Duke : Life and Times of John Wayne

by Donald Shepherd

He is the great American hero, Hollywood quintessential macho star. Courageous, patriotic, outspoken, decent...John Wayne personified the true American in the 153 movies he made, from his breakthrough with "Stagecoach" to his Oscar-winning portrayal in "True Grit."

But there was much more to John Wayne than can be seen on the silver screen, and this biography, written by three personal friends of his, candidly reveals the real man behind the legend. From his three failed marriages to his notorious affairs with his leading ladies; from his hard-drinking, sometimes abusive personality to the heart-warming moments of kindness and charm; from his childhood as the son of a failed Iowa druggist to his meteoric rise to success to his gallant battle against cancer, here's what the "Duke" was really like - with all the faults that made him human, and all the courage and honesty that made him one of Hollywood's greatest and most enduring stars.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge John Wayne fan and I loved this well-written and researched story of the legend. The book chronicles his life from his birth in Iowa to international stardom. One is given an insight into his marriages, family life, career, his political activities, and his rise to being an American icon. Never pandering, this is an honest view of the man's life and struggles. Most touching were his family relationships, his battle with cancer and his conversion to Christianity. This was an enjoyable reading experience.

[Mike Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about his life, goes into very good detail and is a great read, well worth a look......

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

well written and a good read

[Jackie Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great autobiography if you are into them this is worth reading

[Lauren Monsey Nagel · Rating 3 out of 5]

biography,movies,western,Hollywood