Gentleman Bandit: The True Story of Black Bart, the Old West's Most Infamous Stagecoach Robber

By John Boessenecker

Book Overview

From New York Times bestselling author and award-winning historian John Boessenecker, an "entertaining, well-researched foray" (Kirkus Reviews) into the decades of Black Bart, the Wild West's mysterious gentleman bandit.

Black Bart, widely regarded today as the best-behaved stage robber of the Old West, held up at least twenty-nine stagecoaches in California and Oregon with mild, polite commands, never robbing a passenger.

His real name was Charles E. Boles, and his true calling as America's greatest stage robber was never suspected. Legends and rumors trailed his name until his death, and his ultimate fate remains one of the greatest mysteries of the Old West.

Now historian John Boessenecker sheds new light on Black Bart's beginnings, reputation and exploits, bringing to life the glittering story of the stage robber who doubled as a rich, genteel socialite in the golden era of the Wild West.

"A fascinating account of an enigmatic criminal." --Booklist

"Gentleman Bandit sets the bar very high for Old West Law and Order biographies. It deserves a place of honor on every Westerner's bookshelf." --Branding Iron

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1335462856
• ISBN13: 9781335462855
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Hanover Square Press
• Length: 384 Pages