Actor John Wayne's life and career have spawned countless books, from the expos s of his wives and lovers to recipe collections inspired by his movies. Here, producer Kazanjian and screenwriter Enss (coauthors, The Cowboy and the Se orita: A Biography of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans), in cooperation with the Wayne family, explore Wayne's career in B Westerns, his eventual stardom and collaboration with director John Ford at age 31 in the classic film Stagecoach, and, finally, his directorial debut (The Alamo, 1960). The title seems a misnomer since the book follows Wayne to age 53 (he only lived to be 72). Kazanjian and Enss promise to share "revealing family anecdotes" and "previously unpublished" photos, and though the images show a very handsome young Duke, this slight treatment doesn't shed much new light on a life already heavily documented. Better to steer your patrons toward Michael Munn's revealing John Wayne: The Man Behind the Myth or one of the books written by the legendary actor's children or ex-wives. Not an essential purchase. Rosellen Brewer, Sno-Isle Libs., Marysville, WA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Praise for other books by Chris Enss and Howard Kanzanjian For Thunder Over the Prairie— "I just finished "Thunder Over the Prairie." It was fantastic! The story was totally captivating. I love the way we started by meeting Dora, and were given just enough information about her to grow to like her and then she's taken away from us. I guess that's kind of how her life was. The reader feels just like the people of Dodge City must have felt, to lose her so early and tragically. Then we meet the posse. The names are all familiar but their stories not as well known. To hear them swap stories between themselves, then to read their histories, gets us to understand how it is that they are all here at this particular time and together for this event. You feel that they're destined to succeed in capturing this animal. How could they fail? I loved the book and have recommended it to others already." Dale Warshaw, Literary CriticKMSB TV Tucson, AZ. "Thunder Over the Prairie, written with cinematic clarity and a galloping pace, is a wonderful primer for the considerable literature on Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp et. al. This accessible narrative of a fascinating episode in the careers of these well-known western icons is filled with characters that are archetypal yet utterly fresh at the same time. This charming book is the perfect read for anyone lingering over a drink (or two) in a dusty western saloon on a lazy afternoon." Jay O'Connell, author of Train Robber's Daughter: The Melodramatic Life of Eva Evans, 1876-1970 "Lawmen, cowboys, songbirds and soiled doves…it doesn't get much better. A shooting, a chase and a trial whose verdict changes all of their lives. Thunder Over the Prairie is a great story from the history of our American West, warts and all." Dakota & Sunny LivesayChronicles of the Old West For The Cowboy and the Senorita: "A bittersweet and engrossing book."—True West magazine"[Roy and Dale's] real-life story is one the reader will recall long after the book's cover is closed; it's also a chance for a new generation of fans to rediscover this cowboy and his senorita."—ForeWord magazine For Gilded Girls—"Gilded Girls is a delicious, illuminating glimpse at the colorful and often scandalous women who made their living performing for the restless souls of the Old West."—Bob Boze Bell, True West magazine "Before the hottest performer today, the unforgettable, feisty women in the Old West saga Gilded Girls reigned supreme as the most luscious kind of talent available—truly a wonderful scathing read!"—Jennie Lew Tugend, Capstone Pictures "With Gilded Girls Chartier and Enss have again shown us an overlooked facet of the women in the Old West....A must-read for anyone who wants a well-rounded knowledge of the 1800s in Western America."—Dakota and Sunny Livesay, Chronicle of the Old West newspaper For Pistol Packin' Madams— "Hard workin', hard livin', and hard lovin', these pistol-packin' madams were the brave and colorful business women of the old west. What an inspiration . . . ."—Kim Dickens, Deadwood's Joanie Stubbs For None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead— "If you're enjoying the back cover of this book, just wait 'til you read what's inside".Clint Black "Through insightful research and good storytelling, the authors have brought to life an untold story from the annals of American history. Behind the battle of the Little Bighorn, and afterward, Enss and Kazanjian have given us the real story of George Custer and his wife Elizabeth, and explores a marriage and life heretofore unknown. A must read for all who thought they knew Custer. " Rodman Gregg, Film & Television producer "None Missing, None Wounded, All Dead: The Story of Elizabeth BaconCuster contains startling disclosures from freshly discovered documents that reveal previously unknown facts about the most famous couple of the nineteenth century. This book is detailed, well documented, and historically valuable." Christopher Kortlander Founding Director Custer Battlefield Museum
