Encyclopedia of Western Lawmen & Outlaws (Paragon True Crime Library) (Hardcover)

by Jay Robert Nash (Author) "Alexander, William, prom. 1889, U.S., outlaw. William Alexander was a Mexican-American who was convicted of murdering his business partner, David C. Steadman, on Oct. 21,..." (more)
Key Phrases: outlaw horse thief, most feared gunman, wild gun battle, New Mexico, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The title pretty much says it all here. The 1989 volume covers the greater- and lesser-known white hats and black hats of the Wild West. Though the text is illustrated with photographs and drawings throughout, there is also a separate section of photos of the most famous people and places.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description
The Edgar Award-winning author of the unparalleled Encyclopedia of World Crime turns his authoritative eye to the American West in this vast catalog of the outlaws of the new frontier and the courageous lawmen who faced them. The entries include Billy the Kid, Frank and Jesse James, Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, "Wild Bill" Hickok, Judge Roy Bean, the Youngers, Belle Starr, Poker Alice Ivers, and others. 300 photographs and illustrations. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Marlowe & Co (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569248974
• ISBN-13: 978-1569248973
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,461,392 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Quantity Beats Quality, May 30, 2000

By	Tom S. Coke (Belle Plaine, KS USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia Of Western Lawmen and Outlaws (Paperback)

With more than 1,000 entries and 400 pictures it would be hard to complain about what is left out of this encyclopedia. That's why I couldn't pass it up when I saw it in a bookstore. Also it has an extensive bibliography I have found very useful. Those are the strong points. As I read through the entries, though, I began finding things that didn't jibe with other books I've read. For example, Nash has Belle Starr living with Cole Younger and later robbing a California prospector while Glenn Shirley's book, Belle Starr and Her Times, shows there is no evidence she did either. Nash has Jesse James riding with William Clarke Quantrill when they sacked Lawrence, Kansas while others, such as Edward Leslie in The Devil Knows How to Ride, shows that Jesse wasn't part of that raid. These are only a couple of examples but I've run across a number of others. It has forced me to use this book with historical reservations. That's why I would only recommend this encyclopedia after making the reader aware of its shortcomings.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic book....must read!, September 11, 2002

By	orangeburst "mistertruth" (Ft. Myers Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia Of Western Lawmen and Outlaws (Paperback)

This book has so many stories about outlaws and lawmen I have and haven't heard of before. It's presented so fantastic. Each individual is a story in their own right. I couldn't put down this mammoth book and you would be crazy not to order this! The portraits are nice, too.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The old west comes to life!, February 13, 2000

By	Michael J Woznicki "Michael J Woznicki" (Holland, MA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Encyclopedia Of Western Lawmen and Outlaws (Paperback)

When I first received this book I thought it would be another book briefly talking famous "bad guys" and those who brought them to justice, I was wrong, very wrong. Jay Robert Nash is one of, if not the best, at bringing to life the Old West and those who made it come alive.

With over a 1000 entries and well over 300 photos, this book goes beyond Jesse and Frank James, The Cole-Younger gang, Billy the Kidd, Pat Garrett, Bat Masterson and The Earps. You'll read about judges, Sheriffs, outlaws and so much more.

I spent over four hours reading this book form cover to cover and every page has something new and fascinating. Facts and myths, legends and tales, it's all here and waiting for you to explore. You'll ride along with the Texas Rangers and help out the Pinkertons, and never have get dirty.

I have seen books on lawmen of the old west, and also books on outlaws of the west, for the first time you have a reference book that gives you both and at a price that makes it a great gift for anyone.