Rare softcover 1948 Black and Gold yearbook from James Dean’s junior year at Fairmount High School in Fairmount, Indiana, 8.25 x 10.75, signed on the back ‘Autographs’ page in blue ballpoint, “Jim Dean, ‘Rack.’” In addition to his junior class portrait, Dean is pictured as a member of the speech department, the 4-H Club, the 'F' Club, as a player on the school’s basketball team (“Jim Dean, who made a fine showing on the second team last year and as guard this year on the first. Should be a regular next year”), and as a member of the Junior Class Play, which performed the three-act comedy ‘Our Hearts Were Young and Gay,’ with Dean cast in the role of the bespectacled Otis Skinner. Although he is not in the group photo, Dean is also listed as a member of the baseball team. In very good to fine condition, with moderate handling wear to the detached cover; interior pages, including the signed page, are fine. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from JSA. Dean earned the nickname "Rack" for helping his uncle rack up the balls at a local pool hall. Signed by Dean as an overachieving 17-year-old, this splendid yearbook offers an uncommon glimpse into the formative high school years of one of Hollywood's most iconic and tragic stars.
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