 First edition cover | |
| Author | Patrick Dennis |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Vanguard Press |
Publication date | January 21, 1955[1] |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
| Pages | 280 |
| Followed by | Around the World with Auntie Mame |
Auntie Mame: An Irreverent Escapade is a 1955 novel by American author Patrick Dennis chronicling the madcap adventures of a boy, Patrick, growing up as the ward of his Aunt Mame Dennis, the sister of his dead father.
The book is often described as having been inspired by Dennis' real-life eccentric aunt, Marion Tanner,[2] whose life and outlook mirrored those of Mame, but Dennis denied the connection. The novel was a runaway bestseller, setting records on the New York Times bestseller list, with more than 2 million copies in print during its initial publication. It became the basis of a stage play,[3] a film,[3] a stage musical, and a film musical.
In 1958, Dennis wrote a sequel titled Around the World with Auntie Mame.
- ^ "List of the Books Coming Out Today". The New York Times: 21. January 21, 1955.
- ^ "MARION TANNER, KNOWN AS MODEL FOR 'MAME' (Published 1985)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-04-10.
- ^ a b Crowther, Bosley (1958-12-05). "Screen: 'Auntie Mame'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-09-17.