Incredible Elfego Baca [Paperback]

Howard Bryan (Author), Rudolfo A. Anaya (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1994

A legend during his lifetime, a folk hero after his death, Elfego Baca (1865-1945) was a true product of the Western frontier. Best remembered for his single-handed battle against an estimated eighty Texas cowboys who fired a reported four thousand shots at him without effect, Baca achieved the reputation as one of New Mexico's most colorful figures during his long career as a gunfighter, ruffian, lawyer, sheriff, mayor, district attorney and perennial candidate for state and federal offices. Three times he was tried and acquitted of murder charges, as well as a charge of conspiracy against the United States government. Ranking in popular imagination alongside the famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona, Baca's fight with the Texas cowboys has been the subject of countless articles as well as films and Hispanic folk songs. WINNER WESTERN WRITER SPUR AWARD.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Elfego Baca (1865-1945), long considered one of New Mexico's most colorful and controversial figures, first achieved fame in 1884 as a 19 year old deputy sheriff who single-handedly fought off an estimated 80 bloodthirsty cowboys who fired a reported four thousands shots at him without effect during a two-day siege. That reputation stayed with him for the rest of his long and eventful life. Often using his gunfighter reputation to enforce his will, Baca embarked on a long and varied career as a lawyer, private detective, sheriff, county clerk, school superintendent, mayor and district attorney. His unorthodox methods in most instances gave him the added reputation as both a good man and a bad man. Baca counted Billy the Kid and Pancho Villa among his many friends and acquaintances, although the latter reportedly offered $30,000 for his head. Three times he was tried for murder, but was acquitted each time. He was also charged and acquitted of conspiracy against the United States Government. Incredible Elfego Baca: Good Man, Bad Man Of The Old West is the stuff of which western legends are made! -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Clear Light Books; First Edition edition (March 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940666375
• ISBN-13: 978-0940666375
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,088,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Man? Bad Man? Definitely Human., August 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Incredible Elfego Baca (Paperback)

What a great read. I enjoyed the hell out of it. I wish there were more details about his adventurous life. It seems that a great deal of the story came from Mr.Baca himself and if the way he lived his life is any indication; then the "facts" he relates must be taken with many many grains of salt. That said this book is one heckuva roller coaster ride, short but action packed leaving you thirsting for more. More! please.