The Quotable Cowboy

More than four hundred poignant, moving, and hilarious quotes about the American frontier.

More than 300 poignant moving or hilarious quotes about the American frontier.

'Brief, sprightly, and well written. A fine well-rounded picture of my father.' William Vann Rogers

Will Rogers captured the hearts of Americans with his thoughtful political humor; his dedication to country, family and friends; and his amazing ability to speak truth to life's fundamentals. In this delightful new biography, author Joseph Carter covers the details of Rogers's family history, the many milestones in his professional life, and America's fascination with this incredible figure. Rogers's famous quotes and quips are woven throughout the book, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish.

The lives of American cowboys have been both real and mythic. This work explores cowboy music dress, humour, films and literature in sixteen essays and a bibliography. These essays demonstrate that the American cowboy is a knight of the road who, with a large hat, tall boots and a big gun, rode into legend and into the history books.

Perhaps best known for his classic movie lines, such as "Fill your hands, you sons-of-bitches!" from True Grit, the late actor John Wayne often displayed a spontaneous and biting wit when away from the screen as well. When a reporter from the Harvard Crimson sarcastically asked Wayne if he looked at himself as an "American Legend," for example, the Duke replied: "Well, not being a Harvard man, I don't look at myself any more than necessary."

In 1893, Georgian horsemen from the Caucasus immigrated to the United States where for more than 30 years they performed in circuses and Wild West shows under the billing of "Russian Cossacks." The connection between Buffalo Bill Cody and the Georgian trick riders represents one of the earliest relationships between Georgia and the United States. Western historian Dee Brown wrote, "Trick riding came to rodeo by way of a troupe of Cossack daredevils imported by the 101 Ranch. Intrigued by the Cossacks' stunts on their galloping horses, western cowboys soon introduced variations to American rodeo." This is the story of the men who came in search of financial support for their families in Georgia and, without knowing it, influenced an essential fixture of American culture.