Customer Reviews

Black, Red and Deadly: Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territory, 1870-1907

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Art Burton's book tells the story of the Oklahoma's outlaws and the lawmen, who tracked them down. His emphasis is on blacks and native americans from the "Terrirorial Days" before Oklahoma's statehood in 1907. It's a "who's who" of Oklahoma's history and is very readable. There are many photograph's and Burton documents his research fully. A true historically accurate account of the Oklahoma's past. I would highly recommend this book!

Mike Koch, author of "The Kimes Gang."

This is the first history book that chronicles the stories concerning African American and Native American gunfighters of the Old West. There were legendary lawmen such as Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves, who worked the Indian Territory for 32 years. And there were outlaw folk heroes such as Cherokee Bill who robbed stagecoaches, trains and banks and was hung before he was 21 years of age. This is an exciting book I believe western history readers will enjoy.

Overall this was a pretty good book. Though it seemed a little disjointed at times, it was interesting reading about some Oklahoma history that usually isn't addressed.

The book discusses some of the most notorious black and Indian outlaws (and lawmen) of the Indian (and then Oklahoma) territory. I must admit that I had not heard of most of the names. I was surprised to read of how many black men had served as deputy United States Marshals in this region before statehood.

The author seems to have done extensive research on the subjet, and quotes regularly from newspaper articles and other writings from the late 1800's and early 1900's.

I first read this book when I was doing graduate work at the University of Central Oklahoma. I have since purchased it and was happy that it was available. I do not believe anyone who loves the West and the the lawmen who concurred it can go without reading this book.
While it is written with much documentation it reads well. I could not put it down and never could get it out of my mind, after reading it the first time.
I feel that Art has opened a new world to those who have no idea about the black man's influence on the history of Oklahoma add the West.

"Black,Red and Deadly" was very well written with much unknown or once lost African American history.The author seems to transport his readers into the OLD WEST with exciting characters never seen in this light before.These characters and amagined scenes will hold you until THE END!

I consider a "must have" for your own personal library

To Whom It May Concern:

Your book must be great, but since it happens to be about my DIRECT grandparents, could you please send a courtesy copy to me. I tried ordering thru you and never rec'd the book. I have had excerpts read to me by other members of family that found the book & I must say I'm shocked. I feel I deserve the right to have a courtesy copy. Any and all of the part of S. P. Brassfield, Abner Brassfield and Abner Jr. you sure hit home. Thank you for your time, I will be anxious to hear from you.