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Wanted: The Outlaw Lives of Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly
The oft-told exploits of Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly survive vividly in the public imaginations of their respective countries, the United States and Australia. But the outlaws’ reputations are so weighted with legend and myth, the truth of their lives has become obscure. In this adventure-filled double biography, Robert M. Utley reveals the true stories and parallel courses of the two notorious contemporaries who lived by the gun, were executed while still in their twenties, and remain compelling figures in the folklore of their homelands.
Robert M. Utley draws sharp, insightful portraits of first Billy, then Ned, and compares their lives and legacies. He recounts the adventurous exploits of Billy, a fun-loving, expert sharpshooter who excelled at escape and lived on the run after indictment for his role in the Lincoln Country War. Bush-raised Ned, the son of an Irish convict father and Irish mother, was a man whose outrage against British colonial authority inspired him to steal cattle and sheep, kill three policemen, and rob banks for the benefit of impoverished Irish sympathizers. Utley recounts the exploits of the notorious young men with accuracy and appeal. He discovers their profound differences, despite their shared fates, and illuminates the worlds in which they lived on opposite sides of the globe.
Robert M. Utley draws sharp, insightful portraits of first Billy, then Ned, and compares their lives and legacies. He recounts the adventurous exploits of Billy, a fun-loving, expert sharpshooter who excelled at escape and lived on the run after indictment for his role in the Lincoln Country War. Bush-raised Ned, the son of an Irish convict father and Irish mother, was a man whose outrage against British colonial authority inspired him to steal cattle and sheep, kill three policemen, and rob banks for the benefit of impoverished Irish sympathizers. Utley recounts the exploits of the notorious young men with accuracy and appeal. He discovers their profound differences, despite their shared fates, and illuminates the worlds in which they lived on opposite sides of the globe.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2015
43 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Robert M. Utley
92 books73 followersA specialist in Native American history and the history of the American West, Robert Marshall Utley was a former chief historian of the National Park Service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Purdue University in 1951, and an Master of Arts in history from Indiana University in 1952. Utley served as Regional Historian of the Southwest Region of the NPS in Santa Fe from 1957 to 1964, and as Chief Historian in Washington, D.C. from 1964 until his retirement in 1980.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 14, 2015
Considering that Wanted: The Outlaw Lives of Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly contains the biographies of two legendary and mythical figures in their respective countries, my first thought about this book was that it is awfully short. The author admits more in-depth biographies of the two exist elsewhere (including his own separate treatment on Billy the Kid) and that these serve as the sources for the material presented here, rather than original source material.
Even though each biography is short, I would have to say they were successful. Each painted a picture with enough detail to allow for a legitimate comparison between the two men. Accompanying photographs for each biography also help bring the stories to life. Even more importantly, however, each left me with a desire to continue learning about these men and their places in history.
The style of the book is very matter-of-fact. It doesn’t try to persuade you to have a particular opinion of either man. It does not try to justify or embellish the feats and actions of either man. It does not put either man on a pedestal, nor does it condemn them. It presents the facts of these men’s lives, who they interacted with, and the times in which they lived. In short, this book presents a sound basis to form your own opinions, without trying to provide one for you.
After the two biographies, the final chapter does some basic comparisons and contrasts between the two outlaws. Ned Kelly seems to have shown himself to be the nobler of the two, though the humanity of Billy the Kid is clearly brought to light as well. Wanted instilled an interest in me to continue learning more about these two men. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Even though each biography is short, I would have to say they were successful. Each painted a picture with enough detail to allow for a legitimate comparison between the two men. Accompanying photographs for each biography also help bring the stories to life. Even more importantly, however, each left me with a desire to continue learning about these men and their places in history.
The style of the book is very matter-of-fact. It doesn’t try to persuade you to have a particular opinion of either man. It does not try to justify or embellish the feats and actions of either man. It does not put either man on a pedestal, nor does it condemn them. It presents the facts of these men’s lives, who they interacted with, and the times in which they lived. In short, this book presents a sound basis to form your own opinions, without trying to provide one for you.
After the two biographies, the final chapter does some basic comparisons and contrasts between the two outlaws. Ned Kelly seems to have shown himself to be the nobler of the two, though the humanity of Billy the Kid is clearly brought to light as well. Wanted instilled an interest in me to continue learning more about these two men. Definitely a worthwhile read.
November 12, 2015
[I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.]
A fascinating double biography of two notorious outlaws, replete with many biographical and period photos. I'm thinking of reading it again; it was THAT fascinating!
A fascinating double biography of two notorious outlaws, replete with many biographical and period photos. I'm thinking of reading it again; it was THAT fascinating!
June 7, 2023
The most surprising element of the real Billy the Kid is the probability that he was born to Irish-Catholic immigrants in New York City as Henry McCarty. The author is unsure of that as his true family history. Bill Bonney remains a mystery.
The Lincoln County War is at the center of the story and corruption was rampant. Violence was common and keeping track of all the killers wore me out. Irish names fill the book; Dolan. Murphy, Brady, and his best friend, Tom O' Folliard.
Mexicans were also a presence in the New Mexico and Texas areas of the middle 1800s and Billy spoke Spanish fluently and was adored by the senorita's.
Like the Bob Marley tune, Billy shot the sheriff and was on the run in New Mexico for murder and cattle rustling. Sheriff Pat Garrett entered the picture and Billy met his maker after being shot by Pat. The legend has endured.
Ned Kelly was, like Billy the Kid, a charismatic Irishman with larceny in his heart. The horse thief worked his way up to robbing banks in his native Australia. The country enabled the Proclamation of Outlawry which allowed criminals like Kelly to be declared guilty without the benefit of a trial. Any citizen could shoot him and need not worry about any kind of inquiry. Kelly had shot and killed the enemy, Protestant-English police officers who were notorious for perjury against Irish-Catholic citizens, including Kelly's mother for defending her teenage daughter from the advances of one of them.
Billy and Ned inspired dozens of books and movies, the strangest with Mick Jagger cast as Kelly. Wanted is a very good read.
The Lincoln County War is at the center of the story and corruption was rampant. Violence was common and keeping track of all the killers wore me out. Irish names fill the book; Dolan. Murphy, Brady, and his best friend, Tom O' Folliard.
Mexicans were also a presence in the New Mexico and Texas areas of the middle 1800s and Billy spoke Spanish fluently and was adored by the senorita's.
Like the Bob Marley tune, Billy shot the sheriff and was on the run in New Mexico for murder and cattle rustling. Sheriff Pat Garrett entered the picture and Billy met his maker after being shot by Pat. The legend has endured.
Ned Kelly was, like Billy the Kid, a charismatic Irishman with larceny in his heart. The horse thief worked his way up to robbing banks in his native Australia. The country enabled the Proclamation of Outlawry which allowed criminals like Kelly to be declared guilty without the benefit of a trial. Any citizen could shoot him and need not worry about any kind of inquiry. Kelly had shot and killed the enemy, Protestant-English police officers who were notorious for perjury against Irish-Catholic citizens, including Kelly's mother for defending her teenage daughter from the advances of one of them.
Billy and Ned inspired dozens of books and movies, the strangest with Mick Jagger cast as Kelly. Wanted is a very good read.
September 11, 2016
If you have a keen interest in finding out more about two notorious outlaws, Robert Utley’s “Wanted: The Outlaw Lives of Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly !” will keep you engaged. Both were infamous and led colourful short lives.
Many are familiar with the exploits of Billy the Kid due to the numerous Hollywood movies, but Ned Kelly of Australia may be less well known. Utley includes interesting maps and period photos to enhance his research and tales of both men.
During the Beechworth hearing, Ned Kelly’s lawyer spoke with his client and Ned said,
“All I want is a full and fair trial, and a chance to make my side heard. Until now, the police have had all the say, and have it their own way. If I get a full and fair trial, I don’t care how it goes; but I know this—the public will see that I was hunted and hounded on from step to step; they will see that I am not the monster I have been made out. What I have done has been under strong provocation. (p. 175, from ARC of the book)
Thank you GoodReads for the ARC of the book.
Many are familiar with the exploits of Billy the Kid due to the numerous Hollywood movies, but Ned Kelly of Australia may be less well known. Utley includes interesting maps and period photos to enhance his research and tales of both men.
During the Beechworth hearing, Ned Kelly’s lawyer spoke with his client and Ned said,
“All I want is a full and fair trial, and a chance to make my side heard. Until now, the police have had all the say, and have it their own way. If I get a full and fair trial, I don’t care how it goes; but I know this—the public will see that I was hunted and hounded on from step to step; they will see that I am not the monster I have been made out. What I have done has been under strong provocation. (p. 175, from ARC of the book)
Thank you GoodReads for the ARC of the book.
November 1, 2015
Once again, thanks to Goodreads I won this galley copy of Wanted and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have always enjoyed reading about outlaws and although I had heard the name Ned Kelly, didn't know much about him. On the other hand, Billy the Kid has had a lot written about him that I have read in past years.
Comparing Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly was quite enlightening, especially the traits that they had that were the same and the traits that were different. Actually, 2 different backgrounds and men who lived in 2 very different countries, yet they had many things the same.
Their deaths both in their 20's and their lives up until them were very interesting. I especially enjoyed reading about Ned Kelly since I had no idea of his life. I love Australia and reading about Australia in the 1800's was very interesting to me.
A very good book for anyone who is interested in reading about the past and the "bad boys."
Comparing Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly was quite enlightening, especially the traits that they had that were the same and the traits that were different. Actually, 2 different backgrounds and men who lived in 2 very different countries, yet they had many things the same.
Their deaths both in their 20's and their lives up until them were very interesting. I especially enjoyed reading about Ned Kelly since I had no idea of his life. I love Australia and reading about Australia in the 1800's was very interesting to me.
A very good book for anyone who is interested in reading about the past and the "bad boys."
February 14, 2019
The author presents an interesting comparison between the two outlaws Billy the Kid and Ned Kelly, as well as good information about their outlaw careers and is most likely an adequate introduction for anyone interested in studying the figures.
However, the writing reads like a research paper. There is unnecessary repetition of facts from chapter to chapter and the conclusion was a summary of the entire book which almost brought me to not finishing it. If you can get past the writing style, it is worth reading.
However, the writing reads like a research paper. There is unnecessary repetition of facts from chapter to chapter and the conclusion was a summary of the entire book which almost brought me to not finishing it. If you can get past the writing style, it is worth reading.
February 19, 2024
The mythology that surrounds these two historical characters is tremendous. Thankfully, very little of that is in this book. Mr. Utley does the best he can to cut through all the bluster, garbage and corruption, bringing the reader to the most accurate picture of these two men who were essentially contemporaries thousands of miles apart. Once he presents a fairly detailed biography of each man, Mr. Utley runs the comparison between the two. That part is a little repetitive, but getting the straight skinny on these two outlaws is worth the read. I recommend it.
September 21, 2020
Purchase Wanted here for just $10!
A short yet excellent biography of two towering figures, Robert M. Utley has written a compelling book that you will not be able to put down. Full of information and photographs.
Elisa, Book Grocer
A short yet excellent biography of two towering figures, Robert M. Utley has written a compelling book that you will not be able to put down. Full of information and photographs.
Elisa, Book Grocer
July 27, 2024
This is an adequate biography of Billy The Kid, and an insufficient account of Ned Kelly. The information is scattered, but the book is interesting and reflective. The final chapter, though, the Conclusion, reads like a twenty page add-on of things that came to mind to late to fit into the previous narrative. It is, though, for the fan of Western history, replete with good history, and at least a glimpse into Australian outlawry.
November 30, 2024
Billy the Kid's story was more boring and legal than I ever thought but I thoroughly enjoined Ned Kelly's story! It's a crime (get it) I haven't heard of him sooner! The most interesting part of the book was chapter 14's jail break, look forward to it!
Warning author is racist, everyone in the story gets named except for "the hispanics". Robert states that "Mexicans are primitive" about 34minutes into the audiobook. He also calls Native Americans, "i-words".
Warning author is racist, everyone in the story gets named except for "the hispanics". Robert states that "Mexicans are primitive" about 34minutes into the audiobook. He also calls Native Americans, "i-words".
June 17, 2021
I enjoyed the Billy part more than the Ned part but that could be my bias kicking in. A nice read, and some good insights to character and motivation. Hard to like the quality of writing by Mr. Utley. A quick intro to both and worth picking up if you are a fan of the genre
April 10, 2020
I was more interested in Billy so the down under criminal was a bonus. Interesting lives and the book shows how people can end up being killers.
Read
April 26, 2021potato
December 13, 2023
I feel more informed, but also like I just read a book report
April 7, 2016
I can't believe that I had never heard of Ned Kelly before; he is quite a legend in Australia. The author compares Ned's life with Billy the Kid, but I could not see much similarities in their lives; both were 19th century outlaws who died young at the hands of the law but beyond that, their upbringing and how and why they became outlaws are drastically different, as well as how thry died. Still, both short biographies were well written and interesting to read. I recommend this book to anyone interested in either story.
November 30, 2015
This is a good book. I'm giving it to my husband as a gift for our anniversary at the end of this month (Nov 2015). I know he will enjoy it, too. He doesn't know I have it, yet. It will be a surprise.
Want to read
February 10, 2016I've read a lot on this outlaw ime going to see how close to the truth is I will let you know
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews