Famous Gunfighters of the Western Frontier

A legendary lawman, buffalo hunter, Indian fighter, and newspaper columnist, Bat Masterson served as sheriff of Ford County, Kansas, ruled Dodge City, and became an eyewitness to the heyday of the Old West's most notorious outlaws. His thrilling collection of mini-biographies reveals fascinating details about a host of legendary gunslingers, painting a vivid portrait of a world of sharpshooters, cattle rustlers, and frontier justice. First published as a series of magazine articles in 1907, these life-and-death dramas introduce you to some of the most famous gunfighters America has ever known. The roundup includes Wyatt Earp, who had a reputation for courage and calm, but went on the warpath when one of his five brothers was killed by stagecoach robbers; Doc Holliday, a mean-tempered dentist who loved poker and moonshine &; and found trouble wherever he traveled; Ben Thompson, a fearless gunman who served in the Civil War and was determined to continue fighting after the last battle ended; Luke Short, a slightly built man with nerves of steel, who started out as a gambler and ended up a Shakespeare-quoting gentleman; and Bill Tilghman, who captured some of the West's most desperate criminals. Illustrated with forty-eight rare 19th-century photos, these colorful accounts will appeal to anyone with a love of Western lore.

First published in 1907 as a series of articles in “Human Life” magazine, “Famous Gunfighters of the Western Frontier” is the fascinating first-hand account of these famous Americans by Bat Masterson. Born Bartholemew William Barclay Masterson in Canada in 1853, Bat Masterson led an amazing life as a U.S. Army scout, professional gambler, and lawman in the American Old West. He went to find adventure in the frontier as a young man and soon earned distinction as a buffalo hunter. He eventually spent time as the sheriff in Dodge City, Kansas and was involved in several well-known shootouts. It was during these times that Masterson met some of the most important gunslingers in history. These accounts, written decades after Masterson moved back to civilization and worked as a writer and journalist, tell the incredible stories of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Ben Thompson, Luke Short, and Bill Tilghman. “Famous Gunfighters of the Western Frontier” remains an important historical document of five famous American gunfighters and a fascinating and entertaining account of the Wild West.