This was a fascinating read. I've known a bit about Will Roger's as my grandparents and parents were big fans. So to have further knowledge of this man, his life and perseverance was good to read. His strength of character really came out. I will be recommending this title to those who are looking for a biography that they might like as a surprise, in that this was a surprise to me that I enjoyed a great deal.

Citizen Cowboy by Steven Watts is probably one of the most intricately detailed yet utterly immersive biographies I have ever read (and I don't say that lightly) It is a hefty tome but every part is relevant in detailing the life and work of Will Rogers, a man of the people for the people who famously said;

"I joked about every prominent man of my time but I never met a man I didn't like"

Everything about Will Rogers' life was polarity but without conflict and he was well liked for it. A huge star of stage and screen, from Vaudeville, to silent movies and then the talkies, Rogers was able to turn his natural humour and wit to any medium.

Citizen Cowboy follows Rogers career juxtaposing it against American history and the huge cultural changes between 1899 and his untimely death in an aviation accident in Alaska in 1935. Not only does the book explore a glittering public career, but also Rogers private life which was a direct contrast to his public persona

This biography is fascinating on so many levels, not just about this incredible icon

Thank you very much to Netgalley, Cambridge University Press and the author Steven Watts for this compelling ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own