Billy the Kid was neither the most romantic of western desperadoes nor a vicious killer. He was, for his time, a reasonably well-educated young cowboy who went to work for legitimate rancher/businessmen who were in conflict with agents and friends of a local and state government that were so incredibly corrupt that even Governor Lew Wallace couldn't save him. He wound up being 'outlawized' by an equally corrupt and sensationalistic press. Ironically, he was the only participant in the Lincoln County War who was sentenced (railroaded) to hang. Ever since the Kid was ambushed by Pat Garrett in 1881, historians, storytellers, and filmmakers have depended primarily on Pat Garrett's self-serving 'Authentic Life of Billy the Kid'. Jon Tuska, basing his work on documentary evidence, separates what is known of the facts from the fiction about Billy to produce the most accurate account of Billy and the Lincoln County War. He then turns to the standard legendary elements and shows wherein they differ from known facts. Tuska goes on to critique the standard histories, novels, and films that feature Billy. I consider this book to be the standard against which all other Billy the Kid materials are to be measured.

Ever since I moved within an hour and a half of Lincoln County, New Mexico, where that famous jail that imprisoned Billy the Kid before his escape is now a tourist attraction, I've been enveloped by stories of this legendary killer and romantic guy. Jon Tuska adds more research and investigation in this new book. For Billy the Kid enthusiasts who really want to know more about the legend, the book is probably the most important one I've read. Tuska explores the man's life and death, historical views and fiction based on his life. One of my favorite parts is his description of how he escaped detection by the law once when he went to a friend's house and woke them from their bed. He got in bed with them, and they covered him up with covers, then got back in bed as if they were alone. When the law questioned them, it appeared they were alone! Talk about a threesome!

But the best aspect of the book for historians and perhaps for Tuska's future books on Billy the Kid is his determination that to get the true story of what happened during the Lincoln County War, researchers need to focus more on the actions of Alexander A. McSween and Susan Hammer McSween and answering questions like, what happened to the Fritz inheritance money? What happened to John H. Turnstall's numerous high investments? Tuska's work suggests Susan McSween's financial success might have come from extortion from the Fritz and Turnstall estate.

Tuska's theories ring true, and make the reader want more. From his suggestions, the reader almost anticipates another book from Tuska exploring these issues. Readers should follow Tuska's career and future writings about Billy the Kidd.

Hasselstrom's poetry is simply written, easily understood and compelling, but don't let that fool you, her subjects and thinking are complex. This author of both essays and poetry confronts and defines the toughest of life's problems including the death of those we love or hate. My favorite poems are those about accepting and making peace with the ghosts who visit us from time to time. Women with women friends will cherish it.

The acclaimed poet and critic Randall Jarrell must have had Linda Hasselstrom in mind when he described a good poet as "...someone who manages, in a lifetime of standing out in thunderstorms, to be struck by lightning five or six times." If you have read previous works by Hasselstrom you will readily recognize what Jarrell meant. If you have not had that opportunity, you are in luck. This latest effort is your chance to stand in the eye of a thunderstorm and smell the rain, hear the thunder, and experience the brilliant light of pure talent up close and personal. Bitter Creek Junction is the author's fourth volume of poetry and it is a keeper. She writes from, and out, of her western experience but manages to relate such experiences in a manner that has universal meaning and appeal. While I did not grow up in the new or old west and have never experienced ranching, Hasselstrom's narrative poems dealing with her personal experiences in such venues, touch me in familiar ways. But don't be misled. These are not touchy-feely, sugar and spice poems. They are gritty, haunting, powerful, no-nonsense, straight-talking stories of everyday life and living. They are also hopeful, poignant, sensual and, in short, a recognition of the stuff that everyday life demands of each of us. The trick is in the way we handle such events. She writes tellingly about "the stranger Death..." both in memory of her husband; in the story of a cowhand that was the subject of an obituary sent her by a friend; and the death of a friend thirty years ago. The references to a daughter never realized will give you pause. The stories of ranch life, the lives of mothers and grandmothers, and a poem with the advice "Slow grinding-a good technique for any job," will leave you with a longing for more lightning strikes. The title poem, about a mother and her daughter and the non-western cowboy myth of domestic abuse, will leave you with a sense of the landscape and environment Hasselstrom knows so well. I suspect you will long remember this powerful and stirring poem. Randall Jarrell would be proud of Linda Hasselstrom.This is a wonderful collection of life's experiences by a poet that ranks among the best.

I'm neither a young adult, or in any grade between four and eight, but this book is one that everyone should read, no matter what your age. Some pictures are grainy, yes, but then again, THEY'RE OLD and they SHOULD be grainy. This is one book you'll want to pick up every now and then and read all in one sitting. Remember the names of the cowboys and read more books on them. They are as much a part of our history as the American Indians. BUY IT!!! Better yet, BUY THREE!!!

This entertaining and informative book for young adults not only describes the daily lives of black cattlemen; it also includes tales of black pioneers, settlers, lawmen, and outlaws, whose names have been largely forgotton but who were influential in shaping the American West. Despite what we may read and see in western books and films, African Americans played an integral part in America's expansion during the 19th century.

The Black Cowboys is a well-illustrated and beautifully written book

I am a great great grandson of a Bushwhacker from Lone Jack, Missouri. Studying the Missouri/Kansas Border War is my hobby and
Goodrich is best at research and best at making the battles come to life. You will feel like you were there. This book is a welcome addition to the usual collection of books written by Yankees. This is a buy.

This book has the ring of truth. The Civil War in Missouri was vicious in the extreme. It brought the worst out in people, especially the Union occupiers. Abolitionists in Kansas, including John Brown, Jim Lane, and Susan B. Anthony's brother began murdering, stealing and burning along the Missouri Border. It is one heck of a story, all the more in being relatively unknown. The Missouri Confederates (The honorable Wm. Quantrill, Wm. Anderson, the Younger Brothers, and the James Gang) actively resisted the Federal occupation. You gotta read about this if you are a student of the American Civil War. Just a fantastic, gripping book. BUY IT! -S

What I didn't learn about American history surprised me. I had heard the charges that school textbooks focused on the achievements of white males, but it didn't register with me until I read this book. As a white American, I am thankful to know the contributions made by brave African American pioneers. I believe race relations in our country can only improve if we educate ourselves about other cultures and races and seek the truth. I checked out this book from the library, but I plan to buy a copy for myself and for my son. Thank you, William Loren Katz

This is a wonderful history book. It is well written, well documented, and an excellent choice of material. Good photos, too. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy: Black history, women's history, Old West history, and entertaining non-fiction. Some day, I will read this again!

I think that this is a book that very accurately describes what the winter of 1949 was like. After reading the book I talked to various people that lived in rural Nebraska at that time and they said that what was discussed in the book was very much like what they lived through. I plan on using the book as part of my lessons on Nebraska History for my students.

Excellent,easy reading of real life stories of farmers, ranchers, pilots, US Army personel of a major snow storm that first hit in November 1948 and again in January of 1949. Affected people in the all or parts of 10 western states. A national effort to rescue people and lifestock. A human drama and of heavy losses of lifestock.

The opening book of the Seth Strummar saga, this book lays out sexual politics on the frontier with no holds barred. An exciting tale of love and revenge, I relished every page of it.

This is a poignant, gripping tale of a violent man and an experienced young woman trying to make their love work against the odds laid down by his past. Also enjoyable is the budding sidekick who gives up the priesthood to follow the outlaw. A great story, powerfully written.

Amazing amount of research, beautiful writing, great pix and full of respect for the music and the area. Every blues lover should have one.

As well as being a comprehensive travel and music guide, this book provides excellent information about the history of the music of the region. The mapping detail is incredible. A must for all jazz and blues fans. Highly recommended.

My book is called Bold Journey.
A novel by Charles Bohner. Some of the main characters are Jack, Hugh McNeal, sir Lewis , captain Clark, captain Bissell, and Charley.
The setting took place from the Ohio River to the Pacific Ocean. There was not really a problem until they ran into Indians. There was a big fight. During the fight Jack and Hugh ran into Charley while powdering up their muskets. They introduced each other to him. After they fled one of the Keelboats sunk. After they found the other Keelboat they also saw the Pacific Ocean a month later. Once they made it the ship mates jumped up and down as if they were drunk. What Charles Bohner is saying is never give up even if your goal seems imposable. If you like adventure I recommend this book because of when they looked for the other kealboat

This book is a very intresting book.It talks about the north-west passage. the explorers are Lewis and Clark are tring to find the north-west passage. This expodition starts in the north-east were the American and Canadian border is. They wanted to find the passage, instead of going around or above north America. Every night they keep jurnals of what they find.Everyday they try to find new routs to find the passage.Up and down they go what did they find who knows? Will they ever find the passage?What problems will they run into? I really enjoyed this book!!!!!!!!

I loved this book! I've read it so many times I thought I must have a copy. I live in Idaho and I enjoy reading about places I've been to here in the northwest. It's an intriguing tale good for the young and the young at heart. The book is about a family who moves to Northern Idaho so the mother can teach in a mining camp. the problem is, there are no schools. So, along with a large Swedish woman, a thin Irish man, and two spunky kids, she sets up a restaurant. I wonderful story everyone can enjoy!

I first read this book in 4th grade and reread it several times in one year. I can remember telling my mom all about it because it was based in the Northwest. I loved the way the family worked together to give their mom a deserved surprise. I recently found another book by the author and was reminded of my love for this book. I hope I can find a copy to read to my children and let them enjoy the fun.