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The only fully illustrated chronological biography authorized by the Dean family, "James Dean is an amazing retrospective packed with images from his classic movies, family archives and private collections. This candid portrait of one of the greatest stars of all time tells the story behind the making of an American icon, uncovering new details about the man behind the legend, with in-depth commentary from his closest friends and family, including his cousin and executor of his estate, Marcus Winslow and his best friend and roommate, William Bast. Loaded with features that chronicle his life and times, this book is a must have for fans of the man, the movie star--the legend.
JP Oversized
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 14, 2010
I'm giving this 5 stars for the photos alone. :) I mean, the writing is interesting, too, but the collection of photographs plus images of Dean's handwritten notes and typed letters is fascinating.
Thing I learned - James Dean wore glasses (and looked *hot* in them).
The book also contains quotes by and about Dean. He seems like he was a very thoughtful and intelligent guy. Such a loss....
Thing I learned - James Dean wore glasses (and looked *hot* in them).
The book also contains quotes by and about Dean. He seems like he was a very thoughtful and intelligent guy. Such a loss....
May 8, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. James Dean is my favorite actor!! This book gives so much detail into his life. I used it for my Senior Project, I did it on James Dean, and got the highest grade in the class.
April 13, 2012
For those hoping for new and deeper insight into this mysterious actor who died young in a tragic car accident, this book is a big disappointment. This author is more concerned with re-cementing Dean's more popular portrayal as an all-American, heterosexual rebel than getting at any kind of truth about this person. Quotes are sparse and superficial, and bits of information that have long since come to light about Dean have been omitted in what seems like a blatant attempt by a biased, homophobic straight fan to save his boyhood impression of a tough guy movie star who inspired him.
This book has an almost instructional, elementary tone to it, which makes it seem more appropriate for teen audiences looking for background on the actor after stumbling upon one of his movies. I learned very little new information about Dean after reading this book, and I'm only a casual fan. The standouts about this book are the photographs. James Dean was extremely photogenic, and the photos taken of him showcase his personality far better than this author did. George Perry seems happy to continue to cloak Dean in mystery and adamantly denies long-suspected and more-recently revealed facts about the actor's bisexuality. He states it as fact rather than his own opinion, and I found this book woefully deficient.
What could have been an in-depth look at an outsider who spent his short life against the grain comes off as alienating. Teens who might have identified with the star's emotional issues and cloudy sexuality are left out in the cold here. I found the later sections of the book embarrassing in their tone.
However, this book was an easy read and engaging enough to keep you leafing through it despite the slight revelations about Dean. The actor's mystique and his compelling persona kept this book worth reading long after the appeal of its content was exhausted. I suppose you could say Dean rose above the raw deal he got in this book.
Another great biography, expressly written for teens about the life of another artist who went against the grain, is John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth by Elizabeth Partridge. It has more for teens to dig into without romanticizing the musician's life.
This book has an almost instructional, elementary tone to it, which makes it seem more appropriate for teen audiences looking for background on the actor after stumbling upon one of his movies. I learned very little new information about Dean after reading this book, and I'm only a casual fan. The standouts about this book are the photographs. James Dean was extremely photogenic, and the photos taken of him showcase his personality far better than this author did. George Perry seems happy to continue to cloak Dean in mystery and adamantly denies long-suspected and more-recently revealed facts about the actor's bisexuality. He states it as fact rather than his own opinion, and I found this book woefully deficient.
What could have been an in-depth look at an outsider who spent his short life against the grain comes off as alienating. Teens who might have identified with the star's emotional issues and cloudy sexuality are left out in the cold here. I found the later sections of the book embarrassing in their tone.
However, this book was an easy read and engaging enough to keep you leafing through it despite the slight revelations about Dean. The actor's mystique and his compelling persona kept this book worth reading long after the appeal of its content was exhausted. I suppose you could say Dean rose above the raw deal he got in this book.
Another great biography, expressly written for teens about the life of another artist who went against the grain, is John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth by Elizabeth Partridge. It has more for teens to dig into without romanticizing the musician's life.
October 27, 2015
Amazing photographs! For those alone this book is 5 stars but unfortunately the written content lacked detail about James himself (obvious the author didn't know him personally) and offered no real or unquie insight into the life of James Dean. The layout was frustrating to read as some time the pages didn't follow on to the next but had other pages in between before continuing the sentence. Plus I felt this book lacked a focus on James Dean and a range of many other topics are decussed like other stars of the 50's and such, which I didn't really find interesting because I read the book for James. The photos are breathtaking though and I've flipped through the book many times just to look at them. I will definitely read another James Dean book maybe one written by someone who knew him next time. I heart me some James Dean!
November 19, 2013
I'd give it five stars - even I learned a few things from this book, after years of JD obsession - but it's a bit forceful with its explanations. towards the end, I got a little tired of the "He wasn't really responsible for the crash, the court case was messed up, we need to rescue and correct his legacy, etc ..." Too controlling and obsessing too much.
Does anyone really still care that much about the fine details of that sad day?
Not so much, I'd say - better to focus on the other, more important fine details - like how in a few short years, Dean became one of the bad-assest of the bad asses, and maintains that legacy to this day.
That said, this was a fun, informative, colorful (and wonderfully illustrated) read.
Does anyone really still care that much about the fine details of that sad day?
Not so much, I'd say - better to focus on the other, more important fine details - like how in a few short years, Dean became one of the bad-assest of the bad asses, and maintains that legacy to this day.
That said, this was a fun, informative, colorful (and wonderfully illustrated) read.
March 8, 2012
Love James Dean :)
February 17, 2013
Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today.
February 20, 2014
God I love this man.
January 15, 2025
30th Sept this year is the 70th anniversary of the tragic death of James Dean at just 24 years old. This book is a look back at his short life & career, a reminiscing & a wondering of what could have been.
Even though Dean died several decades before I was born, one of my favourite films ever is 'Rebel Without a Cause' & I've always been fascinated with him. This book has some fantastic photographs of Dean & has reproduced some handwritten schoolwork & letters - for those alone I would give it 5 stars.
The issue is that the text really doesn't give us a strong idea of who James Dean was. We know he could be taciturn, & he was introverted, but it's mainly just the facts of where & when he was born, went to school, his favourite teachers, etc. It's very readable but it left me wanting to know more.
Even though Dean died several decades before I was born, one of my favourite films ever is 'Rebel Without a Cause' & I've always been fascinated with him. This book has some fantastic photographs of Dean & has reproduced some handwritten schoolwork & letters - for those alone I would give it 5 stars.
The issue is that the text really doesn't give us a strong idea of who James Dean was. We know he could be taciturn, & he was introverted, but it's mainly just the facts of where & when he was born, went to school, his favourite teachers, etc. It's very readable but it left me wanting to know more.
March 22, 2012
Wonderful book! Fast and easy read.
Filled with many photographs of his childhood. Photos of his handwritten childhood essays, typed letters and handwritten notes back home were wonderful to look at.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. He was an amazing talent.
Filled with many photographs of his childhood. Photos of his handwritten childhood essays, typed letters and handwritten notes back home were wonderful to look at.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. He was an amazing talent.
November 7, 2007
It's pretty good. I got over half way through, but have been distracted by too many other things and books. I may get back to it though.
October 16, 2009
A wonderful book on the life of James Dean containing a wide selection of good quality photographs.
May 31, 2020
As with most Dorling Kindersley books the quality is superb both in the writing and the illustrations/photos I thoroughly enjoyed it despite never having enjoyed his acting particularly in Rebel without a cause where I thought he just seemed like a whimpering greeting faced child.
January 20, 2022
His soul was unstoppable. James was a very special man. I would love to see the world the way he saw it. But, Jimmy, you did it. You, in the end, were human. And you were brilliant. You made it. You just reached for the secret too soon.
February 27, 2018
A wonderful biography filled with great photographs!
November 16, 2019
Book opened up life of this short lived iconic movie star they way I didn't even expected. And all those photos. Well worth reading.
April 10, 2020
One of my favourite books on James Dean.
Beautiful pictures with beautiful words.
Beautiful pictures with beautiful words.
January 10, 2018
Ένας πληρέστατος τόμος του Τζορτζ Πέρι, από τις Εκδόσεις Μεταίχμιο, που περιέχει όλες τις πληροφορίες για τον Τζέιμς Ντιν, τα πρώτα χρόνια, τη μαθητεία, πώς έγινε σταρ και θρύλος. Περιέχονται επίσης Χρονολόγιο, οι Θεατρικές και Τηλεοπτικές εμφανίσεις του, Φιλμο��ραφία, Χειρόγραφες επιστολές και σημειώματα του Τζέιμς, Φωτογραφίες από το Οικογενειακό Αρχείο, Αφίσες Ταινιών, και φυσικά εξαιρετικές Φωτογραφίες του Ντένις Στοκ, Ρόι Σατ και άλλων. Μιλούν γι' αυτόν συγγενείς, φίλοι, συνεργάτες, σκιαγραφείται το πορτρέτο ενός ευφυούς, "επαναστάτη" καλλιτέχνη, ενώ δίνονται λεπτομέρειες για το μοιραίο ατύχημα που του στοίχισε τη ζωή. (Προσωπικά, από μικρή είχα σχηματίσει την εντύπωση ότι έφταιγε η υπερβολική ταχύτητα και η κακή του όραση - κάποιοι είχαν διασπείρει φήμες ότι δεν φορούσε τα γυαλιά του, τη στιγμή που τα φορούσε πάντα ακόμα και όταν πόζαρε για άπειρες φωτογραφίες. Διαβάζοντας όμως το βιβλίο, είδα ότι οι κυριότεροι παράγοντες ήταν άλλοι...)
Ένα βιβλίο απαραίτητο για όσους τον αγάπησαν, τον θαύμασαν και επηρεάστηκαν απ' αυτόν (και νομίζω δεν είναι λίγοι, μονάχα δυο-τρεις γενιές...)
Κάποιοι λένε ότι το βιβλίο παρουσιάζει τον Τζέιμς όπως θέλει η οικογένειά του να τον θυμάται το κοινό, και πιθανόν να έχουν δίκιο. Σίγουρα, έχουν γραφτεί και άλλα βιβλία σχετικά και ίσως εκείνα να περιέχουν περισσότερες αλήθειες, όμως εδώ σ' αυτόν τον τόμο, θεωρώ ότι οι φωτογραφίες και τα χειρόγραφα είναι εκπληκτικά.
Σε συνδυασμό με το βιβλίο, παρακολούθησα και δύο ταινίες που αναφέρονται στον Τζέιμς, με σκοπό να τον κατανοήσω:
Η πρώτη λέγεται "James Dean" (2001) και στον ομώνυμο ρόλο βρίσκουμε τoν James Franco (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240628/),
ενώ η δεύτερη λέγεται "LIFE"(2015) και στον ομώνυμο ρόλο βρίσκουμε τον Dane DeHaan (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948840/).
Η πρώτη είναι κατά τη γνώμη μου πολύ καλύτερη από άποψη ηθοποιίας και βρίσκεται πολύ πιο κοντά στην αλήθεια, ενώ διεισδύει στον ψυχισμό του Τζέιμς και φέρνει στην επιφάνεια τα ψυχικά του τραύματα, την απώλεια της μητέρας αλλά και την οδυνηρή σχέση με τον πατέρα.
https://the-yellow-buses.blogspot.gr/...
Ένα βιβλίο απαραίτητο για όσους τον αγάπησαν, τον θαύμασαν και επηρεάστηκαν απ' αυτόν (και νομίζω δεν είναι λίγοι, μονάχα δυο-τρεις γενιές...)
Κάποιοι λένε ότι το βιβλίο παρουσιάζει τον Τζέιμς όπως θέλει η οικογένειά του να τον θυμάται το κοινό, και πιθανόν να έχουν δίκιο. Σίγουρα, έχουν γραφτεί και άλλα βιβλία σχετικά και ίσως εκείνα να περιέχουν περισσότερες αλήθειες, όμως εδώ σ' αυτόν τον τόμο, θεωρώ ότι οι φωτογραφίες και τα χειρόγραφα είναι εκπληκτικά.
Σε συνδυασμό με το βιβλίο, παρακολούθησα και δύο ταινίες που αναφέρονται στον Τζέιμς, με σκοπό να τον κατανοήσω:
Η πρώτη λέγεται "James Dean" (2001) και στον ομώνυμο ρόλο βρίσκουμε τoν James Franco (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0240628/),
ενώ η δεύτερη λέγεται "LIFE"(2015) και στον ομώνυμο ρόλο βρίσκουμε τον Dane DeHaan (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2948840/).
Η πρώτη είναι κατά τη γνώμη μου πολύ καλύτερη από άποψη ηθοποιίας και βρίσκεται πολύ πιο κοντά στην αλήθεια, ενώ διεισδύει στον ψυχισμό του Τζέιμς και φέρνει στην επιφάνεια τα ψυχικά του τραύματα, την απώλεια της μητέρας αλλά και την οδυνηρή σχέση με τον πατέρα.
https://the-yellow-buses.blogspot.gr/...
June 8, 2020
great photographs, an ok biography and insight on his three films but I found it strange when the author started listing all the women in James' life as a proof for his heterosexuality?!?
January 20, 2024
“His early death gave him a kind of martyrdom that presaged his elevation to secular sainthood”
“He never had time to fail. His followers were spared the transition of their idol into dull middle age, the fate of so many others among Hollywood’s great romantic heroes. The memory would be that of the young man sealed forever in the first excited flush of adulthood”
“He never had time to fail”
“How would Jimmy have developed had he lived? Would he have sustained his position or soon faded, given the considerable instabilities in his temperament”
“The death of a great Hollywood star is in itself not an unusual event. The great names of the golden age have departed. Most were allowed to conclude or wind down their careers and go quietly after hears of retirement. Death in harness is more rare. Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley are often categorized with jimmy as great Americans who died too soon. Yet, at 35, Monroe’s career was already over. Presley was bloated and spent and his Adonis looks destroyed by alcohol drug and food abuse”
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews