I've read many books on Will Rogers-I find him fascinating on several levels. My initial interest was in his skill as a roper-I continue to be amazed at his talent in catches and especially trick roping. See his 1922 film "The Roping Fool" for an incredible display of his abilities. But Roger's role as a social commentator overshadowed his vaudeville career. Some have called him the first media pundit. This volume documents in great detail Rogers early years, and in a most satisfying way puts him in context. Letters, newspaper clippings, and other documents trace the experiences that led him into show business, and extensive footnotes lay out the social, economic and political world in which he lived. I can't wait for volume two!