What They Didn't Teach You about the Wild West

As any historian will tell you, there are many sides to an historic event and the story is told from the viewpoint of the victors. Wright attempts to illustrate unknown facts, and clarify popular misconceptions about historical events in "What They Didn't Teach You about the Wild West." While I enjoyed Wright's interpretation of history, I found the format to be at times confusing. Facts were jumbled together in large chapters without subheadings which made browsing confusing. Perhaps this book would be better if arranged in chronological order? This complaint was small, however in light of what "What they-" has to offer.The parts I particularly enjoyed were the colonization facts, information about early prostitution and early American 'attitudes' towards women, other races and cultures. Perhaps if there is a reprint, there should be a chapter about gender roles included?Definitely interesting enough to pick up for scholars and writers of western fiction. A good solid work.

From the origins of 'dude' in dude ranch to the history of the Afro-American cowboy and his prominence in the west, What They Didn't Teach You About the Wild West gathers a range of lively facts which provides a fun and involving collection for leisure browsers and history students seeking supplemental reading.

This book is filled with highlights of the West and stories of "regular" people going/living in the West.