Encyclopedia of Western Lawmen and Outlaws

By Jay Robert Nash

Book Overview

"The most extensive listing of outlaws and lawmen of the Wild West ever compiled. The narrative is well done, often with bits of dialogue take from contemporary sources."--Booklist

With over 1000 entries and 400 illustrations, this volume is the most fact-packed history of the West ever assembled. Crime historian extraordinaire Jay Robert Nash has left no stone unturned in his search for the gunmen, train robbers, gangs, desperadoes, range warriors, gamblers, and lawmen that roamed the frontier.

Contrary to popular myth, the Wild West was not a glamorous land where chivalry and courage were the custom and a man died with his boots on. It was a land of incredible hardships--brutal weather, hunger and disease, and the constant threat of violent death. Everyone carried a six-shooter, neutrality was impossible, and violence unavoidable; lawmen and outlaws lived side by side, and often there was no telling one from the other. Into this land came pioneers lured by promises of great fortunes, ex-Confederate soldiers embittered by the outcome of the war, greedy cattle barons, and merchant princes. It was truly an explosive mixture.
Included in this volume are all the great Western legends--Billy the Kid, Jesse and Frank James, Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Judge Roy Bean, "Wild Bill" Hickock--and a host of lesser-known figures who, though they may have missed notoriety, were equally lethal. And while the West was very much a man's world, several women managed to shoot, steal, or gamble their way to fame--including Belle Starr, Pearl Hart, and Calamity Jane.
A compelling read, Encyclopedia of Western Lawmen & Outlaws will be the standard reference for years to come. In addition to alphabetical listings, it offers a glossary of lawmen and a glossary of outlaws, a magnificent photo and illustration appendix, and an extensive bibliography of books on the American West.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030680591X
• ISBN13: 9780306805912
• Release Date: August 1994
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 584 Pages
• Weight: 3.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 8.2" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

this has to be UNDISPUTABLY the best resource on famous Wild West Characters

anytime you here a famous character's name in a western movie, you can bet that you can go and look it up in this book, and learn everything that has been documented about them in real life. This book is incredible, and if you're a western history buff, this is the only book you need! You won't believe the things that REALLY happened in the wild west... you hear all the rumors on TV, but this book sets it all straight.

A fantastic book....must read!

This book has so many stories about outlaws and lawmen I have and haven't heard of before. It's presented so fantastic. Each individual is a story in their own right. I couldn't put down this mammoth book and you would be crazy not to order this! The portraits are nice, too.

The old west comes to life!

When I first received this book I thought it would be another book briefly talking famous "bad guys" and those who brought them to justice, I was wrong, very wrong. Jay Robert Nash is one of, if not the best, at bringing to life the Old West and those who made it come alive.With over a 1000 entries and well over 300 photos, this book goes beyond Jesse and Frank James, The Cole-Younger gang, Billy the Kidd, Pat Garrett, Bat Masterson and The Earps. You'll read about judges, Sheriffs, outlaws and so much more.I spent over four hours reading this book form cover to cover and every page has something new and fascinating. Facts and myths, legends and tales, it's all here and waiting for you to explore. You'll ride along with the Texas Rangers and help out the Pinkertons, and never have get dirty.I have seen books on lawmen of the old west, and also books on outlaws of the west, for the first time you have a reference book that gives you both and at a price that makes it a great gift for anyone.