More than two decades after his death, John Wayne is still America's favorite movie star. He has become a cultural icon whose stature seems to grow with the passage of time. In this illuminating biography, Ronald L. Davis focuses on Wayne's human side, portraying a complex personality defined by frailty and insecurity as well as by courage and strength. "Ronald Davis has researched and written an excellent biography of a driven man. Readers will see the unfolding story of John Wayne dramatically and fully developed."—Western American Literature "Davis's biography is exemplary, highly informative, and eminently readable."—Booklist "Davis's entertaining narrative primarily covers Wayne's personal life and the day-to-day production of his films, and the extensive use of personal recollections and anecdotes adds considerable dimension to his human side."—Library Journal "It is to Davis's everlasting credit that he presents the life and image of John Wayne without prejudice or rancor."—Texas Books in Review "Duke is our American royalty. What a fitting tribute Davis's book is!"—Janet Leigh "This is the most complete work on Duke that I have ever read. Davis captures Duke's image, both on screen and off. It's a real page turner."—Harry Carey, Jr. "In 1937, when John Wayne and I played opposite each other in Born to the West (now titled Helltown), both of us would have been astonished to learn that sixty years later he would be called America's ideal American. But Ronald Davis explains this phenomenon extremely well. His searching study is engrossing, thorough, and fair."—Marsha Hunt