Page 2. In 1959, just 4 years after Dean died, my brother Peter, who happened to be James Dean personified, both in looks and rebellious life-style , organised a week of james Dean movies ( East of Eden , Rebel Without a Cause, & Giant ) at the local cinema in our hometown. We proudly went to every single showing. As my brother had 8 years on me, i fell under Dean's spell through the vast collection of memorabilia that Peter had amassed over those 4 years. In particular was the first biography of Dean published by William Bast. I was urged to read it , as part of my initiation. This would be 1959 ,when i was a mere fledgling of 13 , reading stuff like Coral Island , Dickens, War of The Worlds. So when i read that Dean was a voracious reader, into Wilde, Camus, The Little Prince , Andre Gide, and many more, i dutifully ploughed through whatever and whoever i could find . Of course the repercussions were literally mind blowing for me. Instead of the usual playground stuff, i'd be in some quiet corner, transposed by Prospect of the Sea and other Stories by Dylan Thomas. One book or one 'chance' meeting can alter the course of your life ! !Later on i inherited Pete's collection of posters, books etc and eventually they found their way into my 'memoirs'. The large bottom photo of Dean was bought by post from an American magazine, Picturegoer. For an extra few pennies you could have them signed by the star of your choice, should they still be around to sign ..........
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