How much of what we know about the history of the Old West is true? In this new book, author Michael Rutter looks at the legend and lore behind such notorious figures as Billy the Kid and Calamity Jane and the stories of famous gun fights and battles, telling what really happened. Truth may be stranger than fiction, but these 12 legends stand up to scrutiny, and this book will be a must-read for all western history buffs.
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From the Back Cover
Fact versus Fiction in the Old West
In an age before twenty-four-hour news coverage, before law and order came into vogue, dime novels and casually written newspaper stories fueled the legends of the Old West. The real people who filled the vast Western landscape became the romantic folk heroes—or villains—of the era, among them Billy the Kid, George Armstrong Custer, and Sitting Bull. Myths and Mysteries of the Old West retells their tales with a witty brand of honesty about “truths” as elusive as vapors.
Were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid truly shot down in South America, or did they live to a ripe old age, with or without wild woman Etta Place? Did the Gold Rush really start with a fortuitous accident? Did Calamity Jane in fact marry and have a baby with Wild Bill Hickok, and did he really kill one hundred men? Did buffalo hunter Billy Dixon shoot a man dead from a mile away?
“We love a good story more than a slavish adherence to facts,” writes author Michael Rutter. “The sin, apparently, isn’t stretching the truth, but telling a bad story.”
In an age before twenty-four-hour news coverage, before law and order came into vogue, dime novels and casually written newspaper stories fueled the legends of the Old West. The real people who filled the vast Western landscape became the romantic folk heroes—or villains—of the era, among them Billy the Kid, George Armstrong Custer, and Sitting Bull. Myths and Mysteries of the Old West retells their tales with a witty brand of honesty about “truths” as elusive as vapors.
Were Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid truly shot down in South America, or did they live to a ripe old age, with or without wild woman Etta Place? Did the Gold Rush really start with a fortuitous accident? Did Calamity Jane in fact marry and have a baby with Wild Bill Hickok, and did he really kill one hundred men? Did buffalo hunter Billy Dixon shoot a man dead from a mile away?
“We love a good story more than a slavish adherence to facts,” writes author Michael Rutter. “The sin, apparently, isn’t stretching the truth, but telling a bad story.”
About the Author
Michael Rutter is a freelance writer who lives in Orem, Utah, with his wife, Shari, and two children. He is the author of more than 35 books. When not traveling or writing, he teaches English at Brigham Young University. His passion is the American West.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Just More of the Same,
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This review is from: Myths and Mysteries of the Old West (Myths and Mysteries Series) (Paperback)
While the book has an intriguing title and cover, unfortunately it's value ends there. The author makes no attempt to explain or unravel any myths or mysteries. In fact, it mentions almost none. While the book contains a large bibliography, there is no evidence that it was actually used in writing the book. Not one reference or footnote is to be found. The author obviously has his heros, among them George Custer and Billy the Kid. Not one negative fact is mentioned about either. Actually, throughout the book, it is obvious that the author's personal opinions are what are being included, not facts or research. Save your money and buy something else.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Twelve tales well told,
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This review is from: Myths and Mysteries of the Old West (Myths and Mysteries Series) (Paperback)
I had prior knowledge of most of the events recounted in this book, but in some instances the author went into greater depth than I had seen before. This was particularly true of his accounts of "The Battle of Adobe Walls," which is often alluded-to in western literature, and "The Mountain Meadows Massacre," which is largely unknown today. The most interesting account, to me, however, was his tale of the mysterious ending of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. I didn't know, for example, that the bodies of the two outlaws killed at San Vicente, Bolivia, had been exhumed and that DNA tests revealed that they were NOT those of the famous outlaws.I, like some of the previous reviewers, expected the author to try and resolve the twelve mysteries of the old west included in this book. But, all things considered, that would be an impossibility. For if that was possible in such a brief tome a this -- they likely wouldn't have been mysteries in the first place. As it turned out, the author simply tells his stories and attempts to dispell some of the fog of myth and shave off some of the fuzz of mystery. And he does that quite well. This is a quick, entertaining, and interesting read. The author clearly loves his subject, has studied it in depth, and enjoys telling a tale or two (in this case twelve good ones). I would particularly recommend the book to anyone unfamiliar with the history of the old west, but it's a fun read for anyone.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good,
By
This review is from: Myths and Mysteries of the Old West (Myths and Mysteries Series) (Paperback)
This book is not for history scholars, but in saying that it's a great read. If you're looking for some light reading on the old west and enjoy mini-stories buy this book.
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