Introduction: Worth the cool -- Half a piece of candy -- Desk lamp (with bulb) -- Little cooked onions -- Bill Cosby's sweaters -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 1977-1988 -- Emergency cord -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 1989-1991 -- Brown envelope -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 1992-1994 -- Two lights and some batteries -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 1995-1998 -- Engraved handle -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 1999-2001 -- Berry popsicles -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2002-2004 -- Rental clubs -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2005-2007 -- Eye patch -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2008-2011 -- Hot poker -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2012-2015 -- French braid -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2016-2018 -- Alligator loafers -- The films of Samuel L. Jackson, 2019-2021 -- Greenhouse roof

Samuel L. Jackson's embodiment of cool isn't just inspirational--it's important. Bad Motherfucker lays out how his attitude intersects with his identity as a Black man, why being cool matters in the modern world, and how Jackson can guide us through the current cultural moment in which everyone is losing their cool. Edwards details Jackson's fascinating personal history, from stuttering bookworm to gunrunning revolutionary to freebasing addict to A-list movie star. Drawing on original reporting and interviews, the book explores not only the major events of Jackson's life but also his obsessions: golf, kung fu movies, profanity. Bad Motherfucker features a delectable filmography of Jackson's movies--140 and counting!--and also includes new movie posters for many of Jackson's greatest roles, reimagined by dozens of gifted artists and designers. The book provides a must-read road map through the vast territory of his on-screen career and more: a vivid portrait of Samuel L. Jackson's essential self, as well as practical instructions, by example, for how to live and work and be