Many people differ on the kind of legacy that Barrymore left not only on Hollywood and the stage, but also on the country and even the world. The Legit Reviews article to the left reports that "John Barrymore set the Hollywood standard for a certain type of drunken rashness, defining the image of an actor as charming, self destructive rogue that continues to this day. Sadly (or not) that's about the sum total of Barrymore's legacy, his stage triumphs lost to the past and his film career remembered by few and cherished by fewer." (Proquest) This line from the article explains the feelings many had and still have toward Barrymore and his career. Was he truly a unique and important, stand out actor, or just another run of the mill guy that did not really leave a mark on the industry. Are his stage triumphs truly just figments of the past and his film career not remembered by hardly anyone?

His book, an autobiography, detailed his acting career and the challenges he faced on and off the stage. It is a small piece of his legacy, but part of it nonetheless. His book allows people to get a glimpse into his experience as an actor at the time, as well as the experiences of other actors of his time.