrative reveals Grace as a real, endearing person, not merely a distant figure of beauty. For admirers of Grace’s on-screen and off-screen elegance, this compelling biography serves as a precious chronicle of her life, her love for Prince Rainer, and her peace in Monaco.
How-Tos
What Would Grace Do?: How to Live Life in Style Like the Princess of Hollywood by Gina McKinnon
The book covers Grace’s life and style. The narrative is intimate and detailed, but some elements fall short. Its tone, often informal and gushing, can be off-putting. It also overemphasizes Grace’s romantic life, sometimes coming across as gossipy. Some of the advice it offers reflects an outdated and sexist perspective on women’s roles and appearances. Despite these issues, the book offers a short-and-sweet account of Grace’s life and style.
A Touch of Grace: How to Be a Princess, the Grace Kelly Way by Cindy De La Hoz
This book is a guide that aims to help readers live their lives with a touch of grace, inspired by Grace’s life. It includes fashion tips, anecdotes, biographical commentary, and rare, never-before-seen photos. The book shares Grace’s philosophies of life, what she believed in, and how she acted on those beliefs. The book aims to teach readers how to cultivate their own style, charm, and noble flair.
Historical Fiction
The Girl in White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly by Kerri Maher
This novel of historical fiction vividly traces Grace’s life, from her roots to Hollywood and her royal marriage. The author deftly explores Grace’s private struggles, shedding light on her complex relationships, fame, and less-than-perfect marriage. This intimate portrayal prompts readers to reassess preconceptions, revealing the realities behind her public persona. The result: a compact, engaging depiction of Grace’s resilience and the truth beneath her glamorous public persona.
Meet Me in Monaco: A Novel of Grace Kelly’s Royal Wedding by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
Set in the French Riviera of the 1950s, and intersecting with Grace’s life, the novel unfolds the intertwined lives of Sophie Duval, a perfumer, and James Henderson, a British press photographer. The narrative masterfully combines historical figures with fictional events, catalyzed by a chance encounter between Grace and Sophie at the Cannes Film Festival. While the plot may seem predictable, the depth of Sophie and James’s characters adds an engaging element to the narrative.
Wedding Books
Grace Kelly: Icon of Style to Royal Bride by H. Kristina Haugland
This book covers Grace’s wedding to Prince Rainier on its 50th anniversary. It traces Grace’s path from Philadelphia to Hollywood stardom and examines her fashion choices. The book details her wedding gown and accessories, which were donated to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, exploring their design and craftsmanship.
The Wedding Dress by Oleg Cassini
Authored by Oleg Cassini, who was once engaged to Grace, this book explores bridal fashion history. It includes many photographs from noted photographers and presents various styles from celebrated designers. Highlighting notable figures like Grace and Jackie Kennedy, the book appeals to future brides and fashion enthusiasts. It offers historical context and a range of fashion styles, particularly for those interested in fashion and celebrity culture.
With This Ring: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Jewelry by Penny Proddow & Marion Fasel
In Style’s jewelry editors provide a guide to wedding jewelry, combining history, trends, and design guidance. The book blends technical details and celebrity pieces, photographed by Darrin Haddad. It includes Grace’s jewelry among other celebrity pieces. Beyond aesthetics, it educates on the "4Cs" of diamonds—carat, clarity, cut, and color—and gives a brief history of wedding jewelry. Despite lacking pricing details, it’s praised for its informative content and design insights. This guide offers an educational look into the wedding jewelry world, appealing to the engaged or those interested in celebrity luxury.
The Way We Wed: A Global History of Wedding Fashion by Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
This book covers wedding fashion throughout history, including various styles, accessories, and personal narratives from notable figures, such as Princess Diana and Meghan Markle. The narrative traces wedding fashion evolution from the Renaissance to today, going beyond the traditional white gown to include various colors and styles worn by all wedding party members. It chronicles the evolution of wedding attire and the personal stories these garments tell. The cover features Grace’s wedding ensemble, a symbol of bridal elegance that influenced wedding fashion.
Legendary Brides by Letitia Baldrige
This book covers Grace’s wedding to Rainier in the chapter “From Star to Princess: The Wedding of Grace Kelly,” along with other famous weddings such as those of Jacqueline Kennedy and Princess Diana. Authored by Letitia Baldrige, known for her expertise in etiquette and social grace, the book offers practical advice, insights, and anecdotes on every aspect of planning a modern wedding. Drawing from a century of memorable weddings, including Grace’s ceremony, Baldrige reinterprets unique touches and provides ideas for gowns, flowers, cakes, music, invitations, table settings, and more. Illustrated with rare photographs and illustrations, the book recreates the details and atmosphere of these weddings, making it a useful sourcebook for brides-to-be seeking inspiration from the past.
Marry Me!: Courtships and Proposals of Legendary Couples by Wendy Goldberg & Betty Goodwin
The book documents the love stories of many famous couples, including Grace and Prince Rainier III. Their chapter covers their relationship from their courtship and engagement to the royal wedding. The authors describe the glamorous Hollywood era of the 1950s and the European principality of Monaco. The book explores the challenges and expectations faced by Grace and Rainier as they navigated their relationship and the pressures of royal obligations.
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, and Six Intimate Friends by Judith Balaban Quine
This book offers a unique perspective on Grace, her life, and wedding. The author, a longtime friend and bridesmaid in the 1956 wedding, shares anecdotes about their lives and the media attention surrounding the 1956 wedding. The book portrays Grace as a multifaceted person and loyal wife, mother, friend, and philanthropist.
Books about Grace & Rainier
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier by J. Randy Taraborrelli
The book delves into the challenges faced by Grace and Prince Rainier in their marriage, portraying them as relatable and human, covering many aspects that were previously ignored or glossed over in other biographies. Overall, the book is a fascinating and compelling read that offers a definitive account of a marriage that started as an arrangement but ended as a love story.
Princess Grace’s Artistic Pursuits
My Book of Flowers by Princess Grace of Monaco
This book is a delightful expression of Princess Grace’s passion for flowers. In it, she shares her favorite blossoms and personal techniques for creating pressed-flower art. The book features numerous pictures of Princess Grace and her beautiful artwork.
Birds, Beasts & Flowers: An Anthology with Illustrations as performed by Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco with Richard Pasco
Grace and fellow actor Richard Pasco launched International Wildlife Year with a series of poetry readings in six different cities. This book contains the full texts of the poems that they read during their tour.
Paper Dolls
Grace Kelly Paper Dolls by Florence Sarah Winship & Jenny Taliadoros
A reprint of a paper doll book of Grace from 1956, updated with additional pages of fashions.
Grace Kelly Paper Dolls in Full Color by Tom Tierney
A collection of paper dolls of Grace, featuring the clothing she wore in her famous film roles and important social functions.
Books That Mention Grace, Without a Specific Focus on Her
Rear Window: The Making of a Hitchcock Masterpiece in the Hollywood Golden Age by Jennifer O’Callaghan
Trapped in a Greenwich Village apartment, Rear Window’s audience watches alongside James Stewart and Grace Kelly, who delivers one of her most iconic performances. Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller plays with voyeurism and paranoia, pushing boundaries in an era of strict censorship. This book uncovers new details from original documents, including Kelly’s hesitation in taking the role, Hitchcock’s behind-the-scenes tactics, and the real-life inspiration for the villain. Rare photos offer a fresh look at a classic that still unsettles.
Hitchcock’s Blondes: The Unforgettable Women Behind the Legendary Director’s Dark Obsession by Laurence Leamer
The book provides a nuanced exploration of Hitchcock’s relationships with his iconic “Hitchcock blondes,” notably Grace, and delves into how these collaborations shaped his cinematic legacy. More than just a study of his films, the book also places them in their social and historical context, offering a more comprehensive view of classic cinema. The actors are depicted as essential collaborators in Hitchcock’s artistic vision.
Best Actress: The History of Oscar®-Winning Women by Stephen Tapert
Covering every Best Actress Oscar winner, the book offers a unique view of the evolving role of women in cinema. Each actor’s unique journey is presented with care, highlighting their trials, victories, and enduring influence. Grace’s story, particularly compelling, offers insights into her talents, growth, and life transition. Grace’s feature not only honors her contribution but marks a significant era in Hollywood. The book provokes thought on women’s roles and rights in the industry.
Spellbound by Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies by Donald Spoto
Among other topics, Alfred Hitchcock’s personal and professional relationship with Grace is covered in this book.
The Golden Girls of MGM: Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, and Others by Jane Ellen Wayne
This book provides an engaging and insightful look into the lives and careers of female stars from MGM Studios during the Golden Age of Cinema. It profiles Grace and other iconic women, highlighting their professional accomplishments and revealing lesser-known details about their personal relationships. Although it critiques the studio system that controlled everything in the stars’ lives, the book doesn’t demean any of the stars. Rather, it portrays them as human beings who aren’t always flawless.
The Bridesmaid’s Daughter: From Grace Kelly’s Wedding to a Women’s Shelter - Searching for the Truth About My Mother by Nyna Giles & Eve Claxton
Author Nyna Giles’s mother, Carolyn Scott, was once a bridesmaid to Princess Grace and a Ford model. Nyna discovered her mother was living in a homeless shelter after seeing a tabloid headline. Growing up, Nyna often felt isolated and spent much time in doctors’ offices. As her mother became more distant, Nyna realized she knew little about her past. This memoir explores Nyna’s journey to uncover her mother’s story and understand the events that led to her decline.