Will Rogers: His Wife's Story

by Reba Collins (Foreword), Betty Rogers

Of the many books written about Will Rogers, none can have the immediacy, firsthand knowledge, and personal perspective of this account by his wife, Betty Blake Rogers. Her story is of Will Rogers, from wayward youth to international celebrity. Will was born in 1879 in the Cherokee nation of Indian Territory, near what is now Oologah, and died in 1935 with Wiley Post in an airplane crash in Alaska. The period witnessed the passing of the frontier and the arrival of the air age, and Will Rogers became a unique part and interpreter of it all. "The book offers a ’unique insight’ into the Oklahoma cowboy who became a worldwide celebrity. Betty Rogers understood Will as no one else could, and her book amplifies the importance of a homegrown philosopher who captured the spirit of the American experience. Cowboy, showman, homespun pundit-Will left his mark in many ways, each of which is carefully developed in the book’s twenty-two chapters. Most notable, however, is Mrs. Rogers’s treatment of her husband’s character. Behind the facade lay a complex man who, despite his lack of formal education, had a grasp of modern psychology and world politics. Equally at home with cowboys and presidents, Will accepted both as human beings engaged in the larger arena of life, whether in the wide open spaces of Oklahoma or the confines of Washington....For those who would know Will Rogers in a familiar way, there is no better book than this reprint." Arizona and the West. "The best of all the books on the best of all the homespun philosophers as seen through the eyes of his wife." Midwest Book Review. "Folksy, detailed and loving, it offers a timeless glimpse at a real American hero of his time-and ours." American Way.

Genres: Biography

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aug 28 ~~ Review asap.

Aug 29, 1220pm ~~ Will Rogers. I knew who he was, but never knew anything about his life. I knew that he was a hero to many people back in the day, including my grandparents. I still have the figurine of Rogers that used to be on a small shelf in their living room. I remember being allowed to dust it when I was a little girl. Believe it or not, that was a treat for me!

Anyway, this book was written by Betty Rogers and was originally published in 1941, just six years after the flying accident that killed her husband and pilot Wiley Post in Alaska in 1935. The book was written in a relaxed way that gives the type of personal feeling that Will himself would have intended.

It might be hard to imagine now just how well known and greatly respected Will Rogers was. The main thing the reader sees on these pages is that Will was genuine, he was himself on and off the stage. He was curious about the world and the people in it, cared about talking to the common person who especially in those days had the most to worry about in life.

I have read a couple of books by Rogers, collections of some of his newspaper articles and speeches, but since he spoke mainly about current events that of course were no longer current by the time I read them, I never got a sense of the man himself. This book provides that portrait with a few sections of pictures too. I enjoyed it very much, and I of course have to wonder what WR would say about the world as it is today.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent biography by widow. Good writing; good background; well told.

Unique look inside man noticed mostly for his humor but who showed great wisdom and insight, too.

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this, I knew nothing about Will Rogers, beyond that the (surprisingly nice) Oklahoma City airport is named after him. I enjoyed learning about his life and accomplishments, particularly because his wife's narrative provided historical insight into what daily life was like for a celebrity almost one hundred years ago. Will Rogers honestly began to remind me of Jon Stewart, in that he almost accidentally landed in a role as political commentator and humorist, and that he became so relied on for his refreshing insights into politics that people wanted him to run for office, despite his assertion that he was merely a comedian. The parallels at times were uncanny, but it made it easier for me to understand who Will Rogers was as a person.

My only critique of this book is that I wish Betty Rogers had inserted more of her feelings and thoughts into it; even when describing tragic events like the loss of her baby to illness, she focused on how those events affected Will. Only in the final chapters surrounding his death does she allow her own perspective, worries, and personality to creep into the narrative, and I found it refreshing to hear her voice finally. She must have been a strong woman to support such a husband, but I wonder if living in the era she did, she had been taught that her opinions and concerns were always secondary to her husband's. I could be reading too much into this; perhaps she did not want to taint a personal biography of Will with her own memoirs out of respect for him, and because she knew the people around the world loved her husband and wanted to know more about him.

I am very glad I read this, and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about Will Rogers, Oklahoma, the growth of Hollywood, humorous criticisms of politics (which still ring very true today), or life in the early 20th century.

[Dorothy Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betty Rogers writes about her husband Will, his accomplishments and his life. Will Rogers traveled the world and met most of the famous people of his time; they were from business, show business, and politics. Through it all, he remained a down-home Oklahoman.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly engaging. Betty Rogers is a good storyteller and gives a more intimate picture of Will Rogers. After reading this it’s easier to see him as an individual, flaws and all, rather than this historical icon.

[Daphne Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific and affectionate memoir of one of America's favorite humorists, Will Rogers. Have read it twice--loved it both times.

[Robert Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oklahoma''s Best

[Martin Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a life this fellow had! Never a dull , or wasted, moment. A bio which should be read, still revelant today.

[Peter Strauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Hero

A fine tribute to a great man written by a loving and adoring wife. A little too much minutiae for my taste, but to be expected in this context!

[iteachfunkidsgmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I liked hearing about Wills life from his wife. It was a more personal biography. There's always something new to learn.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always great to read a well-written book about an interesting historical figure.