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Shot All to Hell: Bad Ass Outlaws, Gunfighters, and Lawmen of the Old West
Bat Masterson knew better than most of his contemporaries that the majority of what was written about the old west was little more than rattlesnake piss and bat guano. He said, ""nerve was the quality that marked the great gunfighters."" Perhaps more telling is what Masterson suggested was the ""secret sauce"" that made the big-name gunfighters so fast. ""We used to file the notch of the hammer till the trigger would pull 'sweet' which is another way of saying that the blame gun would pretty near go off if you looked at it."" But, ""the real gunfighters did not file the notches off."" They carried one gun in their hip-holster, and another ""swung under the armpit."" It let them ""draw on an adversary while he was waiting for the familiar motion toward the hip."" Here are the real stories of 23 outlaws, gunfighters, and lawmen. The truth may surprise you.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
232 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2018
562 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Nick Vulich
170 books29 followersHey there Nick Vulich here.
Ever since I was a kid I had this crazy urge to read and write. There is something about a book that can open up new worlds to you. When I was younger I read every Max Brand and Zane Grey western I could get my hands on. Then, I found Kenneth Roberts and his historical novels – Arundel, Northwest Passage, A Rabble in Arms. The detail he worked into them was mind blowing.
In college I was turned on to Frodo Baggins and the world of the Hobbits. I found Kurt Vonnegut downright inspiring. I still remember sitting in David Morrell’s classroom at the University of Iowa back in the late seventies, listening to his lectures on early American literature.
After graduation, I lost touch with my writing self for over thirty years, until I was brought face-to-face with this new-fangled thing they called Kindle. It reminded me of what I was all about.
In the years since then I have penned over twenty books, most of them with an e-commerce bent – How to sell on eBay, Amazon, and Fiver. I have written innumerable history books, started and given up on over a dozen novels.
The most amazing thing is, I can say whatever I want to say. I can write it today, put it out there for sale tomorrow, and within a day – sometimes two or three, someone else in this world is going to connect with what has been rattling around in my brain. How cool is that!
Indie Authors Toolbox is just that, a collection of gadgets and doodads you can whip out when you need them to spice up your writing; learn a little more about self-publishing; or connect with one troubled brain that is focused on figuring out this thing we call Indie Publishing.
Welcome aboard. Hold on because you are in for one hell of a ride.
Ever since I was a kid I had this crazy urge to read and write. There is something about a book that can open up new worlds to you. When I was younger I read every Max Brand and Zane Grey western I could get my hands on. Then, I found Kenneth Roberts and his historical novels – Arundel, Northwest Passage, A Rabble in Arms. The detail he worked into them was mind blowing.
In college I was turned on to Frodo Baggins and the world of the Hobbits. I found Kurt Vonnegut downright inspiring. I still remember sitting in David Morrell’s classroom at the University of Iowa back in the late seventies, listening to his lectures on early American literature.
After graduation, I lost touch with my writing self for over thirty years, until I was brought face-to-face with this new-fangled thing they called Kindle. It reminded me of what I was all about.
In the years since then I have penned over twenty books, most of them with an e-commerce bent – How to sell on eBay, Amazon, and Fiver. I have written innumerable history books, started and given up on over a dozen novels.
The most amazing thing is, I can say whatever I want to say. I can write it today, put it out there for sale tomorrow, and within a day – sometimes two or three, someone else in this world is going to connect with what has been rattling around in my brain. How cool is that!
Indie Authors Toolbox is just that, a collection of gadgets and doodads you can whip out when you need them to spice up your writing; learn a little more about self-publishing; or connect with one troubled brain that is focused on figuring out this thing we call Indie Publishing.
Welcome aboard. Hold on because you are in for one hell of a ride.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 21, 2016
3.5 stars
This was a pretty good account of the most well known of the old west gunslingers. You get Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, The James Gang, Belle Starr and many more. I have recently been watching "The American West" on AMC and it made me want to read some non-fiction of the era.
The stories on each character are pretty basic with just a few pages devoted to each. It focused on the more interesting parts, but to me it still seemed like a large collection of facts and dates and seemed a little dry at times.
That being said, it was still interesting. One thing you pick up is just how shaky the real story is on these characters. Fact has become hard to separate from fiction, and in most cases we're left to speculate on how much of the information known about the famous western outlaws and lawmen is truth, and how much is total fiction. Unfortunately, we'll probably always to have to speculate as the full truth may never be known.
One neat thing about this one is the appendix has several stories taken directly from newspapers actually published in the 1800's, so there are first hand accounts of some of the stories in the book. That being said, even the newspaper stories of the time were suspect, as eyewitnesses weren't reliable and reporters loved to embellish. Still, pretty cool stuff. There's even an article about gunfighting techniques of the time.
So overall, it was a little slow for me at times with the constant barrage of facts, but if you are interested in the true history (as it is) of the old west, this is a good book for an overview.
This was a pretty good account of the most well known of the old west gunslingers. You get Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, The James Gang, Belle Starr and many more. I have recently been watching "The American West" on AMC and it made me want to read some non-fiction of the era.
The stories on each character are pretty basic with just a few pages devoted to each. It focused on the more interesting parts, but to me it still seemed like a large collection of facts and dates and seemed a little dry at times.
That being said, it was still interesting. One thing you pick up is just how shaky the real story is on these characters. Fact has become hard to separate from fiction, and in most cases we're left to speculate on how much of the information known about the famous western outlaws and lawmen is truth, and how much is total fiction. Unfortunately, we'll probably always to have to speculate as the full truth may never be known.
One neat thing about this one is the appendix has several stories taken directly from newspapers actually published in the 1800's, so there are first hand accounts of some of the stories in the book. That being said, even the newspaper stories of the time were suspect, as eyewitnesses weren't reliable and reporters loved to embellish. Still, pretty cool stuff. There's even an article about gunfighting techniques of the time.
So overall, it was a little slow for me at times with the constant barrage of facts, but if you are interested in the true history (as it is) of the old west, this is a good book for an overview.
April 1, 2018
The introduction to this book gave me the impression that I was supposed to be shocked at how bad and not 'romantic' real outlaws were in the the Old West, but I found that my impressions of them were already pretty accurate overall. There were a few new names that were interesting to learn about (the many deaths of Dynmite Dan stood out as needing a sci-fi/fantasy story based on them), and overall it seemed like a solidly basic history in it's tiny little niche, but not much new or amazing information.
January 22, 2018
For over 150 years the image of western bad men has thrilled readers and filled movie screens. Who hasn’t heard of Jesse James, the Dalton Brothers, Black Bart, or Belle Starr? They are as much a part of American folklore as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
There’s something about the west that has brought out the best, and the worst in mankind. The funny thing is, a cult following has developed around many of these bandits, making them out to be something they weren’t.
The legend that grew up around Joaquin Murrieta was that he was just a normal guy who moved from Mexico to California, and tried to strike it rich during the gold rush. What he discovered instead, was a big sign that read, “No Mexicans Allowed.” His supporters say, that because of the Foreign Claim Tax, he was forced off his land, and into a life of outlawry. And, then to support that claim, a whole legend has been built up, about how he stole from the rich, and shared his wealth with poor Mexican families. The only problem is the facts don’t support that interpretation.
The same stories developed around Jesse James. Legend has it, Jesse only stole from rich bankers and railroad men, and the reason he could disappear into thin air after pulling a bank job or train robbery was because he shared the booty with poor Missouri families. As with Murrieta, that probably never happened. Jesse James was a thief. He stole money wherever he could get his hands on it. He robbed stagecoaches, banks, trains, and you-name-it.
And, last, but not least, there’s Belle Starr, one of the most badass female robbers on record. Belle called her pistols her “babies,” and ruled an outlaw kingdom based out of her home in Indian Territory. She lived by the gun, and she died by the gun.
The outlaw life was almost always portrayed as a glamorous life, filled with loose women, blazing guns, and saddlebags overflowing with gold, silver, and greenbacks.
What a life!
The only thing is, all the movies, books, and TV shows painted a distorted portrait of life in the old west. James Dodsworth lived the outlaw life for six weeks while riding as a spy with the Doolin-Dalton Gang. He said the gang was constantly on the move. They rarely spent more than one night in any one place. Dalton and Doolin, both worried they’d end up like Jesse James—shot in the back.
At night, the gang always posted at least one man on watch duty. The rest of the gang slept with Winchesters by their sides, and pistols under their heads. Every one of them were ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
And, as for those saddlebags overflowing with riches, more often than not, they were like a Charlie Brown Halloween special—filled with rocks rather than gold.
Sometimes the gang would cut off the wrong car during a train robbery, and end up riding away empty handed. Sometimes a posse would chase them off a little too soon, before they could grab their booty. Other times, it was slim pickings, and there was nothing to take.
The first train job the Dalton Gang pulled went totally awry. The Express man got away before they could convince him to open the safe, and in their haste to rob the Atlantic Express the boys forgot to bring dynamite to blow the safe. Black Jack Ketchum, and his gang, made off with $100,000 in unsigned bank notes. Pearl Hart’s fame rests upon a single stage coach robbery that netted her under $500, and several years in the caboose after she was captured.
The sad truth is most outlaws led a short life that ended, either at the end of a rope, or with a bullet in the brain.
There’s something about the west that has brought out the best, and the worst in mankind. The funny thing is, a cult following has developed around many of these bandits, making them out to be something they weren’t.
The legend that grew up around Joaquin Murrieta was that he was just a normal guy who moved from Mexico to California, and tried to strike it rich during the gold rush. What he discovered instead, was a big sign that read, “No Mexicans Allowed.” His supporters say, that because of the Foreign Claim Tax, he was forced off his land, and into a life of outlawry. And, then to support that claim, a whole legend has been built up, about how he stole from the rich, and shared his wealth with poor Mexican families. The only problem is the facts don’t support that interpretation.
The same stories developed around Jesse James. Legend has it, Jesse only stole from rich bankers and railroad men, and the reason he could disappear into thin air after pulling a bank job or train robbery was because he shared the booty with poor Missouri families. As with Murrieta, that probably never happened. Jesse James was a thief. He stole money wherever he could get his hands on it. He robbed stagecoaches, banks, trains, and you-name-it.
And, last, but not least, there’s Belle Starr, one of the most badass female robbers on record. Belle called her pistols her “babies,” and ruled an outlaw kingdom based out of her home in Indian Territory. She lived by the gun, and she died by the gun.
The outlaw life was almost always portrayed as a glamorous life, filled with loose women, blazing guns, and saddlebags overflowing with gold, silver, and greenbacks.
What a life!
The only thing is, all the movies, books, and TV shows painted a distorted portrait of life in the old west. James Dodsworth lived the outlaw life for six weeks while riding as a spy with the Doolin-Dalton Gang. He said the gang was constantly on the move. They rarely spent more than one night in any one place. Dalton and Doolin, both worried they’d end up like Jesse James—shot in the back.
At night, the gang always posted at least one man on watch duty. The rest of the gang slept with Winchesters by their sides, and pistols under their heads. Every one of them were ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.
And, as for those saddlebags overflowing with riches, more often than not, they were like a Charlie Brown Halloween special—filled with rocks rather than gold.
Sometimes the gang would cut off the wrong car during a train robbery, and end up riding away empty handed. Sometimes a posse would chase them off a little too soon, before they could grab their booty. Other times, it was slim pickings, and there was nothing to take.
The first train job the Dalton Gang pulled went totally awry. The Express man got away before they could convince him to open the safe, and in their haste to rob the Atlantic Express the boys forgot to bring dynamite to blow the safe. Black Jack Ketchum, and his gang, made off with $100,000 in unsigned bank notes. Pearl Hart’s fame rests upon a single stage coach robbery that netted her under $500, and several years in the caboose after she was captured.
The sad truth is most outlaws led a short life that ended, either at the end of a rope, or with a bullet in the brain.
August 25, 2018
First and foremost, 'Shot All to Hell: Bad Ass Outlaws, Gunfighters, and Law Men of the Old West' is an extremely entertaining book. It is, however, not written as well as it really could have been. Now don't get me wrong! This was my second Nick Vulich book (which I definitely enjoyed even more than the first), and although the author does have a very colorful, very entertaining, and very interesting (aka glib) storytelling style, he doesn't always word his sentences in the most coherent way - which, understandably, can slow down the general flow of the reading process somewhat.
Punctuation isn't Mr. Vulich's strong point either, unfortunately. As a result, there are, inexplicably, numerous instances throughout the text where commas are inserted where absolutely none are needed. Case in point:
"Tom, and his brother Charlie got shot up by a posse in Montana."
Huh? Now, mind you, I'm not an editor extraordinaire myself. I'm just a little old reader type fella, trying to make my way in this here big bad literary world. Either way, correct me if I'm wrong, but it has always been my understanding that commas indicate a pause, or the insertion of extraneous information that could be left out of a sentence if need be. Such as, "Tom, and his brother Charlie, got shot up by a posse in Montana." But seriously, folks, why not just write, "Tom and his brother Charlie got shot up by a posse in Montana." No commas are in fact needed, see! Done deal. Period. End of story.
But so what, right? Typos are typos, you say. And after all, just about every published manuscript, new or old, has at least one or two typos, right? Sure! And let me tell ya, there sure are plenty of typos even in the appendices (written by authors other than Mr. Vulich) at the end of the book. Still, this extra comma nonsense is repeated numerous times throughout the text. Okay, it's not a real big deal, and as I indicated above, I really did enjoy reading this wonderful little study of old west outlaws, gunfighters, and lawmen. But then again, punctuation really can affect the flow of the reading process, which in turn interrupts the flow of ones otherwise total immersion in the tale being told by the writer. See: aesthetic distance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthet...).
And make no mistake; in most respects, Nich Vulich really is a crafty writer who really knows how to grab and hold a reader's attention. And to be really fair, the pesky phenomenon of poorly edited e-books seems to be a pretty common thing these days. With self-publishing having become so readily available to budding authors (of varying degrees of competency and/or experience), these days, reading just about anything is pretty much akin to what Winston Groom's endearing protagonist, Forrest Gump, says, “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
Overall though, Nich Vulich's 'Shot All to Hell' most likely won't leave anyone feeling like they've been filled full of holes. The book really is a pretty tasty box of old time style chocolates, so no worries there. Better yet, it does seem to have been thoroughly researched enough in most respects. But best of all perhaps, sometimes the writing is even pretty darn good. No foolin! It just would have been nice if someone could have polished up the manuscript a bit more before publication. Oh well. But then again, as legendary western lawman Wyatt Earp himself once said, "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
Punctuation isn't Mr. Vulich's strong point either, unfortunately. As a result, there are, inexplicably, numerous instances throughout the text where commas are inserted where absolutely none are needed. Case in point:
"Tom, and his brother Charlie got shot up by a posse in Montana."
Huh? Now, mind you, I'm not an editor extraordinaire myself. I'm just a little old reader type fella, trying to make my way in this here big bad literary world. Either way, correct me if I'm wrong, but it has always been my understanding that commas indicate a pause, or the insertion of extraneous information that could be left out of a sentence if need be. Such as, "Tom, and his brother Charlie, got shot up by a posse in Montana." But seriously, folks, why not just write, "Tom and his brother Charlie got shot up by a posse in Montana." No commas are in fact needed, see! Done deal. Period. End of story.
But so what, right? Typos are typos, you say. And after all, just about every published manuscript, new or old, has at least one or two typos, right? Sure! And let me tell ya, there sure are plenty of typos even in the appendices (written by authors other than Mr. Vulich) at the end of the book. Still, this extra comma nonsense is repeated numerous times throughout the text. Okay, it's not a real big deal, and as I indicated above, I really did enjoy reading this wonderful little study of old west outlaws, gunfighters, and lawmen. But then again, punctuation really can affect the flow of the reading process, which in turn interrupts the flow of ones otherwise total immersion in the tale being told by the writer. See: aesthetic distance (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthet...).
And make no mistake; in most respects, Nich Vulich really is a crafty writer who really knows how to grab and hold a reader's attention. And to be really fair, the pesky phenomenon of poorly edited e-books seems to be a pretty common thing these days. With self-publishing having become so readily available to budding authors (of varying degrees of competency and/or experience), these days, reading just about anything is pretty much akin to what Winston Groom's endearing protagonist, Forrest Gump, says, “My mom always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.”
Overall though, Nich Vulich's 'Shot All to Hell' most likely won't leave anyone feeling like they've been filled full of holes. The book really is a pretty tasty box of old time style chocolates, so no worries there. Better yet, it does seem to have been thoroughly researched enough in most respects. But best of all perhaps, sometimes the writing is even pretty darn good. No foolin! It just would have been nice if someone could have polished up the manuscript a bit more before publication. Oh well. But then again, as legendary western lawman Wyatt Earp himself once said, "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything."
Read
April 6, 2022“Shot All to Hell” by Nick Vulich. This book talks about a lot of the main Outlaws of the West. It Goes in depth and tells information about some of their robberies and other crazy things they did. I found this book just by browsing non-fiction books and I like Western stuff, and It looked interesting so I thought I would check it out.
This book talks about Jesse James, The Dalton Brothers, Black Bart, and Belle Star. Talks about the Gang “Dalton Brothers” and why it got that name. Jesse James and his multiple Train and Bank robberies. It also talks about Jesse and the “James Younger Gang” and also includes a little bit about his brother being involved in the “Bushwhackers. Explains that Belle Star died and they still haven’t solved her case.
I Thought the book ended well. I was upset that it came to an end because it was interesting learning about what it was like. My favorite part was when they had talked about Belle Star because it gave a girls point of view and talked about what it was like for her. More specifically, when they were talking about how they haven’t solved her case and how it’s still a mystery. I love those kinds of stories when something is unsolved.
All and all I believe that this book was really interesting and educating on the past. I would definitely try and find more books like this. I would have to recommend this book to someone who likes crime, history, or a western feel. Once again this book was great and I definitely recommend it to others.
This book talks about Jesse James, The Dalton Brothers, Black Bart, and Belle Star. Talks about the Gang “Dalton Brothers” and why it got that name. Jesse James and his multiple Train and Bank robberies. It also talks about Jesse and the “James Younger Gang” and also includes a little bit about his brother being involved in the “Bushwhackers. Explains that Belle Star died and they still haven’t solved her case.
I Thought the book ended well. I was upset that it came to an end because it was interesting learning about what it was like. My favorite part was when they had talked about Belle Star because it gave a girls point of view and talked about what it was like for her. More specifically, when they were talking about how they haven’t solved her case and how it’s still a mystery. I love those kinds of stories when something is unsolved.
All and all I believe that this book was really interesting and educating on the past. I would definitely try and find more books like this. I would have to recommend this book to someone who likes crime, history, or a western feel. Once again this book was great and I definitely recommend it to others.
January 13, 2019
Interesting subject matter, hard to get through
Just about every story in this book is fascinating, and I did enjoy quite a few chapters, but the way it's written is so incredibly dry it can be hard to push through some passages. It's literally just detailing the story, and the only parts really worth reading are quoted from newspapers and other written accounts of the event. It jumps from robbery to robbery, listing off dates and locations, with no real character to the writing itself for the most part.
When there is character, it honestly makes me roll my eyes. The author saying some stories are "rattlesnake snot and tumbleweed" just sounds like a kinda cringe attempt at cowboy talk. What little non-factual interjections there were read like that. I pretty much enjoyed this book in spite of how it was written. I could have gotten just as much information reading the newspaper articles myself.
Just about every story in this book is fascinating, and I did enjoy quite a few chapters, but the way it's written is so incredibly dry it can be hard to push through some passages. It's literally just detailing the story, and the only parts really worth reading are quoted from newspapers and other written accounts of the event. It jumps from robbery to robbery, listing off dates and locations, with no real character to the writing itself for the most part.
When there is character, it honestly makes me roll my eyes. The author saying some stories are "rattlesnake snot and tumbleweed" just sounds like a kinda cringe attempt at cowboy talk. What little non-factual interjections there were read like that. I pretty much enjoyed this book in spite of how it was written. I could have gotten just as much information reading the newspaper articles myself.
July 31, 2020
I don't mind that the author used quotes for almost the whole book. He did a lot of research, that's obvious. What's a problem for me is the horrible grammar in the parts of the book that he wrote himself. Here's one random example: 'As superintendent of the packer corps, Horn didn't participate directly in any battles, but he was on hand to witness Teddy Roosevelt and the Rougher Rider's storming up San Juan Hill.' Yes, he said Rougher, not Rough. And Rider's showing possession. And yes, that's all one sentence. If this sort of thing bothers you, stay away from this book.
June 12, 2019
A interesting read that covers a wide range of characters
The author points out that their was often a thin line that separated the law from the outlaw. Many of the exploits from the number of kills to the amount stolen was often exaggerated.The life of the outlaw was not glamorous but rather an attempt to not get killed or caught. The author covers a wide range of characters some famous or infamous to some little known and forgotten by time.
The author points out that their was often a thin line that separated the law from the outlaw. Many of the exploits from the number of kills to the amount stolen was often exaggerated.The life of the outlaw was not glamorous but rather an attempt to not get killed or caught. The author covers a wide range of characters some famous or infamous to some little known and forgotten by time.
December 28, 2018
An interesting look at many of the characters who pop up in the history of the Old West. Not too long, so works well for introducing these figures. The only problem I had with it was the manner in which it was written. There were a lot of cliche sayings that weren't part of any sort of quote. A minor issue that didn't detract too greatly from the reading.
February 2, 2018
Short and direct
This is a different read Short! To the point direct. Bang, bang, bang. Does reflect the directness and rawness of the times and shows the actual facts versus the myths
This is a different read Short! To the point direct. Bang, bang, bang. Does reflect the directness and rawness of the times and shows the actual facts versus the myths
March 24, 2018
A big disappointment
I figuted that a book about famed Western outlaws and gunslingers should make for an interesting read, but I found it an incredibly slow read and pretty boring. The stories seemed disjointed and gave only a pretty short and dry sketch of each person.
I figuted that a book about famed Western outlaws and gunslingers should make for an interesting read, but I found it an incredibly slow read and pretty boring. The stories seemed disjointed and gave only a pretty short and dry sketch of each person.
July 10, 2018
Not only was it very entertaining which made it what I call a Fast Read (it had me mesmerized) but it sure had some interesting truths about those characters in history that we've seen so many movies about.
September 16, 2018
Read this prime book on my way back from vacation because all of the library books had expired. An okay overview of lawman, gunfighters and outlaws of the Old West. Covers some of the best known and some obscure ones of the Old West, Each outlaw or gang is covered in a few pages.
September 11, 2017
Long on facts
Long on facts but not a story. Kept talking about the same people in multiple places. Not what I expected.
Long on facts but not a story. Kept talking about the same people in multiple places. Not what I expected.
September 30, 2017
Good read.
Well written fast read and entertaining.
I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all. You will enjoy it.
Well written fast read and entertaining.
I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it to all. You will enjoy it.
February 9, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed the accounts of the short stories in the book. I also enjoyed the account of the OK Corral from the local newspaper listing of the time.
I enjoyed the accounts of the short stories in the book. I also enjoyed the account of the OK Corral from the local newspaper listing of the time.
February 13, 2018
Easy read
Down to earth talk. Sounds like real western talk. He just tells a story that you enjoy reading. Just a good ole boy telling a good ole take.
Down to earth talk. Sounds like real western talk. He just tells a story that you enjoy reading. Just a good ole boy telling a good ole take.
February 17, 2018
Fun read! Lots of good info and fun facts. Well written. Thanks Nick I really enjoyed the stories.
February 24, 2018
Straightforward. Quick read.
August 13, 2018
It really didn't do it for me. It would have been better if he made up the story's not just retold what you already knew.
December 12, 2018
Xxxxxx xxx xXxX xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xXxX xxx xXxX
R444444 ferret vvvvvv Blvd Bibb inn mmm mmm. Highlighted xxx xxx xxx huh huffy high huh mmm mmm Bibb high vvvfff
R444444 ferret vvvvvv Blvd Bibb inn mmm mmm. Highlighted xxx xxx xxx huh huffy high huh mmm mmm Bibb high vvvfff
June 20, 2019
Suspenseful from the start
Great book kept me coming back to see what happened next between the outlaws and the marshals throughout this well written book.
Great book kept me coming back to see what happened next between the outlaws and the marshals throughout this well written book.
October 18, 2020
Mediocre writing style, but still interesting history.
August 8, 2016
A healthy dose of history
For me this was a walk down memory lane. The men, who lived by the gun and died by the gun, have taken on a bigger than life persona. This book tries to separate the facts from the fictions. I know about all of the men mentioned in this book so there were no real big surprises in it for me. I was raised in Oklahoma so many of the places mentioned are known to me. Many people may not know of the Daltons, the Doolins, and the others but they are known in Oklahoma. Some of them were just men, who wanted the easy life that came from a gun. One thing that struck me about this book was the way it just presented the fact as they are known no sermonizing or oh these poor unfortunate men. These men picked the life they lead. You as the reader can come to your own conclusions as to were they right or wrong. I also enjoyed the appendices, which werewolves reprints of period newspaper articles on the men and several events from the book. My only complaint was there was not enough on Tom Horn. He is an interesting page from the American West. Would I read another book by Nick Vulich on the West? Yes, I would this is the way history should be written sometimes as a great story. Want to find out about the West this is a good place to start.
For me this was a walk down memory lane. The men, who lived by the gun and died by the gun, have taken on a bigger than life persona. This book tries to separate the facts from the fictions. I know about all of the men mentioned in this book so there were no real big surprises in it for me. I was raised in Oklahoma so many of the places mentioned are known to me. Many people may not know of the Daltons, the Doolins, and the others but they are known in Oklahoma. Some of them were just men, who wanted the easy life that came from a gun. One thing that struck me about this book was the way it just presented the fact as they are known no sermonizing or oh these poor unfortunate men. These men picked the life they lead. You as the reader can come to your own conclusions as to were they right or wrong. I also enjoyed the appendices, which werewolves reprints of period newspaper articles on the men and several events from the book. My only complaint was there was not enough on Tom Horn. He is an interesting page from the American West. Would I read another book by Nick Vulich on the West? Yes, I would this is the way history should be written sometimes as a great story. Want to find out about the West this is a good place to start.
October 1, 2016
You can't beat this book for variety of coverage of numerous outlaws, gunfighters, and law men as promised in the title. It's best as an introductory work because it's not a 'deep dive' into any of them but focuses on the deeds and actions. That being said, there are many in this volume that I'm already well familiar with, some I want to learn more about, and a few I did not particularly know about. There are some very funny phases and pointed observations that I enjoyed and I bet any reader will too. As always with outlaws and other frontier characters, the truth is very difficult to get at. The writer acknowledges this in his explanation at the end. He also provides a good explanation that his particular interest is only in the action. That surely is more factual than trying to figure motivations and what in a lot of cases is simply rationalizations. Of special interest to me were some the original newspaper articles included at the back covering events a few days after they occurred such as the Dalton Gang double bank robbery. This is a good book for those interested in this topic.
June 16, 2021
Fun accounts of different figures of the late 1800’s in the west. Three categories (Outlaws, Gunslingers, and Lawmen). It was easy to pick up on a commercial break and read a few pages here and there. The writing was kind of sloppy, and I found more typos than I would’ve liked, but this subject material is always interesting to me.
January 12, 2017
This book was a good overview of these Old West characters. It would be nice to have more info on each of these characters, but it would be impossible to include all the details on all of them in one book.
February 11, 2025
Short and to the point.
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