# Dervish Dust: The Life and Words of James Coburn - Hardcover

by **Robyn L. Coburn** (Author), **James H. Coburn** (Foreword by)

_Dervish Dust_ is the authorized biography of "cool cat" actor James Coburn, covering his career, romances, friendships, and spirituality. Thoroughly researched with unparalleled access to Coburn's friends and family, the book's foundation is his own words in the form of letters, poetry, journals, interviews, and his previously unpublished memoirs, recorded in the months before his passing.

_Dervish Dust_ details the life of a Hollywood legend that spanned huge changes in the entertainment and filmmaking industry. Coburn grew up in Compton after his family moved from Nebraska to California during the Great Depression. His acting career began with guest character roles in popular TV series such as _The Twilight Zone_, _Bonanza_, and _Rawhide_. In the 1960s Coburn was cast in supporting roles in such great pictures as _The Magnificent Seven_, _Charade_, and _The Great Escape_, and he became a leading man with the hit _Our Man Flint_. In 1999 Coburn won an Academy Award for his performance in _Affliction_. Younger viewers will recognize him as the voice of Henry Waternoose, the cranky boss in _Monsters, Inc._, and as Thunder Jack in _Snow Dogs_.

An individualist and deeply thoughtful actor, Coburn speaks candidly about acting, show business, people he liked, and people he didn't, with many behind-the-scenes stories from his work, including beloved classics, intellectually challenging pieces, and less well-known projects. His films helped dismantle the notorious Production Code and usher in today's ratings system.

Known for drum circles, playing the gong, and participating in LSD research, Coburn was New Age before it had a name. He brought his motto, Go Bravely On, with him each time he arrived on the set in the final years of his life, when he did some of his best work, garnering the admiration of a whole new generation of fans.

### Author Biography

**Robyn L. Coburn** is a freelance writer and is the daughter-in-law of James Coburn. She has published a series of how-to books about working in entertainment.  

**Number of Pages:** 424

**Dimensions:** 1.5 x 9.2 x 8 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** December 01, 2021

## Details

- **Price:** 36.95 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 36.95 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Dervish Dust: The Life and Words of James Coburn - Hardcover

---

> Source: [Smart supply deals](https://smartsupplydeals.com/products/dervish-dust-the-life-and-words-of-james-coburn-hardcover)
> Updated: 2026-07-21