BEATH, Warren Newton. The Death of James Dean.

(New York, NY): Grove Press, 1986.  First edition.  Hardcover.  24.1cm by 16.1cm.  201 pages.  A meticulously researched, almost hour-by-hour reconstruction of the events leading to the fatal car crash on 30 September 1955 that claimed the life of screen icon James Dean. Drawing on the original coroner’s inquest transcript and previously unpublished material, Beath cuts through the conflicting reports, rumors and myths to present a clear, detailed and authoritative narrative of Dean’s final hours. The book further explores the posthumous mythology surrounding Dean: his enduring fandom, the cult-like devotion of admirers, the circulation of memorabilia, newsletters and rumors, as well as the wider cultural significance of his brief career and tragic death.  A very good plus copy in dust jacket.