Billy the Kid: A Reader's Guide

Billy the Kid is a famous character in Old West legends and histories, inspiring many books and movies. This readers guide provides summaries and evaluations of biographies, histories, novels, and movies, as well as archival sources and research collections. It traces the shifting views of Billy the Kid from his own era to the present, discussing historical inaccuracies and literary and cinematic achievements. It also includes a section on authentic and supposed photographs of the Kid, demonstrating the difficulties specialists and collectors have encountered in locating dependable photographic sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2022
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press

Billy the Kid, a legendary figure in the Old West, has left an indelible mark on legends and histories, rivaling iconic figures like Jesse James and General George Armstrong Custer in the number of books and movies inspired by his brief, violent life. In order to provide a comprehensive guide for readers interested in exploring the vast array of written and filmed works that have been created in his honor, Billy the Kid: A Readers Guide has been compiled and written by a respected historian of the Old West and the author of a groundbreaking new biography on the subject. This readers guide encompasses a wide range of materials, including summaries, evaluations, and archival sources, all aimed at providing a deeper understanding of Billy the Kids life and legacy.

Richard W. Etulain, the author, has conducted a thorough survey of newspaper articles, books, pamphlets, essays, and book chapters to trace the shifting perspectives of Billy the Kid from his own era to the present. His discussion of novels and movies reveals a similar shift, highlighting both the historical inaccuracies and the literary and cinematic achievements of these works. Additionally, a brief section on the authentic and supposed photographs of the Kid sheds light on the challenges specialists and collectors have faced in locating dependable photographic sources.

This discerning overview will guide readers through the vast expanse of words and images that have been generated by Billy the Kids life and legend over the past century. It will be invaluable to those who are fascinated by the demigods of the Old West, as well as those who are interested in the ever-changing cultural landscape in which they appear to us. By providing a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the various written and filmed works, Billy the Kid: A Readers Guide offers a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of this iconic figure and his enduring impact on American history and culture.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780806190921