In a special celebration of a great American life, the editors of LIFE present Katharine Hepburn: 1907 - 2003. The book chronicles, in rich photography and elegant narrative text, this dramatic, forceful, vibrant woman. Included herein is a special appreciation by longtime LIFE writer Marilyn Johnson entitled "One of a Kind"-which Kate most certainly was. The story begins with her tomboyish childhood in Connecticut and continues through her years of fierce youthful ambition and on to stardom. Her loving relationship with Spencer Tracey dominates her mature years, and then it is home again, in a saga that is by turns exciting, dynamic, and poignant. In the book's final chapter, LIFE presents exclusive, intimate photographs of the Great Kate at her family estate, Fenwick, taken by the renowned John Bryson. This volume is lively, lovely and spirited-quite like Katharine Hepburn herself.