The Outlaw Years: The History of the Land Pirates of the Natchez Trace

First this book has an interesting literary pedigree. The author is a member of the "lost generation" writers---Hemingway; Stein--who became a famous art critic. He wrote the book at the suggestion of Malcolm cowley (critic and promoter/"discoverer" of William Faulkner ). Second the book expressly notes it is not intended to be a scholarly academic history ; rather it is a popular history drawn from various accounts and presented in a readable entertaining style. The book itself is very well-written in an original fresh highly readable form. There is a detailed bibliography included for those interested in delving more deeply into the historical facts presented. The fact that the book is in print 80 years later is a testament to its strength as history well told.

Found this informative, but would have liked a little more proof about the subject pirate, Sam Mason. Most of the material seemed to be recollection and heresay. However, there was such a person and he did fall into bad repute. There was enough recording from newspapers, government records to give a rough outline of Mason's activities. Barb Balas

Most interesting history of the "development" of the Natchez Trace. A step back in time to when development included high risk to life and family. Good read for history information.