We talked a little about this new book in a thread a couple of weeks ago. You may see that thread here. Forum Member dfariswheel brought it to our attention.
This book is subtitled How Texas Made the West Wild. That, right there, should be a clue about the direction this book takes. More about that in a minute.
I bought this book and read it. My opinions about it are just that...my opinions. Got it from Amazon for $35.00. I can't honestly say it's worth that price for me. I'm disappointed in this book and admit I may have fell for a bit of the hype about it in a review I read of it in the New York Times.
Anyway, cut to the chase. If you're sort of a neophyte when it comes to Old West history, you'll like the book. Being Colt Forum members, I'd say most of us know more than the average reader when it comes to gunfighters and their place in this country's history, the role they played in westward expansion.
The disappointments? This book looks and feels cheaply made, which kinda surprises me, as it's published by Penguin, a quality publisher. The book has a section of photographs, okay? But 99% of them are the same ol' photos we've all seen for the past fifty-plus years. And the quality of the photos is sadly lacking...some of them look like second generation Xerox copies. You can find these exact same pictures online, and of a much better quality.
As far as details about gunfighters go, there isn't much new there, either. The book does fill in some details about some guys. Some fringe characters get some notice. As for the more well known ones...as an example there's the same tired ol' photo of Billy the Kid. The caption reads, "...orphan, runaway, murderer, bandit, feudist, ladies' man, escaped fugitive, cattle rustler, folk hero, legend." Move along folks, nothing new to see here. Anyone here not know those details?
Like I said, there are some new details, but not enough to keep me coming back for additional readings. This could be an entry level reference book for people starting to look at history.
Back to the book's intent as hinted at in the subtitle. The author seems to advance the theory that all the bad guys and their nefarious deeds sprung from or were influenced by the violent lifestyle of Texas in the early- to mid-1800s. Wyatt Earp (a former pimp and prison escapee), Doc Holliday, John Hardin, etc., etc. were all products of the Texas way of life, the Texas attitude, even though the majority of famous/infamous gunfighters had never set foot in the place.
Bottom line for me? This book bored me. It might be a different reading experience for you. I know this isn't much of a "review", but it might make you think twice before plunking down thirty-five bucks for it. If you're a Kindle or other type of e-reader person, you can read it a lot cheaper. I'm the guy who just likes the tactile feel of a book in my hands. Or support your local public library by getting it there.
Happy Reading.
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This book is subtitled How Texas Made the West Wild. That, right there, should be a clue about the direction this book takes. More about that in a minute.
I bought this book and read it. My opinions about it are just that...my opinions. Got it from Amazon for $35.00. I can't honestly say it's worth that price for me. I'm disappointed in this book and admit I may have fell for a bit of the hype about it in a review I read of it in the New York Times.
Anyway, cut to the chase. If you're sort of a neophyte when it comes to Old West history, you'll like the book. Being Colt Forum members, I'd say most of us know more than the average reader when it comes to gunfighters and their place in this country's history, the role they played in westward expansion.
The disappointments? This book looks and feels cheaply made, which kinda surprises me, as it's published by Penguin, a quality publisher. The book has a section of photographs, okay? But 99% of them are the same ol' photos we've all seen for the past fifty-plus years. And the quality of the photos is sadly lacking...some of them look like second generation Xerox copies. You can find these exact same pictures online, and of a much better quality.
As far as details about gunfighters go, there isn't much new there, either. The book does fill in some details about some guys. Some fringe characters get some notice. As for the more well known ones...as an example there's the same tired ol' photo of Billy the Kid. The caption reads, "...orphan, runaway, murderer, bandit, feudist, ladies' man, escaped fugitive, cattle rustler, folk hero, legend." Move along folks, nothing new to see here. Anyone here not know those details?
Like I said, there are some new details, but not enough to keep me coming back for additional readings. This could be an entry level reference book for people starting to look at history.
Back to the book's intent as hinted at in the subtitle. The author seems to advance the theory that all the bad guys and their nefarious deeds sprung from or were influenced by the violent lifestyle of Texas in the early- to mid-1800s. Wyatt Earp (a former pimp and prison escapee), Doc Holliday, John Hardin, etc., etc. were all products of the Texas way of life, the Texas attitude, even though the majority of famous/infamous gunfighters had never set foot in the place.
Bottom line for me? This book bored me. It might be a different reading experience for you. I know this isn't much of a "review", but it might make you think twice before plunking down thirty-five bucks for it. If you're a Kindle or other type of e-reader person, you can read it a lot cheaper. I'm the guy who just likes the tactile feel of a book in my hands. Or support your local public library by getting it there.
Happy Reading.
