Customer Reviews

James Dean: A Biography

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

As an owner of 8 Dean biographies, and numerous other celeb bios, I've witnessed almost every approach of examining a person's life. Some are utterly biassed and uninformed, others too objective and lacking direction, and every other angle in-between. Here we have an example of solid objectivity and direction. It's a quick read and I would say NOT for the first time Dean bio reader. This is simply because it does not delve as deeply into the recesses of the less known events and traits that are necessary to paint a well rounded portrait of an artist like Dean. At least not if you're serious. For basic facts and a well written and fluid approach-this is perfectly adequite. One of the nicest attributes is some rarer photos you won't find in most other bios. It's also nice as a second (or third or eighth) addition to a Dean collection. The perspective is legitimately supported by facts and the wording is pleasant to read. However, it brings nothing new to the table for a well-read Dean fan, and does skip some smaller events that are nice to know of. I read every Dean bio I find, and usually buy them (unless they prove to be fictionalized...written for fiction readers)-hence I'm Very discriminating of Dean bios. And here's my take on this one: Not a "must have", but a "nice to have"- and definitely good for those adding to their Dean library or those just dabbling in Dean-ology. Over all-pretty good.

This biography is very thorough on describing the life and history of James Dean. From his childhood to an in-depth look at what he was like on the set, this book is great. The great thing is that the author doesn't concentrate on his sexuality through the whole book. A great tribute to an icon that will never die.

James Dean: A biography is one of the most compelling biography's to date on the mysterious man that was James Dean. It is very clear that Mr. Howlett knows what he is talking about and is ver researched in the field. Unlike many books out now on dean his sexuality did not come into play often in the book. A must have for a Dean fan wishing to be more in touce with there dead legend.

This biography is packed with a lot of interesting information about James and a lot of information I didn't know about him. Most of all it gives you an insight into how he was, is behaviours and what he was really like without sugar coating anything. Excellent.

This is the first biography I ever read on James Dean. The author does a great job working up from Dean's childhood to his eventual Hollywood days, and includes very interesting interviews and insights from various sources on Dean's personality. James Dean was certainly fascinating and immensely talented; what is clear is that he had a lot of passion for life, and wanted to live it to the fullest extent possible. I also like the fact that the book did not focus on Dean's sexuality for about 90% of the time, the part of Dean's life I find the least relevant; who the hell CARES who he slept with? Was he gay? Nope. Did he date only women? Probably not; the only person who knows is James Dean. Does it really matter? Not at all; he was still an actor with an extraordinary gift and the looks of an angel. I don't think it's right for any one "group" to claim him as their own; if there is one thing I've learned about James Dean, it's that he hated labels and most certainly would not want to be categorized into anything. What I do know is that he really loved Pier Angelli, and reading about their complex relationship is one of the most interesting parts of the book.

This book is a quick read, and I polished it off in about four or five days. I really enjoyed it, and will doubtless read it again and again.

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