The Illiterate Digest

by Will Rogers

Will Rogers was first an Indian, a cowboy then a national figure. He now is a legend. Born in 1879 on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation near what later would become Oologah, Oklahoma, Will Rogers was taught by a freed slave how to use a lasso as a tool to work Texas Longhorn cattle on the family ranch. During his lifetime, he traveled around the globe three times - meeting people, covering wars, talking about peace and learning everything possible. He wrote six books. In fact he published more than two million words. He was the first big time radio commentator, was a guest at the White House and his opinions were sought by the leaders of the world.

Genres: Humor, Politics, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1923

About the author

People noted wry homespun commentary of American humorist William Penn Adair Rogers, known as Will, on society and politics.

This Cherokee cowboy, comedian, vaudeville performer, and actor fathered Will Rogers Jr., the congressman and veteran of World War II.

A mother bore Rogers, known as favorite son of Oklahoma, into a prominent family. This world-famous figure traveled around the world three times, made 50 silent films and 21 "talkie" movies, and wrote more than four thousand nationally-syndicated newspaper columns.

The American people adored Rogers, the top-paid movie star in Hollywood at the time before the mid-1930s. Rogers died with aviator Wiley Post, whose small airplane crashed near Barrow, Alaska territory.

Reviews

[Mark Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Rogers was a great satirist lasso trickster. This book is still funny after almost 100 years. And the bonus for me is that he was a proud Okie, as I am. Recall, we are the State that gave the world fishing for catfish with only your hand! That's fresh fish.

[John Musgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This must be my second or third time through this. It is funny, spirited, and well written. It is also quite timely.

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the wit and wisdom of Mr. Rogers. It’s amazing that 100 years later, Will's observations still hold true (only the names would be changed to identify the guilty).

[Karen J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reminiscences by humorist Will Rogers.
My favorite was about the "patent" issue of the title of his column.

[Nancy Cook-senn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Politics in 1924

[Kynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous, witty and interesting commentator on the political history of the times! This then nationally known Cherokee cowboy brings you back in time and shows you, not much has changed when it comes to politics.