Customer Reviews

Will Rogers: An American Legend

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In today's world, entertainers seem to enjoy being negative and antagonistic. Will Rogers, through his humor, taught the value of all humanity and the desire to make the world a better place. And he seemed to enjoy himself as an entertainer and eagerly accepted the role as a spokesman for the common man. Keating's book serves as an excellent introduction for children to Rogers, a role model worthy of emulation. As Rogers once said, "Live your life so that when you loose, you are ahead."

This is a simple and delightful children's picture book that introduces today's children to an American legend. The book tells of childhood in Indian Territory, where he learned "to ride and rope as well as any boy or man" . It also tells of his love of books. This provides younger readers with lots of great information on a hero of long ago that they may have never even heard of. All in all it's a great little history lesson.

This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination, and the beautiful illustrations will charm young and old alike.

We recommend this book for kids ages 4-8 who have an interest in cowboys.

These two Oklahomas haven't just written for merely commerical reasons. If you knew Keating & Wimmer, you would find two men who's lives truly reflect the values, humor and worldview of Rogers in ""American Legend" There may be other more exhaustive works on Rogers, but "American Legend" is great for those who want a reflective and finely illustrated portrayal of this storied personality. Our autographed copy will always occupy a special place in our home.

Being an Oakie I had to have this book, plus Frank Keating was a very good governor for the state of Oklahoma so I was thrilled for the opportunity to purchase. Governor Keating signed my copies for me at a banquet so all my kids have a signed copy! Wimmer is an amazing illustrator and also is from Oklahoma. Beautiful book.

WILL ROGERS: AN AMERICAN LEGEND

Extremely disappointed in this book, as well as another book by Frank Keating. Returned both for credit. The book was too short and not what I expected to find after hearing former Governor Keating on a local TV show here in Oklahoma City. Would have been nice to know before ordering this book that it was only a few pages and not an accurate portrayal of Will Rogers at all. Aimed for children, I guess, not for an adult audience.

Former Governor Frank Keating's book is obviously just an attempt to link his own name with that of Will Rogers. The book was poorly written, inaccurate, insensitive, and unnecessary. Innumberable books about Will are out there already - written with much more skill and knowledge. For adults, I would recommend Ben Yagoda's "Will Rogers: A Biography" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1993), and younger readers would enjoy Liz Sonneborn's "Will Rogers: Cherokee Entertainer" (Chelsea House Publishers, 1993). The irony of a politician trying to capitalize on Will's image even now is pretty funny.