Susan H. (symphonie) reviewed on 6/14/2006 + 158 more book reviews

He is the greatest American hero, Hollywood's 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 scree, 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 leadies; 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.

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