A unique and unflinching look at the young John Wayne, this work is written in cooperation with John Wayne's family and features many rare and never-before-published photographs. John Wayne (1907-1979) defined the Old West on the silver screen for almost fifty years. His popularity continues unabated, attracting new audiences as classic Western films are released on DVD. This new book studies the star's early life, his debut roles in Hollywood, friendship and working relationship with the producer John Ford - with whom he eventually made almost three dozen films - and goes on to uncover the true stories behind the screen legend's highly publicized and sometimes controversial public life. Film buffs, Old West enthusiasts, and John Wayne's legions of fans will devour this new book.