The Quotable John Wayne: The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon

by Carol Lea Mueller (Compiler)

Perhaps best known for his classic movie lines, such as "Fill your hands, you sons-of-bitches!" from True Grit, the late actor John Wayne often displayed a spontaneous and biting wit when away from the screen as well. When a reporter from the Harvard Crimson sarcastically asked Wayne if he looked at himself as an "American Legend," for example, the Duke replied: "Well, not being a Harvard man, I don't look at myself any more than necessary." This small gem of inspiration contains Wayne anecdotes on God and country, the old West, friends and family, and acting, and concludes with quotes from others about John Wayne the actor and John Wayne the man.

Genres: Biography

88 pages, Hardcover

First published October 25, 2007

Reviews

[Louis Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding collection of quotes by the greatest Western Icon that ever lived! For those who knew him this may just be a refresher of what John Wayne stood for and what the meaning of life was all about! There is a real favorite quote from the Duke that goes like this: "Courage is being scared to death---but saddling up anyway." Yes, this small book is worth the trip! So I for one invite you to search for it at your favorite book store or go on line...Amazon.com should have it. Then enjoy!

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Courage is being scared to death – but saddling up anyway.” (p25)

Rich with memorable phrases.

Carol Lea Mueller, ed., The Quotable John Wayne: The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon (Lanham, Maryland: Taylor Trade Publishing, 2007).

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke will always be 'the Man'!

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about why he was an American Icon.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to remember his quotes from his movies, he was a great man that loved America and all it stood for.... remember his life and his grit

[Barry Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Subtitled, “The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon,” this is a topical collection of quotes and anecdotes on one of the most enduring of all Hollywood stars, an individual who does not appear to have ever “gone Hollywood.” Loved and respected by friends and enemies (from Frank Sinatra to Abbie Hoffman), he was never afraid to be himself (he tried not to act, he said, had few screen regrets, although he wished he had not played “Genhis Khan”). The book is dedicated to a staff sergeant serving in Afghanistan and Iraq along with his entire group, described as “Just an ordinary soldier, among many, who represents all his fellow warriors just as John Wayne, an ordinary actor, has come to represent all America’s men of valor, always ready to ‘saddle up’ for freedom.”

Very enjoyable book, includes quotes on God and Country, Family and Friendship, The Old West, Wit with the Grit, On Acting, Memorable Movie Quotes and Anecdotes.

There are too many excellent quotes to cite here, but here is one - “Courage is being scared to death -- and saddling up anyway.” And one more” “I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.” OK, just one more: “I’ve had three wives, six children and six grandchildren, and I still don’t understand women.”

[Joe Besserfan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Lea Mueller did a great job with "The Quotable John Wayne: The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon". The book in small but it's filled with one great John Wayne quote after another. I've read this book a few times over the years. I smile every time I read it. This book is great stuff. Forget the magazines, there should be a copy of this book in every doctor's waiting room.

[Wayne Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book. One has to wonder why none of the quotes are cited and attributed. Maybe it's just the publisher in me.