Buffalo Bill Cody: The Man Behind the Legend

by Robert A. Carter

"An excellent book based on exhaustive research and written with fresh insight. It is a spellbinding accomplishment and brings both the man and his era to life. . . . It is an extraordinary achievement."
-Arizona Daily Star

"Carter presents this astounding tale in a very balanced fashion, providing both the nineteenth-century rationale and his repug-nance at acts today considered shocking. . . . Through Carter's writing, the heroic and ultimately sad life of a remarkable human being makes a deep impact."
-Richmond Times Dispatch

"A comprehensive, sharply rendered life of showman William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody pries realities away from legend. . . . A splendid portrait of Cody's life and times, at once poignant, boisterous, and disturbing."
-Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"There's a large audience for American, and particularly Western, history, and those readers will not want to miss this genial account."
-Publishers Weekly

"This is the remarkable story of an amazing life. Cody not only lived the adventure of the frontier, he helped create the American West of the imagination. A fascinating story and a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of the Western myth."
-Casey Tefertiller
author, Wyatt Earp: The Life Behind the Legend

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

512 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2000

Reviews

[JP · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very thorough and balanced account of the Buffalo Bill story. What resonated most with me is how central Buffalo Bill was in the transition from the days of the old West into the launch of the 20th century. He scouted new terrain and fought against the Native Americans, and then he told the story while partnering with them. Also noteworthy are how many historical figures he interacted with, often in unlikely connections save his stardom as a symbol of the American experience.

[Les Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert A. Carter's Buffalo Bill is a well-told tale of adventure and showmanship written about a figure who came to personify the romance and intrigue of the American frontier. A scout, pony-express rider, Indian fighter, stagecoach driver, professional hunter, trick-shooter, exhibitionist and enterprenuer, Buffalo Bill put on display the living artifacts of a 'Wild West' that he himself was instrumental in helping to exploit and "civilize".
The Indians he led armies to and fought himself he hired to perform in his shows. The bison that he shot by the thousands he rounded up like cattle and put on tour. He paid well and was well liked and well fed by those he employed. In fact, he was generous to a fault and was known to hand a kid five dollars for holding a door for him. Like so many who lived in that age of invention and discovery, he invested in a number of hair-brained schemes that cost him a fortune (mining, hospitality, decaf. coffee to name a few).
Cody knew and worked alongside Wild Bill Hickock, Generals Custer, Sherman and Sheridan, the Souix Indian chief Sitting Bull, Annie Oakley and a host of other famous and influential people who had a hand in shaping the country.
William Cody "gave birth in his brain" to the basic tenants that have developed into the modern rodeo and the modern western movie.
The old pioneer had his struggles, disappointments and tragic losses and Carter seems reasonably balanced in his approach although the author certainly shows signs of having been 'won over' by Cody's charm and charisma.
The book takes on the Herculean task of tackling the subject with an almost daily chronicle of the subject's life and, in that regard, became a bit tedious. Although factually rich and interesting, I got a little bogged down in the author's nearly encyclopedic approach to Cody's daily movements and activities.
The book is written by a true historian: a thorough and careful researcher and critical thinker.

[Cinders · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Knew About Buffalo Bill Before Reading This Book: Um, he had a Wild West show?

After Reading It: What a larger-than-life character he was in American history!

I enjoyed this biography very much, even though I think it could have been edited down some in length. The book was very interesting, and the research was obviously exhaustive, but for me, reading all the details of what seemed like every Indian battle, every buffalo hunt, and every Wild West Show, with all its business dealings, was nothing short of exhausting! So many details made for a slow read, but it was well worth taking the time to get to know the amazing Buffalo Bill.

[Chandru CS · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[US · Rating 4 out of 5]

Has been on this day

I'm sorry baby girl I have no problem getting to work for us all a good time and effort in this article are permitted by my office

[Pradeep · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book

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good

[Mark Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theoflections.Wordpress.com/2012/01/06

[Robert Scrivner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found it very interesting. Great reading for history buffs!

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book, there was a lot more to the man that I never knew and found a very easy read. History buffs will enjoy it.

[AndroidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Kcp · Rating 4 out of 5]

You should get some of my friends who has worked out

It would make it work out in your area.ok thanks so that we have no problem at least the same