James Dean Twice Signed 1948 "Black And Gold" Yearbook Inscribed "Rack"

Rare twice-signed example of James Dean's 1948 high school yearbook

Softcover 1948 'Black and Gold' yearbook from Fairmount High School in Indiana, 8 x 10.75, signed inside twice in ballpoint by the young James Dean: once on the basketball roster page, "Jim Dean"; and once on the autograph page, "Jim Dean, 'Rack.'" Dean is also pictured in the yearbook as part of the Thespian Society and in the cast of the Junior Class Play. In very good condition, with the front cover detached, the back cover held in place with old tape, and the Dean signature on the multi-signed page also held in place with old tape having evidently been clipped out at one time. This 1948 Fairmount High School yearbook has been signed two times by James Dean. The signatures are in ink which is very rare, because most yearbooks and programs were signed in pencil. The first page in this yearbook is signed by the original owner, Patsy Brown…P.S. The signature that says ('Rack') is in reference to my dad, Marcus Winslow's nick name. Jimmie always liked the nick name and encouraged his friends to call him Rack, although I don't believe it ever caught on." Includes two photos of Winslow writing the letter.

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 fine condition, with moderate handling wear to the detached cover; interior pages, including the signed page, are fine.

By looking through the yearbook, you get a glimpse back in time, to the small hometown where Dean grew up, the high school years, which helped create the legend. You can see in them the first time that he got a taste of the acting bug, by becoming part of the Junior play! 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.

With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA.

Auction Notepad