Rebel: The Life and Legend of James Dean

... Show More
Based on meticulous research and new interviews with dozens of family members, friends, lovers, directors, and costars, Rebel offers a revelatory look at actor and film icon James Dean (1931-1955). From the dusty roads of rural Indiana to Manhattan's gay culture, from Broadway to Burbank, here is Dean's troubled life: the tragic death of his mother when he was nine; his tumultous relationship with his father; his rise to stardom in New York and Hollywood and his on-and off-screen exploits.

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 1,1996

About the author

... Show More
A prolific and respected biographer and theologian, Donald Spoto is the author of twenty published books, among them bestselling biographies of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Alfred Hitchcock, Tennessee Williams, and Ingrid Bergman. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages. Donald Spoto earned his Ph.D. in theology at Fordham University. After years as a theology professor, he turned to fulltime writing. The Hidden Jesus: A New Life, published in 1999, was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "offering a mature faith fit for the new millennium." His successful biography of Saint Francis was published in 2002.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.3 / 5.0, 30 votes)
5 stars
14(47%)
4 stars
10(33%)
3 stars
6(20%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
30 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More

Snapshot look into the life and times of one of my favourite persons I came across.


The book really details a lot of things I didn't know about Dean, a very tumultuous and troubled guy.


I personally felt connected to him in some ways, damn.


Anyways, it was a good read. I won't say I thoroughly enjoyed it but I definitely understood my fascination with him at the end.



Expanded version:

A snapshot provides a brief but revealing look into the life and times of one of my favourite persons I came across. The book delves deep into the details, uncovering a plethora of things I had no prior knowledge about Dean. He is a character filled with turmoil and troubles, constantly facing challenges and inner demons.


Surprisingly, I found myself personally feeling a connection to him in certain ways. Maybe it was his vulnerability or the way he dealt with his difficulties that struck a chord within me. Damn, it was quite an unexpected feeling.


Anyway, overall it was a good read. I can't claim that I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of it, but by the end, I definitely had a better understanding of my own fascination with him. It was as if the book had peeled back the layers and allowed me to see the real Dean, warts and all.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I would have simply rated this as "Okay". However, the pictures are far too cool to be dismissed with such a mediocre assessment.

James Dean, that iconic figure, is there truly anyone cooler? His rebellious spirit and unique charm have endured through the ages.

The images presented here capture his essence in a way that words alone cannot describe. They transport us back to an era when he reigned supreme as a symbol of youth and nonconformity.

Each picture seems to tell a story, a story of a man who lived life on his own terms and left an indelible mark on popular culture.

It's not just about the coolness factor; it's about the artistry and the ability of these pictures to evoke emotions and memories.

So, while I initially thought "Okay", after seeing these pictures, I have to admit that they are truly something special. They deserve a much higher rating than just "Okay".

James Dean will always be remembered as one of the coolest icons of all time, and these pictures only serve to enhance his legend.
July 15,2025
... Show More

It wasn't the best celebrity or James Dean book I've ever read. There were indeed a few high points that managed to catch my attention. However, when looking at the work as a whole, the writing left a lot to be desired. It seemed rather lazy, with the author relying too much on cliched phrases and tired tropes. The descriptions lacked depth and originality, making it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. I had hoped for a more in-depth exploration of James Dean's life and career, but unfortunately, this book failed to deliver on that front. While it may have had its moments, overall, it was a disappointment.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I didn't know much about James Dean. (I was only 6 years old when he was killed.) But now I know more than I would have liked to know.

Turns out that James Dean had very few friends. This was because not many people liked him. To put it mildly, he had zero social skills. Hardly anybody liked him as he liked almost no one. (One of the few people who did like him was Elizabeth Taylor.)

People complained about his work habits (or lack thereof) during rehearsals. However, everyone agreed that when the camera was turned on, he was brilliant. Go figure.

He idolized Marlon Brando and started riding a motorcycle after seeing "The Wild One". And after he went to Hollywood and started to make some money, he bought sports cars. The faster, the better. Most people who rode with him once refused a second ride, afraid that his seeming addiction to speed was going to get them killed.

This is a well-researched book. If you've ever wanted to know who James Dean was, I can highly recommend it to you. It provides a detailed and fascinating look into the life and personality of this iconic figure. You'll learn about his rise to stardom, his unique character, and the events that led to his untimely death. It's a must-read for any fan of James Dean or anyone interested in Hollywood history.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A very tight biography, which is well written and extremely informative.

It is so detailed and engaging that I had the distinct feeling that I was living James Dean's life right beside him, step by step, all the way until his tragic end.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the events and experiences of Dean's life in a vivid and captivating manner.

From his early days to his rise to stardom and the events that led up to his untimely death, every aspect is explored with great depth and insight.

Reading this biography is like taking a journey through the life of a传奇人物, and it leaves the reader with a profound understanding and appreciation of who James Dean was as a person and an artist.

It is truly a remarkable piece of work that will appeal to fans of Dean and anyone interested in the history of Hollywood and the entertainment industry.
July 15,2025
... Show More
When delving into the world of reading and watching documentaries about a particular individual, a fascinating process unfolds.

It is through this exploration that one begins to discern the fine line between what is truly factual and what is mere rumor.

Author Donald Spoto, who has penned numerous biographies, appears to possess a deep understanding of his subject matter.

The works he has produced seem to be both accurate and highly entertaining.

His ability to present the facts in an engaging manner makes his biographies a joy to read.

Whether it's the life of a famous actor, a historical figure, or a well-known artist, Spoto's biographies offer a unique perspective.

They allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of the person behind the public persona.

Overall, Donald Spoto's biographies are a valuable addition to the literary world, providing both knowledge and entertainment.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I promised that I would tell how I actually finished this book (I wasn't sure if I would finish it but it was quite nice to read overall). So

it started with the SPN episode (like most things in my life) about that crappy, ugly car and the spirit which wasn't really a spirit in the end. I watched the episode when I was halfway through reading "East of Eden", which turned out to be my all-time favorite book, so I wanted to watch the movie because I knew there was a movie. And you won't guess who plays in that movie: the guy from the car in SPN. So I thought, hm, maybe I'll read about the guy from the car who plays in the movie of my favorite book. And here we are. I don't know what Taylor Swift had in mind (I guess it's more "Cowboy Like Me" than "Style") and the whole world tried to convince me that this is the most romantic character ever?? Somehow I don't know, I didn't expect that.

My last thought is that it's funny that he was literally like some kind of carousel that can play one role and always plays one role and that role is him himself.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I read a little too much about James Dean back in the day.

James Dean was an iconic figure in Hollywood history. His rebellious spirit and unique acting style made him a legend.

I was fascinated by his short but impactful career. His movies, such as "Rebel Without a Cause," "East of Eden," and "Giant," showcased his talent and charm.

I learned about his personal life, including his love for racing and his untimely death at a young age.

Reading about James Dean made me appreciate his contributions to the world of cinema. His influence can still be seen in the work of many actors today.

Although he may be gone, his memory lives on through his movies and the hearts of his fans.

I'm glad I took the time to read about this remarkable actor and understand his significance in Hollywood history.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.