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John Wayne Signed & Inscribed “America, Why I Love Her” – 1977 First Edition, First Printing – Hardcover with Dust Jacket – COA
An exceptional piece of American cinematic and literary memorabilia featuring a 1977 first edition, first printing of America, Why I Love Her, signed and inscribed by legendary Hollywood actor John Wayne (1907–1979).
Published by Simon & Schuster in New York, this collectible hardcover book features a handwritten inscription reading “Good Luck”, followed by John Wayne’s signature in blue ink on the front free endpaper.
The book retains its distinctive illustrated dust jacket, featuring a large portrait of John Wayne wearing his iconic cowboy hat against the background of the American flag.
The copyright page displays the complete printer’s number line:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
This complete number sequence identifies the book as a first printing of the 1977 first edition.
Published during the final years of Wayne’s extraordinary career, America, Why I Love Her reflects his personal connection to American history, patriotism, and the cultural values that became closely associated with his public image.
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) accompanies this personally signed and inscribed first edition.
An outstanding collectible for admirers of John Wayne, classic Western cinema, signed first editions, and historic Hollywood memorabilia.
ITEM DETAILS
Author: John Wayne
Book Title: America, Why I Love Her
Contributors: Billy Liebert and John Mitchum
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Location: New York, USA
Publication Year: 1977
Edition: First Edition
Printing: First Printing
Number Line: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Binding: Hardcover
Dust Jacket: Illustrated Dust Jacket Included
Language: English
Signed By: John Wayne (1907–1979)
Signature Type: Handwritten Signature with Personal Inscription
Inscription: “Good Luck”
Signature Location: Front Free Endpaper
Ink Color: Blue
Authentication: Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Included
Condition: Vintage, pre-owned collectible condition
Included: 1977 first edition, first printing hardcover book with dust jacket and accompanying COA
SIGNATURE & AUTHENTICATION
This collectible first edition features a handwritten inscription and signature by John Wayne, one of the most recognizable and influential actors in American film history.
The inscription appears on the front free endpaper in blue ink.
It reads:
“Good Luck”
“John Wayne”
The handwritten message is accompanied by Wayne’s distinctive signature, creating a personal presentation rather than a simple standalone autograph.
The inscription is attractively positioned on the otherwise blank endpaper, providing a clear and uncluttered display of the handwriting.
This book is personally signed and inscribed by John Wayne and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
The COA will be included with the purchase.
Please refer to the accompanying certificate for details regarding the issuing authentication authority and its findings.
FIRST EDITION & FIRST PRINTING
America, Why I Love Her – Simon & Schuster, 1977
This hardcover book is a first edition, first printing, published by Simon & Schuster in New York in 1977.
The copyright page states:
Copyright © 1977
The publisher is identified as:
Simon and Schuster
New York
Most importantly, the copyright page retains the complete printer’s number line:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The presence of the number 1 in the complete number line identifies this copy as a first printing.
The book therefore represents an early publication copy of America, Why I Love Her, issued during John Wayne’s lifetime.
Its first edition, first printing status adds considerable interest for collectors of signed books and Hollywood memorabilia.
ABOUT THE BOOK
America, Why I Love Her (1977)
America, Why I Love Her is a patriotic collection associated with John Wayne and his well-known admiration for the United States.
Created with contributions from Billy Liebert and John Mitchum, the book brings together prose, poetry, musical material, and illustrations celebrating American life, history, and national identity.
The publication is closely connected to Wayne’s earlier spoken-word recording project of the same name.
Its contents reflect themes of patriotism, personal responsibility, national heritage, and appreciation for the American people.
The book includes material titled:
- Why I Love Her
- The Hyphen
- Mis Raíces Están Aquí (My Roots Are Buried Here)
- The People
- An American Boy Grows Up
- Face the Flag
- The Good Things
- The Pledge of Allegiance
- Why Are You Marching, Son?
- Taps
The publication also contains a color illustration section.
The combination of John Wayne’s name, patriotic themes, and period presentation makes the book a distinctive example of American popular culture during the 1970s.
ABOUT JOHN WAYNE
John Wayne (1907–1979) was one of the most celebrated and influential actors in the history of American cinema.
Born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, Wayne became internationally famous for his powerful screen presence and iconic portrayals of cowboys, soldiers, and determined American heroes.
His extraordinary film career spanned more than five decades.
Wayne appeared in numerous celebrated motion pictures, including:
Stagecoach (1939)
Directed by John Ford, this landmark Western helped establish Wayne as a major Hollywood star.
Red River (1948)
One of Wayne’s most acclaimed Western performances, directed by Howard Hawks.
The Quiet Man (1952)
A celebrated romantic drama directed by John Ford.
The Searchers (1956)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Western films ever made.
Rio Bravo (1959)
A classic Western directed by Howard Hawks.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
A landmark Western starring Wayne alongside James Stewart.
True Grit (1969)
Wayne’s performance as Rooster Cogburn earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Shootist (1976)
Wayne’s final feature film, released shortly before the publication of America, Why I Love Her.
Throughout his career, Wayne became a defining symbol of classic American cinema.
His distinctive voice, commanding presence, and memorable performances established an enduring legacy that continues to influence generations of actors and filmmakers.
John Wayne passed away on June 11, 1979, at the age of 72.
HISTORICAL & COLLECTIBLE SIGNIFICANCE
Original John Wayne autographs remain highly desirable among collectors of classic Hollywood and Western film memorabilia.
Signed books are particularly appealing because they combine an actor’s handwritten autograph with a substantial, historically relevant collectible object.
This example offers several notable collecting features:
1977 First Edition, First Printing
The complete number line identifies the book as a first printing of the original 1977 edition.
Personally Signed by John Wayne
The front free endpaper bears Wayne’s handwritten signature in blue ink.
Personal “Good Luck” Inscription
The autograph includes a brief handwritten message, adding a personal element to the signed presentation.
Published During Wayne’s Lifetime
The book was published in 1977, only two years before Wayne’s death in 1979.
Distinctive Illustrated Dust Jacket
The colorful dust jacket features Wayne’s portrait and the American flag, creating a striking display.
Certificate of Authenticity
A COA accompanies the signed book.
Together, these characteristics make the book an attractive addition to collections of John Wayne autographs, signed first editions, vintage Western memorabilia, and classic Hollywood history.
CONDITION
The book is in vintage, pre-owned collectible condition.
Dust Jacket:
The illustrated dust jacket features John Wayne’s portrait against an American flag background.
The jacket exhibits age-related wear, including visible edge wear, minor creasing, surface marks, and light discoloration.
Hardcover Binding:
The book retains its hardcover binding.
Age-related handling wear may be present.
Interior Pages:
The interior pages retain the original printed text and illustrations.
Some age-related toning and handling wear may be visible.
Signed Endpaper:
The front free endpaper features the handwritten inscription:
“Good Luck”
“John Wayne”
The inscription and signature appear in blue ink.
Copyright Page:
The copyright page clearly displays the 1977 copyright information and complete first-printing number line.
Authentication:
A Certificate of Authenticity (COA) accompanies the book.
Please examine all photographs carefully for details regarding the autograph, inscription, dust jacket, binding, pages, and overall condition.
The book is offered in its present condition, as pictured.
SHIPPING & PACKAGING
This signed first edition and its accompanying COA will be carefully protected for shipment.
The book will be wrapped in suitable protective materials to help safeguard the dust jacket, binding, corners, pages, and handwritten inscription.
A sturdy shipping box and appropriate cushioning materials will be used to reduce the risk of damage during transit.
Tracked shipping will be provided.
Signature confirmation will be arranged where required by applicable shipping services and marketplace policies.
COLLECTOR’S NOTE
An exceptional 1977 first edition, first printing of John Wayne’s America, Why I Love Her, featuring his handwritten “Good Luck” inscription and original signature in blue ink.
First Edition – First Printing
Published by Simon & Schuster, New York, 1977
Personally Signed & Inscribed by John Wayne
Original-Style Illustrated Dust Jacket Included
Certificate of Authenticity (COA) Included
An outstanding collectible for enthusiasts of:
- John Wayne Autographs
- John Wayne Signed Books
- Signed First Editions
- Classic Hollywood Memorabilia
- Western Film Collectibles
- Vintage Movie Star Autographs
- Academy Award-Winning Actors
- American Cinema History
- 1970s Signed Books
- Historic Celebrity Autographs
A remarkable piece of American cinematic history celebrating the enduring legacy of John Wayne, one of Hollywood’s most iconic and influential stars.
