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Brian Epstein
An unusual, unpublished questionnaire completed by Brian Epstein, circa 1967, comprising 25 typescript questions, across three pages, the answers, in black and blue ballpoint pen in Epstein's hand, the first page signed in black felt pen Brian Epstein, titled Marcel Proust's Questionnaire the pages include a variety of questions which allow the reader, through Epstein's answers, a fascinating insight into his interests, tastes, ambitions, humour and musical likes: - 1. What is for you the height of Misery? Constipation, 10. Who is your favourite musician? George Harrison, 12. What quality do you prefer in a man? Gentleman, 14. What is your favourite occupation? Watching Bullfight, 15. Who Would you like to be? Fishmonger, 16. What is the chief feature of your character? Charm, 24. What is your favourite bird? None, 26. Who are your favourite heroes of real life? Beatles, 33. Which reform do you admire most? Its coming; with no explanation Epstein chose not to answer six of the questions - all 8x10in. (20.25x25.5cm.); accompanied by a black and white photograph in which Epstein can be clearly seen writing his answer to question twelve of this questionnaire and one of Pessar seated next to Epstein on the plane -- both 9½x7in. 24x18cm.) (7)

Lot Essay

The 'Proust Questionnaire' was devised by a Henry Proust in the late 19th Century, with the intention that the answers would reveal aspects of the participant's personality. Henri Pessar, who took the photograph included in this lot recalls that Epstein, along with John, Paul, George and Ringo completed individual questionnaires for him during a flight he shared with them between Paris and Lyon in 1966. After completion Pessar passed them on to a psychologist who provided him with a profile for publication.

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