Buffalo Bill Cody: The Man Behind the Legend

Based upon what I had heard about "Buffalo Bill" Cody before reading this book, I had come to view him as an outstanding showman but also as something of a braggart with questionable credentials. The question in my mind was: "Was William F. Cody really a true Western hero?" and that was the reason I read this book. I had little or no interest in what Cody did on the stage or in his long running "Wild West" shows. This book went a long way toward answering the question, but still left something to be desired. I say that because much of the early part of the book, that part devoted to Cody's early life, was based on scant evidence and much conjecture, and the bulk of the book, over 325 pages, was devoted almost exclusively to Cody's show business career; the details of his Wild West shows and those appearing in those shows; his investments; and his marital and financial problems. Only about 110 pages in the middle of the book dealt with Cody's experiences on the Western frontier. Based upon those chapters, it is clear that Cody was a premier buffalo hunter; a well respected civilian guide and scout for the Fifth Cavalry; and a highly paid buffalo hunting guide for the rich and famous and for European nobility. Much of this is well documented. It is also clear, however, that his various titles "Honorable," "Colonel," and "General" were bestowed rather than earned. It also struck me that with few exceptions Cody wasn't a major player in any important military actions, although he was in many instances the guide who got the cavalry there. Cody was, of course, awarded the Medal of Honor (MOH) for one minor skirmish, but, upon reading the account of that engagement, one can only wonder why. I suspect it was because the requirements for that award were quite lax back then and because the MOH was the only medal being awarded in those days. The things I found most interesting about this book were: 1) the middle chapters (pgs. 110-220) which dealt with Cody's career on the Western frontier; 2) the light the author shed on Cody's relationships with "Wild Bill" Hickok, Ned Buntline, and General Phil Sheridan; and 3) the biographical information concerning Hickok, Buntline and Annie Oakley (all very interesting). I did come to feel, however, that too much space was devoted to Buffalo Bill's "Wild West" shows and their participants and that this book would have been better by half with half as many pages. In the final chapter, the author aptly points out that the legend of Buffalo Bill is so closely intertwined with his true life experiences that it is virtually impossible to separate the two. Was "Buffalo Bill" a great showman, a charismatic personality, and a wonderful human being? There can be no doubt. Was he a braggart? Definitely not. Was he the great Western hero he was reputed to be? I'm still not sure. I guess you just had to be there. In any case: This is a well documented book and an excellent read, especially if you're inte

Very interesting story. My father-in-law lent me this book and I am glad he did. Having no previous knowledge of Buffalo Bill or his Wild West show I was fascinated about this era in our history. Being from a younger generation, I didn't grow up on cowboy and indian stories nor was I exposed to many westerns. It made me long to have lived in that time period. I especially enjoyed the parts on Annie Oakley. I hope the author decides to write a full biography on her.

This is an edit of my original review. I was chastised in a kindly manner by the author for some of my original statements, and as I reread my review I belive with good reason. Though I am entitled to my opinion I don't have the right to presume that which I do not know for a fact. Based on Mr. Carters comments I will remove the those which he has refuted or corrected. Mr. Carter, my humble apologies. The boys of my generation have a firm tribal memory of Cody. His career as a pony express rider, the "first scalp for Custer", the Wild West show performance before Queen Victoria is the kind of knowledge one just seems to "know". Perhaps the generations that have followed my own have forgotten and this book will redeem his reputation as well as rescue him from the haze of the 19th Century. It is a "good read" and is full of facts and anecdotes. Mr. Carter often presents the evidence and leaves it up to the reader to decide the verity of the story. This is a great technique and it leaves the reader with the feeling he has uncovered the truth. It might be called the multiple choice method of biography. However, it is the use of this technique that detracts from a well researched study. That said and in spite of some barbs on my part I do think this is among the finest and possibly best researched treatment of the man.

Robert Carter has brought Buffalo Bill back from near oblivion, and presses his case that Cody was a major American figure in graceful and masterfully written prose.

Here is that rare kind of book that's equally rewarding to two kinds of readers -- people looking for a ripping good yarn, and serious students of the Old West. It's beautifully written in clear plain language that captures the epic sweep of the period, its tragedies, and even its bawdily comic moments. The text is tastefully sprinkled with excellent photos and illustrations. Thorough source notes are also included -- at the end, where they don't get in the way of your reading, along with a bibliography and useful index."Buffalo Bill Cody, the Man Behind the Legend" is the first complete biography of this marvelous old cuss in more than 30 years, and far and away the most accurate one ever written. It traces the life and many careers of Buffalo Bill from ox-driver, prospector, and Pony Express rider barely out of his childhood to adult adventures as Army scout, Medal of Honor winner, and finally as the boozy myth-making old showman whose geniality could accommodate both Sitting Bull and Annie Oakley under the same tent.Buffalo Bill Cody knew virtually everyone worth knowing in the Old West, and most of those people make guest appearances in this book -- Wild Bill Hickock, Bat Masterson, George Armstrong Custer, and many others.Robert A. Carter manages to tell the vivid story of his subject while also treating the reader to insights into the sights, sounds, smells, and ethos of the period in general, and he does it in a writing style remarkable for its wit and charm. I intend to keep this book in my personal library, both as a reference and to read again.