Will Rogers (1) (1879–1935)
Author of The Autobiography of Will Rogers
For other authors named Will Rogers, see the disambiguation page.
About the Author
Born in Oolagah, Indian Territory (now Oklahoma), Will Rogers's parents were Clem Vann Rogers and Mary American Schrimsher, who were each one-quarter Cherokee, or true Native Americans. This parentage is quite appropriate because Rogers himself was the embodiment of the real people of America, the show more "average man." He was the last of the "crackerbox philosophers" to reach a national audience, and his words and reputation as the symbol of the "common man" and of common sense have continued to grow, even though his books and films are seldom read or watched today. He has, as it were, transcended himself to become a folk legend. Rogers's rise from an Oklahoma cowboy to a world-famous humorist and philosopher is in itself a particularly American phenomenon. He began his career performing for Texas Jack's Wild West Show as a trick rider and roper. Later he performed for the Wirth Brothers Circus and then for the Mulhall Wild West Show. Eventually, he joined the Ziegfeld Follies as a regular, where he starred for 11 years. By the 1920s Rogers had become a popular speaker. He had already published two books, The Cowboy Philosopher on the Peace Conference (1919) and The Cowboy Philosopher on Prohibition (1919), both of which are collections of miscellaneous writings featuring the humorous social and political commentary that would eventually make him famous. In 1926 he began writing a syndicated column for the Saturday Evening Post, which became extremely popular and continued until his death. During the 1920s he also moved to California and began making films for Hal Roach Studios, in which he played characteristically unassuming roles and made sage and witty remarks. He made his first talking picture, They Had to See Paris, in 1929, which established him as a film star. Among Roger's other published collections of humor are The Illiterate Digest (1924), Letters of a Self-Made Diplomat to His President (1927), and There's Not a Bathing Suit in Russia (1927). An aviation enthusiast, Rogers died in a plane crash at Point Barrow, Alaska, in 1935 while flying with famous aviator Wiley Post. A selection of his writings, titled The Autobiography of Will Rogers (1949), was published posthumously. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Image credit: Will Rogers (1879-1935)
(Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Reproduction Number: LC-USZ62-20553)
(Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Reproduction Number: LC-USZ62-20553)
Series
Works by Will Rogers
The Wit and Wisdom of Will Rogers: An A-to-Z Compendium of Quotes from America's Best-Loved Humorist (1993) 31 copies
Sanity is where you find it;: An affectionate history of the United States in the 20's and 30's (1955) 7 copies, 1 review
Associated Works
World War I and America: Told by the Americans Who Lived It (1918) — Contributor — 222 copies, 1 review
The Mark Twain Anthology: Great Writers on His Life and Work (2010) — Contributor — 157 copies, 1 review
Steamboat Round the Bend [1935 film] 7 copies
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Legal name
- Rogers, William Penn Adair
- Birthdate
- 1879-11-04
- Date of death
- 1935-08-15
- Gender
- male
- Occupations
- vaudeville performer
humorist - Organizations
- McNaught Syndicate
- Cause of death
- plane crash
- Nationality
- Cherokee Nation
USA - Birthplace
- Oologah, Oklahoma, USA
- Place of death
- Point Barrow, Alaska, USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
Though the title suggests something more thematically organized, this is just a collection of Roger's writings, probably from his weekly newspaper column. As such, many of the references are to events long forgotten. There is still much humor to be found here in terms of clever turns of phrases and jokes, but little of interest at the essay level. While not absent, the number of cringeworthy stereotype heavy references is surprisingly low for a book of this period.
Only for those interested show more in the history of American humor. show less
Only for those interested show more in the history of American humor. show less
This is an enjoyable book to read in one or two sittings. Many of his sayings apply as well today as they did in Rogers's lifetime, but some were a bit dated or hard for me to understand due to the frame of reference. Fun nonetheless!
Will Rogers sayings, stories, etc. Hallmark edition, a gift book. Will Rogers work will resonate with a contemporary audience; this volume is a good way to get some one interested in him. One of my personal favourite Americans.
Sanity is where you find it; an affectionate history of the United States in the 20's and 30's by Will Rogers
This book was collated and edited from the stage and Radio routines of a very popular performer of the 1920's to 40's. His "Wily Peasant" persona enlivened and illuminated American life. Among his disciples was Bill Mauldin the WWII cartoonist.
Awards
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 32
- Also by
- 19
- Members
- 554
- Popularity
- #45,049
- Rating
- 3.8
- Reviews
- 10
- ISBNs
- 61
- Languages
- 1
