John Wayne: The Genuine Article Paperback – May 12, 2015

I grew up in Los Angeles, I am the same age as Patrick, and ran in to him several times at Sorority/Fraternity exchanges while he was at Loyola. Pat was friendly, out-going, and only the "tiniest bit" impressed with himself, at 19. I also had a couple of classes in college with Melinda. Their mother lived just a few blocks from our home in the Hancock Park area of L.A., and Easter Vacations were spent at Balboa/Newport Beach while we were all in high school/college. This book, was such a wonderful and respectful homage to John Wayne, and the life he led. Sure, he made a few mistakes in his life (with marriages), but he was ALWAYS true to 3 things: God, his Family, and America. I had the extreme privilege of shaking hands with him at a political rally, as I was A "Goldwater Girl", and also the same honor of serving the Reagan's on some Western Airlines flights between Sacramento & LAX, when Ron was Governor. My late husband and I were involved in Fund Raisers for Ronald Reagan's Presidency, and we were blessed on several occasions to have "Duke" present at a few of those affairs. John Wayne's blood ran Red, White, and Blue and his Conservative stands on issues were to be admired, even by those who he disagreed with and visa-versa. (See Jimmy Carter's comments).To me, this is the finest tribute to come down the pike on John Wayne, with exception of course, to Maureen O'Hara's involvement in the "Congressional Medal" struck for John, (too late for him to see and enjoy unfortunately). The Family is to be congratulated for their contributions to this "CHOICE" publication. It was a Father's Day's gift written with love by his family, and one that shall always be treasured in our family too. John, we LOVE you, as they do. You will always represent the finest VALUES that America & the West has ever had. They are becoming a thing of the past now, and that is such a shame. Thank you, for your example, and ALWAYS being, "JOHN WAYNE, AMERICAN".

Needed this book for research and got it promptly. Excellent condition.

Forget all the other John Wayne books. This one is an incredible and priceless collection of his own personal correspondence, reproduced exactly as the original documents, on separate sheets attached within the relevant chapters. It is effectively his autobiography in his own words, all through the cooperation and direction of his youngest son, Ethan, who is now the appointed CEO of the John Wayne Foundation. This book is too delicate to be handled by children or your visiting guests, with all the appended documents, such as movie posters, certificates, diplomas, and personal letters from celebrities including several former U.S Presidents. There are exact duplicates of John Wayne's CA drivers license, passport, hunting licenses, membership cards, all intermingled with candid photos of his family and close associates never before released or published. It ends with son Ethan's recalling the day, at age 17, when his father asked him to immediately drive him to the UCLA Medical Center, where John would soon succumb to cancer. This book would be a steal at three times the list price. Insure it when you get a copy for your home library.

My friend suddenly began a deep dive into everything John Wayne ...watching all his oldmovies and checking out Youtubes about him. I didn't really know anything re JW so Idid a book/bio search. A link to this book came up. Looked for it on Amazon, found it ...read thecomments and bought it, sent it to the friend as a surprise gift. She literally cried...so delightedand sent me pictures of the book. Best and coolest book ever, and definitely the best sourceabout John Wayne she had seen.

Loved it

I HIGHLY recommend this book. I gave it to my father for his 79th birthday. He loved it! The book is so well made, quality paper and tons of beautiful photos. It is so unique, filled with copies letters, certificates and mementos from Mr. Wayne's life. This book totally exceeded my expectations, looking like a MUCH more expensive table book.My father was so impressed he worried that I had spent more then I should. I told him that I got a really good deal. And I did. One of my fathers favorite stories is the time he met John Wayne. Mr. Wayne even sat at the table with him and his friends. Mr. Wayne did not disappoint in his movies and in person. He was a class act. There will never be another man like him.

I PURCHASED THESE BOOKS FOR GIFTS FOR MY BROTHERS. THEY BOTH LOVE JOHN WAYNE AS DO I. WHEN I RECEIVED THE BOOKS I TOOK OFF THE SHRINK WRAP AS I WANTED TO LOOK AT THE BOOKS. THEY ARE VERY, VERY BEAUTIFUL AND I WAS IMPRESSED WITH THEM VERY MUCH. I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED IN THE SHIPPING OF THEM HOWEVER. THEY WERE IN A BOX, WHICH WAS FINE BUT THERE WAS NO EXTRA PACKING AROUND THEM SO THEY COULD SLIP AROUND IN THE BOX. IN SO DOING EACH ONE HAD SOME BENT CORNER. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO SEND THEM BACK SO DECIDED TO GIVE THEM THE WAY THEY WERE. SO MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THEY NEED TO BE PACKED WITH EXTRA PACKING SO THERE IS NO DAMAGE.

My Dad (who is in his 60's) absolutely loves westerns. He never really reads although he does love pulling up the info on the movies he is watching to see the short bios that the satelitte TV provides on the stars of the movies. I took a chance and bought him his for father's day and it was a huge hit. My dad will randomly call me to tell me some new fact that he found out from reading the book and he is always so excited by the information he's learned! He's already let his brothers borrow the book to see if they want to buy it also.I say, this is a fantastic gift for anyone who's into Westerns, even if they don't normally read!