Saloons of the Old West

This book begins with the stereotypical Hollywood image of the Old West saloon, together with a still from a western movie, in which John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich look on as a barroom brawl is about to commence. Then the author quickly takes the reader back to the real west, and there follows an entertaining and informative account of the saloon as it emerged as a social institution on the 19th century frontier, flourished until the turn of the century, fell on hard times and then disappeared with the arrival of Prohibition. The author covers a range of subjects in a series of 15 chapters, each devoted to a topic such as the colonial origins of the drinking establishment, its first rude appearances on the prairies and in the mining camps, the furnishings of bars, the various dimensions of social life in the western saloon, what drinkers drank, bars providing sleeping accommodations, the uneasy relationship between saloons and frontier religion, gambling, entertainment, women in bars, and barroom violence. As social history, this study of the western saloon is rich with anecdotes, amusing stories, and an appreciation for the ironies inherent in the subject. A number of historical figures have walk-ons, including Billy the Kid, Bat Masterson, Wild Bill Hickock, and Buffalo Bill. Not to mention personages of note whose careers took them to the West: Sarah Bernhardt, Oscar Wilde, and Lola Montez. Most interesting to this reader was the chapter on various forms of the quite literal "rotgut" consumed on the range and in the mining camps. Also of interest was the chapter on entertainment and the musical and theatrical productions, including Shakespeare and opera, that found avid audiences among saloon-goers. Maybe most informative is the author's putting together of the evolution of the saloon itself - its quick ascendance from humble beginnings to a central role in the male-dominated social life of the frontier. Well researched, the book draws heavily on contemporary sources, including newspaper accounts, memoirs, almanacs, and songs. The book makes use of 150 well-chosen illustrations and photographs, several pages of notes, a lengthy bibliography, and an index. It's an excellent reference for the bookshelf of any Western enthusiast.

This one is not to be missed. For history buffs, as well as those who enjoy a good read, this is a great excursion back in time to when the saloon was a cornerstone of the community. I enjoyed it immensely, laughed out loud more than a few times, and highly recommend it.

Richard Erdoes has done his homework in this homage to an icon of the old west-the saloon. Beginning with the early pubs & inns to the brawling watering holes of the frontier, Erdoes chronicles the decline and fall of a great American institution. The great illustrations alone are worth the price of the book.