The Saga of Billy the Kid

Walter Noble Burns did tremendous research under the difficulty of so many deceased witnesses. His prose of descriptive scenes and events was as interestng as were the happenings themselves. His writing in the early 1920's style adds much to the reader with historical interest. I can not imagine one with such interest not thinking the book is wonderful. For those that like to learn via Hollywood, TV, or Video, it probably will be less attractive reading.

Billy the Kid is one of the West's most famous outlaws, yet there is little in the history books to detail his short but very violent life. In addition, most of what has been written has been written in the later part of the 20th century and relies not so much on true knowledge as on what can be found here and there.This book, original written in 1924, is wonderful because the author actually found people still alive who had known Billy the Kid and who had lived through the Lincoln County Wars. While these people were hardly young when interviewed, they still had very good memories of Billy and his life style. This provides a look that is often missing in history.One area that was missing was any detailed information on the early life of Billy the Kid, but, as the author points out, much was lost and may never be known.The language in the book is, at times, difficult to process, as it was written in the style prevalent in 1924, not 2002. And it is a language that is caught between the older American English and modern American English. Generally it is a smooth read, but does have a couple of rough spots.This is a MUST READ if you really want to know about the portion of Billy the Kids life that ocured during the Linclon County Wars!!

THIS IS TRULY A WORK OF ART. HE BEGINS WITH THE RIVALRY BETWEEN JOHN CHIUSUM AND MAJOR A.G. MURPHY AND THE WAR THAT ESCALETS FROM THEIR RIVALRY. IT INTRODUCES WILLIAM BONNEY AS AN INNOCENT MAN WHO'S LOVE/RESPECT FOR HIS BOSS LEADS HIM TO HIS LEGENDARY LIFE AND DEATH. WRITTEN WITH PRECISE DETAIL AND ARRESTING INTENSITY.. A MUST HAVE