Customer Reviews

Myths and Mysteries of the Old West (Myths and Mysteries Series)

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I read this book looking for something that had short stories, was about the Old West, and that I could finish rather quickly before getting involved in something more substantial. For that purpose the book was great. However, for a book that is supposed to correct myths, he amazingly contributes to them. For instance, echoing Mari Sandoz, he writes that Custer wanted to be president. I can't criticize all the facts from all the stories, because I don't have the knowledge to do so, but based on his chapter on Custer, one must question his other data. Also, the bibliography is very sparse and there are no footnotes. The absence of footnotes is understandable for this type of book which is easy reading. But again, he doesn't seem to have really done too much hardcore research.

Michael Rutter presents 'myths and mysteries' from the Old West. He covers topics from Lost Cities of Gold to personalities of Custer, Billy the Kid, Wild Bill Hickok, Butch & Sundance, and Calamity Jane. All in all, this is more like a brief history show for kids on PBS. It lacks any investigation and really questions resolves nothing or even presents any theories. Rutter presents Hickok and Custer in the best light he can and tries to make Billy the Kid into a misunderstood youth. Now granted many of the stories of the Kid were bogus and his body count was more around 4-6 people in self defense but Rutter seems to buy into all of it. The only real mystery of this book is how it ever got published. Any Old West buff would be embarassed to have this on their shelf.

I really enjoyed these stories! Michael Rutter is a good writer, interesting to read. He would review the myths and traditions behind each person, then delve into what is *really* known about them, what they did and how the myths developed. He clearly did alot of research on these topics, and his information was very credible. I definitely recommend this book.

The book is well written and is an easy read. I question the thoroughness of the documentation on the stories in the book which I have read.