Never Met a Man I Didn't Like: The Life and Writings of Will Rogers

by Joseph H. Carter, Will Rogers

Will Rogers "was" America. Part Cherokee Indian and former cowboy, he captivated audiences around the world with sparkling gems of wisdom cloaked in gentle and uproarious country wit and astonishing rope tricks. His colorful life recently inspired a commercially successful and critically acclaimed Broadway musical -- winner of 6 Tony Awards. His words are as entertaining, inspiring and revelant today as they ever were.

A simple, plain-spoken man, he was the voice of a nation during the '20s and '30s. Movie star, vaudeville headliner, radio commentator, his views and observations were syndicated daily and weekly in over 600 newspapers across the country.

Here is the essential Will Rogers -- the story of his remarkable career, from Oklahoma "cowpuncher" to international star . . . and the warm, knowing and hilarious philosophies of the man embodied the heart and soul of the nation.

Genres: Biography, Humor, Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1991

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a garage sale. I always liked the wit of Will Rogers, what little I've seen of him in old movies or shorts on Turner Classic Movies. After reading about his life, I am most amazed by his talent with a rope: he could simultaneously lasso a running horse's head, rider, and legs. As a humorist his comments were homespun, honest, and incisive. As a writer he wrote about everything that came across his path, including a treatise of several pages on chewing gum! He was passionate about politics and flying. His remarks about the politics of his time made me aware of just how much everything stays the same in the political arena. After reading his saga, I was left with a special respect for Betty, his wife, who gave him a stable center and allowed him to be the world traveling icon that he was.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this for the most part. I like that the beginning, Part 1, is the family history and background and that Part 2 is more about his writings. I feel like the book was only meant to paint the family in a good light, especially about the Cherokee who did have enslaved people, and in a very complicated time... I think that's a disservice to the reader.

Otherwise, I found his overall humor charming, was surprised about the amount of money he was making in his lifetime during those years, and really enjoyed learning a bit more about him

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is half biography and half the humor of Will Rogers. Joseph Carter spends half of this book writing about the life of Will Rogers. He goes from his birth the youngest of eight children, his marriage and birth of his own kids. His life on stage and film and his death when he was killed in a plane crash. The other half of the book are Will Rogers monologues on different subjects such as politics, education wars etc. nice to get a book to learn more about Will Rogers.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago about Will Rogers. Being from TX, you have to know something about will rogers because he's an instrumental part of texas culture. he's known as a cowboy philosopher and the title, 'never met a man i didn't like" is probably his most famous quote. this is a very quick read...

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. If only everyone thought like him.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will Rogers was born in Oklahoma, child of Cherokee Indians, cowboy, entertainer in Wild West shows, was a wonder with a lasso, and the wittiest of philosophers and journalists of the 20s and 30s. He didn't take himself too seriously and made friends with everybody, including presidents. He especially liked to poke fun at politicians. He was born in 1879 and lost his mother to typhoid when he was 10 years old. A delightful read.

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Down-home wit with clarity of "what is going on" politically and socially. A showman, a father, a husband, a cowboy, a comedic commentator, an individual who was true to himself, honest and trusting...

[Robert Kemp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first part of the book is a biography of Will Rogers, which I appreciated, since I wasn't overly familiar with Rogers. The second part of the book is a collection of quotes, divided by topic. Good source of information for to familiarize oneself with the iconic character.

[Debi Blackstone]

An interesting compilation of his life span and some of the quotes he was known for. I found it just OK!

[Drew Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting feller who had a surprisingly moderate view on race, politics, and life in the early 1900’s.

[William Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The life and times of Will Rogers. It is a good story, a good book, and full of quotes from the man.

[Cade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Rogers just has a way of putting complicated things into simple language. I wonder what he would think of todays world.

[Jana Eichhorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography half was a bit disjointed, but overall an enjoyable read. Recommended to anyone who thinks that Jon Stewart is the first of his kind.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is half bio & half some of the writings of Rogers. Very interesting $ informative.