James Dean: A Biography

by William Bast

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1956

Reviews

[DandelionLie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Das Buch hat mich, um es ganz kurz zu sagen, einfach nur fasziniert. Am Besten gefällt mir, das man auf jeder Seite spürt, wieviel Jimmy Bill bedeutet hat.

[William Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly readable and engaging account of the friendship between Dean and his sometimes roommate, the author. It charts Dean’s early struggles and his rapid rise to fame and glory. Published a year after Dean’s tragic death, the book doesn’t mention what Bast was later to claim, that he and Dean were lovers, but that is partly due to the conservatism of the times, I suppose. There are hints between the lines - and every chapter is headed with a quote from Oscar Wilde… there are other, more salacious accounts of Dean’s private life but this one seems an authentic portrait - as far as it goes.

[Steve Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting to read about Dean’s life as an actor, searching for acting work. This book reads a little like the author is worshipping Dean or as if Dean was some long lost love of his. I was expecting this book to be something outstanding but it isn’t, in fact it’s rather average.

[Tomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat biased...

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love James Dean and this is the best of his biographies by someone who actually knew him!