Customer Reviews

Clay Allison: Legend of Cimarron

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Clay Allison is regarded by my most historians as a psychopathic killer, yet John A Truett has written a very readable novel sympathetic to Allison's cause. This book should not be taken as completely factual, and should be remembered that it is a novel. Yet the skeleton of this story is based upon fact, and is incorporated into some fictitious storylines. Clay Allison as a man suffered a split personality, believed to stem from epilepsy, and this is a fact Truett relies upon to explain why this otherwise, gentleman, found himself plagued by troublesome incidents. Allison's obvious flaw in life was his insatiable appetite for drink, which certainly contributed to many of his altercations, some of which proved to be fatal. Truett's portrayal of Allison is a competent business man and was also a valuable member of the community, with an overbearing need to see justice done. His stubborness and fun loving nature are emphasized in this novel, and both characteristics could at times contribute to his less glorious moments. Yet consistently through the story Allison himself tries to justify all of his deeds, and Truett does an excellent job of putting that across to the readers. It certainly provides an interesting alternative to the usual interpretation of Allison's life. The book succeeds in provoking sympathy for this controversial figure. John A. Truett should be commended for his ability to tell a good tale, which is based upon so many factual events.