Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Life and adventures of "Billy" Dixon, of Adobe Walls, Texas panhandle; a narrative in which is described many things relating to the early Southwest, ... at Adobe Walls and the desperate engage

Rate this book
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

328 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 1914

80 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

Billy Dixon

29 books

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
175 (65%)
4 stars
75 (27%)
3 stars
15 (5%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Larry Kloth.
83 reviews
October 1, 2021
Life of a Plainsman

This is an interesting and nicely-written memoir of the noted post Civil War plainsman that begins with his days as a young man looking for adventure, and moves through his transitions to oxdriver, bison hunter, scout, and eventual settler. Along the way , he witnessed and participated in some important historical events of that time. What is missing from the account is the bragging exaggeration one sometimes sees in such memoirs. Billy Dixon was a straight shooter with a carbine, and he was also one in telling his story, giving the reader a good sense of his essential humility and humanity. I highly recommended this book to anyone who is interested in the history of the American West.






84 reviews2 followers
Read
November 20, 2019
Pure Adventure

It is written as though you are sitting across the table from Mr. Dixon sharing a cup of coffee and hearing his tales first hand. Far better than any history textbooks. This is the true story of the Plains and how life really was in the second half of the 1800s. I will re-read this many times in my lifetime.
18 reviews
February 11, 2020
An authentic Texas hero

The story of Billy Dixon is the story of a boy who dreamed of having great Western adventures, and who lived them beyond his expectations. Unable to resist the call of the wild frontier, Dixon created a life for himself as a wrangler, buffalo hunter, cavalry scout and Indian fighter. His humble account of the battle of Adobe walls and the shot that made him a legend is better than any cowboy fiction. Billy Dixon was the real thing.
Profile Image for John Rhoads.
73 reviews
June 25, 2020
None can compare.

I have read many "0's west stories, none more exciting or more interesting. .
Dixon may not always spell the words the best, but his stories scream out with authenticity and a compassionate heart. I appreciate his efforts at being honest without abusing the Indians.
53 reviews
November 23, 2020
Classic Western Adventure

Fantastic autobiography. Undoubtedly written on Billy's behalf, it is very elequently written, not effluvient or overly romanantic. It portrays a realistic and stoic telling of the original Great West as it was during the 1870's ans 1880's. Several stories arebriveting and border on miraculous.
Profile Image for RONALD PEYTON.
95 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2022
Some very up-close and interesting memories of a person who lived in and around the Panhandle area of Oklahoma and Texas during the latter half of the 1800's. He participated in the settling of an area the went from American Indians and buffalo, to large cattle ranches, to finally smaller family farms and ranches, with the development of small towns and hubs of transportation and distribution.
222 reviews5 followers
October 21, 2019
Orphan boy from W.Virginia becomes famous scout, buffalo

Hunter and crack shot on the great plains of the west. Known as a faithful friend, to those in need of such as were required.
Profile Image for Daniel L Snider.
42 reviews1 follower
February 21, 2020
Great account of the real old west

These stories reveal how our forebears lived and survived. They were durable pioneers and survived hardships. This story tells of areas I am very familiar with as I lived there several years.
229 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2021
Appreciate the Recommendation!

This book was recommended to me by a recent Chuck Wagon cook-off competitor in Llano, Texas. He said I would enjoy this book and I really have! Thank You!
Profile Image for Martynas.
33 reviews
August 15, 2024
"Life on the plains was a constant struggle for survival, where courage and skill were the only guarantees of seeing another sunrise."
"In the vast wilderness of the West, a man’s character was his most valuable possession, shaping his destiny as much as the rifle in his hand."
11 reviews2 followers
June 25, 2018
Great read about a cowboy who was a 'jack of all trades."
Interesting stories about his travels and life on the Kansas, Colorado, Texas and Oklahoma prairies.
4 reviews
December 11, 2018
Billy Dixon

An authentic chronicle, in his own words. Plain spoken, no bragging or exaggeration. A must read for lovers of Texas and western history.
200 reviews4 followers
June 8, 2019
Some Texas history

Quite a bit of Texas history seems accurate ! Tough life during the Indian wars . Good book if you enjoy history of the Southwest !
40 reviews
March 18, 2020
Very good Read!

A very interesting book written in a very matter of fact way. An amazing time in history on the Plains. A MUST read if you enjoy history.
Profile Image for Deb McIntire.
23 reviews
October 18, 2020
What a coloful written book about the old west and the life of Billy Dixon, Buffalo hunter, and tge battle of Adobe Walls!
Profile Image for Don Lowrance.
37 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2012


Great autobiography of a life and time during the twilight of the untamed West. Loved it all.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.