The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Lincoln at Gettysburg" brings his eloquence, his wit, and his on-target perceptions of American life and politics to this fascinating, well-drawn portrait of John Wayne, a true 20th-century hero. "Deeply satisfying at every level".--Michael Stern, "San Francisco Chronicle". of photos.

"John Wayne remains a constant in American popular culture. Middle America grew up with him in the late 1920s and 1930s, went to war with him in the 1940s, matured with him in the 1950s, and kept the faith with him in the 1960s and 1970s. . . . In his person and in the persona he so carefully constructed, middle America saw itself, its past, and its future. John Wayne was his country’s alter ego." Thus begins John Wayne: American, a biography bursting with vitality and revealing the changing scene in Hollywood and America from the Great Depression through the Vietnam War. During a long movie career, John Wayne defined the role of the cowboy and soldier, the gruff man of decency, the hero who prevailed when the chips were down. But who was he, really? Here is the first substantive, serious view of a contradictory private and public figure.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lincoln at Gettysburg brings his eloquence, wit, and on-target perceptions of American life and politics to this fascinating, well-drawn protrait of a twentieth-century hero. In this work of great originality—the biography of an idea—Garry Wills shows how John Wayne came to embody Amercian values and influenced our cultoure to a degree unmatched by any other public figure of his time. In Wills's hands, Waynes story is tranformed into a compelling narrative about the intersection of popular entertainment and political realities in mid-twentieth-century America.

“Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave?” —John Wayne A true American to the end, there was nothing John Wayne loved more than his country. In John Wayne: Made in America, John Wayne’s patriotism is explored through photos, his personal letters and mementos, and more memorabilia from the Wayne family archives. Carefully curated by the editors of the Official John Wayne magazine, this book gives new insight to the man who embodied the American spirit and was a living legend for more than 40 years.

A celebration of American courage and tenacity, this sumptuous visual history details the stories of more than 125 of our nation’s most gutsy and resolute citizens - those who overcame extraordinary odds through faith, will, and guts, from George Washington and Helen Keller to Jim Lovell, Jackie Robinson and many more, both famous and lesser known. Each chapter will open with a feature on John Wayne, highlighting a specific trait of "grit," then examine dozens of other American legends who exhibited that same attribute in awe-inspiring fashion. A fun, fascinating book celebrating American optimism, patriotism and good old-fashioned bootstrap determination. The book will be illustrated throughout with archival photos of each subject, providing an invaluable look into their fascinating lives.

Nearly two decades after his death, John Wayne is still America's favourite movie star. In this book, Gary Wills investigates such astonishing durability. He focuses on the manufacturing of 'John Wayne' from the raw material of Marion Morrison - the young man from Iowa who became a myth. Wills charts Wayne's rise to stardom, from the cowboy serials that almost doomed his career, through his breakthrough with John Ford's Stagecoach and Howard Hawks's Red River, to the pinnacle of his popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. John Wayne stood for an America that people felt was disappearing. He became the lens through which the American people saw their own and their country's history. John Wayne's story is a large one - as large as the truths, and evasions, with which his screen image was confected. It produced some film masterpieces, and involved some of the greatest talents in film-making. And it involved all Americans. It is a fascinating, unparalleled phenomenon which, with great insight, Gary Wills explains for the first time.

Biography and John Wayne. Chapters: God, Lincoln, and the Golden Gate -- He's just been playing himself all these years -- Scholarship boy -- Driven by a Ford -- Poverty row -- Suppose you could tell her you like her biscuits? -- Stagecoach -- Foreign affairs -- John Wayne and Hollywood go to war -- In the catbird seat -- New beginnings and dead ends -- All I can see is the flags -- A different war -- The unquiet man -- That'll be the day -- Second-guessing -- The country's going soft -- In harm's way -- I've just got my second wind -- Working-class hero -- Crown Prince of the silent majority -- Only a fool would think anything is forever -- You just can't give in to it.

🌟 Explore the Legend of The Duke in "John Wayne: American Icon" 🌟 Dive into the extraordinary journey of John Wayne, a man whose legacy transcends time and genre, in this definitive portrait crafted by the ChatStick Team. From his humble beginnings as Marion Robert Morrison to becoming the quintessential American hero, this eBook is a tribute to a cinematic icon whose spirit of resilience and grit has inspired generations. 🎬 Uncover the Man Behind the Myth Discover the pivotal moments that shaped Wayne's early life and set him on the path to stardom. Relive the breakthrough roles that made him a household name and delve into the making of a Hollywood legend. 🌅 Journey Through Iconic Roles and Performances Take a closer look at Wayne's most memorable characters in films that have become American classics. Gain behind-the-scenes insights into his iconic films and the craft that made him a legend. 💫 Beyond the Silver Screen Explore Wayne's off-screen persona, from personal anecdotes and family life to his impact on American culture and values. Understand the man behind the public image through reflections from friends, family, and colleagues. 🏆 Legacy That Endures Reflect on Wayne's lasting impact on the film industry, American culture, and his enduring influence on future generations. 📘 "John Wayne: American Icon" is more than a biography; it's an exploration of an American legend's life, legacy, and the indomitable spirit he represented. Perfect for fans of classic cinema, American history, and anyone inspired by the resilience and grit of The Duke.

"John Wayne remains a constant in American popular culture. Middle America grew up with him in the late 1920s and 1930s, went to war with him in the 1940s, matured with him in the 1950s, and kept the faith with him in the 1960s and 1970s. . . . In his person and in the persona he so carefully constructed, middle America saw itself, its past, and its future. John Wayne was his country’s alter ego." Thus begins John Wayne: American, a biography bursting with vitality and revealing the changing scene in Hollywood and America from the Great Depression through the Vietnam War. During a long movie career, John Wayne defined the role of the cowboy and soldier, the gruff man of decency, the hero who prevailed when the chips were down. But who was he, really? Here is the first substantive, serious view of a contradictory private and public figure.