J. B. Books

Overview

Film

J. B. Books
Books aims his sidearm.
Biographical Information
Real Name	John Bernard Books
Aliases	J. B. The Most Celebrated Shootist Extant
Home country	United States of America
Homeworld	Earth
Birth	29 January 1843
Death	29 January 1901
Physical Information
Species	Human
Gender	Male
Chronological / Political Information
Citizenship	American
Occupation(s)	Sheriff
Fictional Information
Created by	Miles Hood Swarthout Scott Hale
Portrayed by	John Wayne
First Appearance	The Shootist
Final Appearance	The Shootist

“	I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same of them.	”
–J. B. Books

John Bernard "J. B." Books (29 January 1843-29 January 1901) was an American gunfighter of the 19th century.

Notes

Behind the Scenes

• Books was played by American actor John Wayne. While Wayne did not intend it to be, it turned out to be his final film.

Reception

• Roger Ebert claimed that Wayne's performance in the film proved that he was capable of acting.

Trivia

• Books was based on real-life gunman John Wesley Hardin.
• Books partially inspired screenwriter David Peoples to write a script based on the characterisation of dying gunman fearful of death, which later became the film "Unforgiven". Clint Eastwood played the film's protagonist, Will Munny. Both Books and Munny were ranked as being among the Top 10 Toughest Western Heroes by Comic Book Resources in 2024.

Appearances

• The Shootist (first and final appearance)