Tales Behind the Tombstones: The Deaths And Burials Of The Old West's Most Nefarious Outlaws, Notorious Women, And Celebrated Lawmen

This book became the latest edition to my vast library of western fact and lore this past Christmas. People that know me well realize that it can be a pretty tough chore to try and get me something in print that tells it like it is, or rather like it was as to the American frontier. Something that I don't already have that is. Someone took a chance on this book and fortunately hit the mark. Tales Behind The Tombstones is sorta a book that takes over, or begins where a lot of other books, bios, and documentaries are set to call it end of trail. I have read so many books and seen so many docus and shows that do a fair job in telling the tale of some of the west most colorful figures, but when it comes to their finally getting around to detailing said figures deaths, they tend to not manage much more than just to tell you they upped and kicked it on a certain date. Oh, they mention that they got shot, got sick and died, wasted away, etc. But rarely will you find what is in my opinion such a well researched collection of the last days and events of some the wests best known heroes, as well as a handful of its sorriest. "Tales" is a really interesting book that I feel both tenderfoots and seasoned old west aficionados will find informative, and even fascinating in parts. It not only covers the last days and deaths of well known western legends such as Billy the Kid and Wild Bill Hickok, but it also introduces you to other interesting characters that made their mark on the west and whose lives we will instantly find worthy of getting comfy with and reading on. People like Sarah Winnemucca, Rattlesnake Dick, and a fascinating but heartbreaking entry called Children of the Trail. Try as you might, it will be difficult for anyone to recall a book or story that begins at the end of a true legends tale of wonder. Most of us that are big fans of this era know so well all about the deeds and musings of so much that came before the end. Allow yourself the pleasure now of catching up and joining so many as the end is right up over the next rise. A really good book at a very reasonable price that I highly recommend. Enjoy...

I have been a fan of the author for a while and this book doesn't dissappoint.

This book has some unique details I've never heard before. Did you know that the undertaker had to build a cage around Calamity Jane to keep people from taking bits of her hair as souvenirs? If you didn't then this book is definitely worth the read! I recommend checking out other book by Chris Enss. Her books are always wonderful easy to read stories for anyone who loves history.

I just recieved this book as a gift, and once I started reading it I just could not put it down. The book is full of facinating stories that while factual are still entertaining. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in The Old West. PS this would make a great "bathroom book" as each chapter is a seperate story, if you can stop after just one!