“Rogers emodied old-time values, yet he ‘opportunistically’ embraced the new mass-culture media. Apostle of decency, he headlined in the ‘all-but pornographic’ Ziegfeld Follies. Yagoda…has written the fullest biography of thie AMerican icon, a resonant portrait imbued with Roger’s irreverent spirit, yet attuned to both the strengths and limitations of his commonsense, crackerbarrel world view.”

– Publishers Weekly

“Someone has finally written a good biography of Will Rogers….It’s a delight to be reminded that political humor without meanness of spirit is not only possible, but indeed is a great American tradition. Politicians and all who labor with them will relish Ben Yagoda’s Will Rogers, but so will those who enjoy show biz tidbits and vaudeville history.”

– New  York Times Book Review