The Authentic Life Of Billy Kid

Bol

In "The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid," Pat Garrett offers a fascinating, first-hand account of the legendary outlaw's life, blending biography with a narrative that vividly captures the American West's tumultuous spirit. Written in a straightforward style typical of the late 19th century, the book serves as both a historical document and a gripping tale of adventure, reflecting the burgeoning mythology surrounding figures like Billy the Kid. Garrett's work emerges from the era of wild west tales, drawing on personal anecdotes and interviews that lend authenticity to his portrayal, while also revealing the complex socio-political landscape of frontier America. Pat Garrett, a lawman and friend turned adversary of Billy the Kid, utilizes his unique perspective to craft a narrative that navigates both the criminal exploits and the human complexities of his subject. His relationship with Billy imbues the text with an intimate understanding of the infamous outlaw, while his background as a sheriff informs his depictions of law and morality in the Old West. Through his experiences, Garrett crafts a multifaceted view of a man often reduced to mere legend. I highly recommend "The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid" to those interested in historical narratives that delve into the real versus the mythical. Garrett'Äôs keen insights combined with his firsthand experiences create a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, revealing not just the life of a notorious outlaw but also the rich tapestry of the American frontier.

Bol Partner

Patrick Pat Floyd Garrett (1850-1908) was an American Old West lawman, bartender, and customs agent who was best known for killing Billy the Kid (1859-1881). In 1878, Garrett moved to New Mexico and briefly found work as a cowpuncher before quitting to open his own saloon. In 1880, the county appointed him the sheriff of Lincoln County. He was charged with tracking down and arresting a friend from his saloon keeping days, Henry McCarty, a jail escapee and Lincoln County War participant who often went by the aliases Henry Antrim and William Harrison Bonney, but is better known as Billy the Kid. He was said to have killed twenty-one men, one for every year of his life, but the actual total was probably closer to nine. In 1881, Garrett pursued Billy the Kid to a mutual friends manor and shot him twice while he was unarmed. After finishing out his term as sheriff, Garrett became a rancher and released a book ghostwritten by his friend Ash Upson in 1882 about his experiences with McCarty.

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Pages: 52, Paperback, Concord Theatricals