yuri gagarin's life is the subject of the book "Starman: The Truth Behind the Legend of Yuri Gagarin", it's pretty fascinating to watch him through his life and ultimately become a tool of the state for propaganda purposes. his death was largely caused by him ceasing his flying so much, a skill that dulls unless used constantly.

http://www.amazon.com/Starman-Truth-Behind-Legend-Gagarin/dp...