Synopses & Reviews
Was Billy the Kid the most romantic of Western desperadoes or a vicious killer? Ever since the Kid was shot by Pat Garrett in 1881, historians, storytellers, and filmmakers have been recounting and reinventing his life. In 1983 Jon Tuska published his first edition of Billy the Kid, and it was immediately recognized as the most accurate account yet produced. Choice called it A magnificent tour de force and a model for others who would study legendary heroes of the American West.
In this new edition, Tuska reexamines the Kid's life and legend, and he analyzes the numerous histories, novels, films, and other interpretations of the Kid. He points out the errors of earlier materials as well as those perpetuated in the last 12 years. As with the earlier volume, this is the last word on the Western figure who still captures the public imagination beyond all others. For public libraries and all students and scholars of the American West and American Popular Culture.
About the Author
JON TUSKA is a prolific writer on the American West and film. In addition to his numerous books and articles, he has been involved in film and television productions.
Table of Contents
Preface to the Second Edition
Acknowledgments
The Life and Death of Billy the Kid
Billy and the Historians
Billy the Kid in Fiction
Billy the Kid in Film
The Legend of Billy the Kid
Appendix A: A Billy the Kid Miscellany
Appendix B: A Billy the Kid Chronology
Notes
Bibliography
Idex