Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Black Hat Jack by Joe R

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Black Hat Jack by Joe R Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} Black Hat Jack by Joe R. Lansdale Black Hat Jack — Joe R. Lansdale. The story of African-Americans in the West has been confined to the dusty, bottom shelf of recorded history and American literature. But in the vein of the old dime novels containing stories about such heroes as Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jesse James, comes the true story of one of those ten-cent novel heroes, Deadwood Dick, disguised in those novels as a white champion of justice and adventure, but in reality a black cowboy, buffalo soldier, Indian fighter, and general hell raiser. Here, Nat Love, the one and only Deadwood Dick, writes down his version of certain events, straightening out numerous misconceptions raised in the popular and sanitized dime novels. Though his version varies considerably from the numerous volumes of adventures attributed to him, his true story, with perhaps a bit of exaggeration, is no less fascinating or exciting. Nat was one of those Old West characters who seemed to be everywhere and met everyone that was anyone at some point in his life. ''Black Hat Jack'' details Nat's version of the events of the now famous Second Battle of Adobe Walls, where he and a handful of buffalo hunters, primarily his good friend, Black Hat Jack, were pitted against hundreds of Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa warriors. Heroics abound. Curse words fly. Humor flows as free as blood, and there's even a spot of romance. And with all that real life bravado, there might even be a few lies. Joe R. Lansdale's stories about Nat Love are based loosely on the real Nat Love, who may have told a few windies about his time in the West, but at the same time revealed that African-Americans of that era were not all cooks and custodians. In fact, a full third of the cowboys of the Wild West days were African-American, Hispanic, or of mixed blood. This is a tribute to the real deal, as well as to the great mythology of the Old West. Black Hat Jack by Joe R. Lansdale. Nat Love's personal history -- immortalized in 19th-century pulp fiction and his autobiography -- is fascinating stuff. The Second Battle of Adobe Walls -- a conflict in 1874 between a handful of buffalo hunters and hundreds of Comanche and Kiowa warriors -- is a harrowing tale of survival against overwhelming odds. Historically, Love wasn't at that battle. But that didn't stop Joe R. Lansdale from spinning a good yarn about what he might have done if he'd been there. Love, a real African-American cowboy, has been the subject of several stories by Lansdale. Black Hat Jack: The True Life Adventures of Deadwood Dick, as told by His Ownself is one of them and, though narrated by Love, it focuses on the eponymous Jack, a mysterious (fictional) figure who partnered with Love on the hunt and was trapped with him (in this story, anyway) at Adobe Walls when the natives attacked. Lansdale isn't writing history here. He's writing fiction about a historical event featuring real-life figures such as Bat Masterson, Billy Dixon and William Olds, who were at Adobe Walls, and Love, who wasn't. He's laying out some of the facts of the pivotal battle, which helped spell the end of Comanche power in the West, and embellishing the tale like many a western man -- Love included -- was known to do. Lansdale also takes advantage of the opportunity to make some pointed commentary about the role and perception of African-American cowboys in an era when many, like Love, lived through the final years of American slavery. It's not a pretty picture, although Love was able to find some measure of respect in the West, where men were judged more by their deeds than their appearance. Black Hat Jack is a good western story. It contains some facts, and some fiction, and hopefully it will inspire readers to read up on the history to discern the difference. In any case, it's an enjoyable read. Black Hat Jack Joe R. Lansdale 1st Ed 350 Copy Signed/limited HC Fine OOP. The lowest-priced brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, unless the item is handmade or was packaged by the manufacturer in non-retail packaging, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. See details for additional description. What does this price mean? This is the price (excluding shipping and handling fees) a seller has provided at which the same item, or one that is nearly identical to it, is being offered for sale or has been offered for sale in the recent past. The price may be the seller's own price elsewhere or another seller's price. The "off" amount and percentage simply signifies the calculated difference between the seller-provided price for the item elsewhere and the seller's price on eBay. If you have any questions related to the pricing and/or discount offered in a particular listing, please contact the seller for that listing. Black Hat Jack by Joe R. Lansdale. You have no items in your shopping cart. You're currently on: Home Black Hat Jack. Dust jacket and interior illustrations by Ken Laager. The story of African-Americans in the West has been confined to the dusty, bottom shelf of recorded history and American literature. But in the vein of the old dime novels containing stories about such heroes as Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jesse James, comes the true story of one of those ten-cent novel heroes, Deadwood Dick, disguised in those novels as a white champion of justice and adventure, but in reality a black cowboy, buffalo soldier, Indian fighter, and general hell raiser. Here, Nat Love, the one and only Deadwood Dick, writes down his version of certain events, straightening out numerous misconceptions raised in the popular and sanitized dime novels. Though his version varies considerably from the numerous volumes of adventures attributed to him, his true story, with perhaps a bit of exaggeration, is no less fascinating or exciting. Nat was one of those Old West characters who seemed to be everywhere and met everyone that was anyone at some point in his life. Black Hat Jack details Nat’s version of the events of the now famous Second Battle of Adobe Walls, where he and a handful of buffalo hunters, primarily his good friend, Black Hat Jack, were pitted against hundreds of Comanche, Cheyenne, and Kiowa warriors. Heroics abound. Curse words fly. Humor flows as free as blood, and there’s even a spot of romance. And with all that real life bravado, there might even be a few lies. Joe R. Lansdale’s stories about Nat Love are based loosely on the real Nat Love, who may have told a few windies about his time in the West, but at the same time revealed that African-Americans of that era were not all cooks and custodians. In fact, a full third of the cowboys of the Wild West days were African-American, Hispanic, or of mixed blood. This is a tribute to the real deal, as well as to the great mythology of the Old West. Limited: 350 signed numbered copies, bound in leather, with a different dust jacket than the trade. Trade: Fully cloth bound hardcover edition. From Publishers Weekly: “Based on a true story, this novella-length Western from Lansdale ( The Thicket ) offers a potent concoction of witty repartee and a rousing battle. Black Hat Jack and Nat, who goes by Deadwood Dick, make an unlikely pair. Although the former is white and the latter black, the difference in their skin color matters little to them as they ride into Adobe Walls, Tex., after discovering a man killed by Comanche Indians. Soon violence breaks out as the Indians attack the town. While their ammunition may run low, Nat's keen wit stays fully loaded throughout the skirmish…” From Booklist: “ Black Hat Jack is profane, vulgar, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, and full of rousing adventure, as a good dime novel, or dime novella, should be.” Black Hat Jack by Joe R. Lansdale. (preorder—to be published in November) Dust jacket and interior illustrations by Ken Laager. We’re thrilled to present an original 30,000 word novella that continues the adventures of Nat Love, narrator of Joe R. Lansdale’s acclaimed novel, Paradise Sky , novella, Black Hat Jack , and novelette, “Everything Sparkles in Hell.” Ken Laager has contributed a full-color dust jacket and six black-and-white interior illustrations. Important Note: Those who preorder Radiant Apples direct from SubPress will receive a bonus ebook collection, In the Ditch , that features four (very) short stories about Leonard Pine, he of Hap and Leonard fame. The ebook will be sent when Radiant Apples is published. About the Book: Nat Love has had enough adventures for ten men. From son of a former slave, to buffalo soldier, to gun hand, to Marshal for Hanging Judge Parker. Now, entering old age, he’s a train porter. A job he’s happy to have, but not exactly the cream of his life. And then an unlikely train robbery and a moment of bravery gives him an opportunity to relive his past and perhaps redeem his wayward son. He’s still got the skills, but he’s also older and stiffer, and a little less certain. He’ll need his old pal, Choctaw, to help him track down the murderous Radiant Apple Gang, so named for the odd, glowing cheeks of the two brothers who lead it.
Recommended publications
  • Chapter 13: Settling the West, 1865-1900
    The Birth of Modern America 1865–1900 hy It Matters Following the turmoil of the Civil War and W Reconstruction, the United States began its transformation from a rural nation to an indus- trial, urban nation. This change spurred the growth of cities, the development of big busi- ness, and the rise of new technologies such as the railroads. New social pressures, including increased immigration, unionization move- ments, and the Populist movement in politics, characterized the period as well. Understanding this turbulent time will help you understand similar pressures that exist in your life today. The following resources offer more information about this period in American history. Primary Sources Library See pages 1052–1053 for primary source Coat and goggles worn in a readings to accompany Unit 5. horseless carriage Use the American History Primary Source Document Library CD-ROM to find additional primary sources about the begin- nings of the modern United States. Chicago street scene in 1900 410 “The city is the nerve center of our civilization. It is also the storm center.” —Josiah Strong, 1885 Settling the West 1865–1900 Why It Matters After the Civil War, a dynamic period in American history opened—the settlement of the West. The lives of Western miners, farmers, and ranchers were often filled with great hardships, but the wave of American settlers continued. Railroads hastened this migration. During this period, many Native Americans lost their homelands and their way of life. The Impact Today Developments of this period are still evident today. • Native American reservations still exist in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • American Heritage Day
    American Heritage Day DEAR PARENTS, Each year the elementary school students at Valley Christian Academy prepare a speech depicting the life of a great American man or woman. The speech is written in the first person and should include the character’s birth, death, and major accomplishments. Parents should feel free to help their children write these speeches. A good way to write the speech is to find a child’s biography and follow the story line as you construct the speech. This will make for a more interesting speech rather than a mere recitation of facts from the encyclopedia. Students will be awarded extra points for including spiritual application in their speeches. Please adhere to the following time limits. K-1 Speeches must be 1-3 minutes in length with a minimum of 175 words. 2-3 Speeches must be 2-5 minutes in length with a minimum of 350 words. 4-6 Speeches must be 3-10 minutes in length with a minimum of 525 words. Students will give their speeches in class. They should be sure to have their speeches memorized well enough so they do not need any prompts. Please be aware that students who need frequent prompting will receive a low grade. Also, any student with a speech that doesn’t meet the minimum requirement will receive a “D” or “F.” Students must portray a different character each year. One of the goals of this assignment is to help our children learn about different men and women who have made America great. Help your child choose characters from whom they can learn much.
    [Show full text]
  • Handout - Excerpt from Life and Adventures of Nat Love Nat Love Was Born Into Slavery in 1854 in Davidson, Tennessee
    Handout - Excerpt from Life and Adventures of Nat Love Nat Love was born into slavery in 1854 in Davidson, Tennessee. After the Civil War, he was released from slavery and worked on a family farm before moving to Dodge City, Kansas, to become a cowboy. Love’s time driving cattle made him into a folk legend, and he became known as “Deadwood Dick.” The following excerpt comes from Chapter 6 of Love’s memoir, entitled Life and Adventures of Nat Love. We were compelled to finish our journey home almost on foot, as there were only six horses left to fourteen of us. Our friend and companion who was shot in the fight, we buried on the plains, wrapped in his blanket with stones piled over his grave. After this engagement with the Indians I seemed to lose all sense as to what fear was and thereafter during my whole life on the range I never experienced the least feeling of fear, no matter how trying the ordeal or how desperate my position. The home ranch was located on the Palo Duro river in the western part of the Pan Handle, Texas, which we reached in the latter part of May, it taking us considerably over a month Nat Love to make the return journey home from Dodge City. I remained in the employ of the Duval outfit for three years, making regular trips to Dodge City every season and to many other places in the surrounding states with herds of horses and cattle for market and to be delivered to other ranch owners all over Texas, Wyoming and the Dakotas.
    [Show full text]
  • Nat Love 1854 – 1921 Story: R. Alan Brooks Art: Cody Kuehl Discussion Questions: 3-5Th Grade
    Nat Love 1854 – 1921 Story: R. Alan Brooks Art: Cody Kuehl Discussion Questions: 3-5th Grade • When you think of a cowboy, what do you see in your mind? What do they wear? What do they do with their day? • What do you want to be when you grow up? What would you do if someone told you that you are not allowed to do that? • Why did the members of the Pima Tribe let Nat go when they caught him? What does it mean to have respect for another person? • How does the comic make Nat’s experiences come to life? Which pictures show him engaging in an exciting activity? MS • Nat Love was born a slave and, as such, was not allowed to learn to read. Why do you suppose that law existed? • In the second panel of the first page, Nat says “a lot of folks dispute the facts of my life, saying it’s all too incredible to be true.” Are there any parts of this story that you find hard to believe? • Nat Love took the name “Deadwood Dick.” What would your cowboy name be if you could choose it for yourself? • In both the fifth panel of the first page and the second panel of the second page, Nat is shown firing his gun from horseback. How does including two images that are so similar to one another enhance your understanding of the character? HS • The artwork of this comic contains a lot of thick lines and an abundance of deep shading. How does this style inform the tone of the story being told here? • Why do you suppose that people today do not believe, as Nat points out in the comic, that there were any African American cowboys? • Not only was Nat literate, he wrote a book about his life.
    [Show full text]
  • Nat Love's Autobiography, 1907
    When I arrived the town was full of cowboys Life and Adventures of Nat Love from the surrounding ranches, and from Texas (Nat Love’s Autobiography, 1907) and other parts of the west. Kansas was a great Chapter 6 excerpt- Becoming a Cowboy cattle center and market, with many wild cowboys, prancing horses of which I was very fond, and the wild life generally. They all had It was on the tenth day of February, 1869, that I left the old home, near Nashville, their attractions for me, and I decided to try for a Tennessee. I was at that time about fifteen years place with them. Although it seemed to me I had old, and though while young in years the hard met with a bad outfit, at least some of them, I work and farm life had made me strong and watched my chances to get to speak with them. I hearty, much beyond my years, and I had full wanted to find someone whom I thought would confidence in myself as being able to take care of give me a civil answer to the questions I wanted myself and making my way. to ask, but they all seemed too wild around town, so the next day I went out where they I at once struck out for Kansas of which I had were in camp. heard something. And I believed it was a good Approaching a party who were eating their place in which to seek employment. It was in the breakfast, I got to speak with them.
    [Show full text]
  • Am AMERICAN HERITAGE
    AMERICANAm HERITAGE DAY DEAR PARENTS, Each year the elementary school students at Valley Christian Academy prepare a speech depicting the life of a great American man or woman. The speech is written in the first person and should include the character’s birth, death, and major accomplishments. Parents should feel free to help their children write these speeches. A good way to write the speech is to find a child’s biography and follow the story line as you construct the speech. This will make for a more interesting speech rather than a mere recitation of facts from the encyclopedia. Students will be awarded extra points for including spiritual application in their speeches. Please adhere to the following time limits. K-1 Speeches must be 1-3 minutes in length with a minimum of 175 words. 2-3 Speeches must be 2-5 minutes in length with a minimum of 350 words. 4-6 Speeches must be 3-10 minutes in length with a minimum of 525 words. Students will give their speeches in class. They should be sure to have their speeches memorized well enough so they do not need any prompts. Please be aware that students who need frequent prompting will receive a low grade. Also, any student with a speech that doesn’t meet the minimum requirement will receive a “D” or “F.” Students must portray a different character each year. One of the goals of this assignment is to help our children learn about different men and women who have made America great. Help your child choose characters from whom they can learn much, and look for spiritual applications that can be learned from the person’s life.
    [Show full text]
  • October 2008
    MercantileEXCITINGSee section our NovemberNovemberNovember 2001 2001 2001 CowboyCowboyCowboy ChronicleChronicleChronicle(starting on PagepagePagePage 90) 111 The Cowboy Chronicle~ The Monthly Journal of the Single Action Shooting Society ® Vol. 21 No. 10 © Single Action Shooting Society, Inc. October 2008 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES – 2008 q By Tex, SASS #4 q ach year the Hall of Fame tee deliberates its selections, we committee searches for find there are many who are E the most deserving indi- deserving, far more than can be viduals and organizations accommodated in a single year. that have had a lasting impact of The committee’s list continues to the sport of Cowboy Action grow and evolve, and this year’s Shooting™. Long-term support list is particularly pleasing, con- for the game we play, excellence sisting of a long time, influential in competition, those who have Cowboy Action vendor, some top established significant regional shooters, those who have helped activities, and even those who shape Cowboy Action as we have invented many of the prac- know it today, and long-term tices, procedures, and sayings we supporters of our sport. SASS is all take for granted today are very proud of the five inductees candidates. And, as the commit- highlighted below. COUNTRY FIRST REGISTER BOB and THE DURANGO TO BECKY MUNDEN KID VOTE SASS Cowboy Chronicle In This Issue BLACK JACK TAYLOR’S & COMPANY McGINNIS Keeping the Legend Alive SAN QUINTON 64 WINCHESTER ‘76 REPRODUCTION See INDUCTEES Bios on pages 71, 72, 73 by Blackthorne Billy 74 END OF TRAIL MOUNTED CHAMPIONSHIP by Wildcat Kate C h C 82 8TH ANNUAL REVENGE r o OF MONTEZUMA o w by Haycamp n b i o 23255 La Palma Avenue 84 UTAH BLACKPOWDER c y Yorba Linda, California 92887 CHAMPIONSHIP l by Cowboy Murder’n Maude e www.sassnet.com Page 2 Cowboy Chronicle October 2008 October 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 3 Page 4 Cowboy Chronicle October 2008 October 2008 Cowboy Chronicle Page 5 The Cowboy CCONTENTSONTENTS Chronicle 1 ON THE COVER Hall Of Fame Inductees - 2008 .
    [Show full text]
  • Journal of Arizona History Index
    Index to the Journal of Arizona History, K-L Arizona Historical Society, [email protected] 480-387-5355 NOTE: the index includes two citation formats. The format for Volumes 1-5 is: volume (issue): page number(s) The format for Volumes 6 -54 is: volume: page number(s) K Ka-ah-te-ney (Apache warrior) 42:102 Kabotie, Fred, autobiography of, reviewed 19:429-30 Kachina and the Cross: Indians and Spaniards in the Early Southwest, by Carroll L. Riley, reviewed 42:110-11 Kachina and the White Man: The Influences of White Culture on the Hopi Kachina Cult, by Frederick J. Dockstader, reviewed 28:314-16 Kachina dances 30:441 Kachina Dolls: The Art of Hopi Carvers, by Helga Teiwes, reviewed 34:327-28 Kachina Heights Ski Area See Arizona Snowbowl Kachina Peaks Wilderness 47:184 Kadota Fig Cannery 32:277 Kadota fig industry 33:280 Kaedine (Apache Leader) 27:80, 90 n. 4 Kaemlein, Wilma, book coedited by, reviewed 28:202-4 1 Index to the Journal of Arizona History, K-L Arizona Historical Society, [email protected] 480-387-5355 Kaestle, Carl 46:100 Ka-e-ten-a See Kayetenna Kah-a-mana (Hopi Indian) 52:27 n. 16 Kahlenberg, Mary Hunt, book coauthored by, reviewed 19:335-37 Kahn, Ava F., book edited by, reviewed 45:325-26 Kaibab 54:360 Kaibab Estates 39:172 Kaibab Limestone 17:24-25, 47 Kaibab Lodge 54:372; See also V.T. Ranch Hotel Kaibab Lumber Company 44:382 Kaibab National Forest 29:75, 76; 43:41-64, 216; 44:5; 50:213; 51:365; 54:360, 368 Kaibab Plateau 19:362, 379-80; 40:417; 41:11; 45:5; 51:151 nn.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 8: Settling the West, 1865-1900
    The Birth of Modern America 1865–1900 hy It Matters Following the turmoil of the Civil War and W Reconstruction, the United States began its transformation from a rural nation to an indus- trial, urban nation. This change spurred the growth of cities, the development of big busi- ness, and the rise of new technologies such as the railroads. New social pressures, including increased immigration, unionization move- ments, and the Populist movement in politics, characterized the period as well. Understanding this turbulent time will help you understand similar pressures that exist in your life today. The following resources offer more information about this period in American history. Primary Sources Library Coat and goggles worn in a See pages 932–933 for primary source horseless carriage readings to accompany Unit 3. Use the American History Primary Source Document Library CD-ROM to find additional primary sources about the Chicago street scene in 1900 beginnings of the modern United States. 282 “The city is the nerve center of our civilization. It is also the storm center.” —Josiah Strong, 1885 Settling the West 1865–1900 Why It Matters After the Civil War, a dynamic period in American history opened—the settlement of the West. The lives of Western miners, farmers, and ranchers were often filled with great hardships, but the wave of American settlers continued. Railroads hastened this migration. During this period, many Native Americans lost their homelands and their way of life. The Impact Today Developments of this period are still evident today. • Native American reservations still exist in the United States.
    [Show full text]
  • DOCUKENT RESUME ED 080 639 UD 013 756 TITLE Focus On
    DOCUKENT RESUME ED 080 639 UD 013 756 TITLE Focus on Minorities. INSTITUTION Fort Bragg (Army), N.C. Libraries. PUB DATE Jan 73 NOTE 96p. EDRS PRICE MF-$0.65 HC-$3.29 DESCRIPTORS Audiovisual Aids; Bias; *Bibliographies; Civil Rights; *Cultural Factors; *Educational Change; Fiction; History; *Minority Groups; Newspapers; Periodicals; Political Issues; Race Relations; Religion; *Union Catalogs ABSTRACT This document is a union catalog of materials available in the Library Branch, Special Services Division, Headquarters of the Eighteenth Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., pertaining to minority group life. Each item cited has a call number and a location symbol directing the user to one or more of the five libraries shelving the item. The bibliography has a number of sections as follows: reference sources; biography; business and politics; civil rights; cultural life; education; history; life and customs; the military; prejudice, discrimination, and segregation; the race question; religion; juvenile non-fiction and fiction; magazines; newspapers; and audiovisual materials. An appended index covers author and institutional access to the entries. (RJ) 141 C) LIBRARY BRANCH CD SPECIAL SERVICES DIVISION HQ, XVIII AIRBORNE CORPS AND FORT BRAGG CD Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28307 aa La FOCUS ON MINOR--IES LOCATION CODE MP - Main Post Library 6-3526 3 - Branch #3, 1st COSCOM Area 6-6927 4 Branch #4, Smoke Bomb Hill Area 6-3223 6 - Branch #6, 82nd Division Area 6-6123 8 - Branch #8, Womack Army Hospital 6-3928 If book is not on the shelf, check with Librarian about reserves and Branch loans. January 1973 U S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
    [Show full text]
  • “In All Truthfulness As I Remember It”: Deciphering Myth And
    “IN ALL TRUTHFULNESS AS I REMEMBER IT”: DECIPHERING MYTH AND MASCULINITY IN COWBOY MEMOIRS By DULCE LOUISE KERSTING A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORY WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY Department of History MAY 2013 Acknowledgements: This thesis benefited tremendously from two research trips, one to the University of Montana’s Mansfield Library and one to the Montana Historical Society. Those trips would not have been possible without the Jerry O’Neal Fellowship Award, which I received in the spring of 2012. I extend my gratitude to the Fellowship committee and the Rocky Mountains – Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit for their generosity. ii “IN ALL TRUTHFULNESS AS I REMEMBER IT”: DECIPHERING MYTH AND MASCULINITY IN COWBOY MEMOIRS Abstract by Dulce Louise Kersting, Washington State University May 2013 Chair: Peter Boag The American cowboy of the open-range era of cattle ranching played an indispensible role in extracting the resource-based wealth of the great western frontier, thus ensuring economic success for the country’s expansionist policies. His work as a wage laborer, however, is not the stuff of cowboy legend and mythic West lore. Cowboys became symbolic representations of the West and popular culture superstars because they supposedly embodied many of the values that the public associated with American exceptionalism: freedom, self-reliance, and independence. In the last decades of the nineteenth century, moreover, cowboys became the poster men for a new formulation of masculinity that emphasized ruggedness, aggressiveness, and physical fitness. In my thesis, I review the development and deployment of these stereotypes, which painted cowboys as one-dimensional characters obsessed with violent retributions of justice and who spent very little time actually tending to cattle.
    [Show full text]
  • In Search of the Wild West: a Depiction of the Historical Gunfighter
    Western Oregon University Digital Commons@WOU Student Theses, Papers and Projects (History) Department of History 5-30-2000 In Search of the Wild West: A Depiction of the Historical Gunfighter Nick Murga Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.wou.edu/his Part of the United States History Commons In Search of the wild West: A Depiction of the Historicat Gunfighter Nick Murga May 30,2000 History 499 Final Draft 1 There is perhaps ao place or period in American history more romanticized than the American West ofthe late nineteenth century. The Wild West, as it has come to be known, stirs up a plethora of images, ranging from that of the rough and tumble cowboy, to the high noon showdown in the steets of dusty frontier tovrrns. The West conveys both danger and romance, with the gun as the key ingredient to both. But who exactly was the man behind the gun? The popular image ofthe gunfighter has become just as romanticized as the dominion he roamed. Following in the fadition of the dime novel, modem film and fiction have prtrayed the gunfighter as a figure of mythical and heroic proportions, as the shining knight who has traded his armor and sword for spurs and a six-shooter. Gventhis highly commercialized image, it is no wonder that a number of misconceptions about the gunfighter's place in the Western frontier have emerged. It is only through close inspection ofthe historical record that the dust of decades of misrepresentation begins to clear, allowing a more aocurate image of the gunfighter to appear.
    [Show full text]