Buffalo Bill Cody : The Man Behind the Legend

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Summary: A biography that reads like a page-turning novel.
Review: Here is that rare kind of book that's equally rewarding to two kinds of readers -- people looking for a ripping good yarn, and serious students of the Old West. It's beautifully written in clear plain language that captures the epic sweep of the period, its tragedies, and even its bawdily comic moments. The text is tastefully sprinkled with excellent photos and illustrations. Thorough source notes are also included -- at the end, where they don't get in the way of your reading, along with a bibliography and useful index.

"Buffalo Bill Cody, the Man Behind the Legend" is the first complete biography of this marvelous old cuss in more than 30 years, and far and away the most accurate one ever written. It traces the life and many careers of Buffalo Bill from ox-driver, prospector, and Pony Express rider barely out of his childhood to adult adventures as Army scout, Medal of Honor winner, and finally as the boozy myth-making old showman whose geniality could accommodate both Sitting Bull and Annie Oakley under the same tent.

Buffalo Bill Cody knew virtually everyone worth knowing in the Old West, and most of those people make guest appearances in this book -- Wild Bill Hickock, Bat Masterson, George Armstrong Custer, and many others.

Robert A. Carter manages to tell the vivid story of his subject while also treating the reader to insights into the sights, sounds, smells, and ethos of the period in general, and he does it in a writing style remarkable for its wit and charm. I intend to keep this book in my personal library, both as a reference and to read again.

Rating:
Summary: A sure besteller!
Review: Robert Carter has brought Buffalo Bill back from near oblivion, and presses his case that Cody was a major American figure in graceful and masterfully written prose.

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Summary: A legend redeemed and a new perspective
Review: This is an edit of my original review. I was chastised in a kindly manner by the author for some of my original statements, and as I reread my review I belive with good reason. Though I am entitled to my opinion I don't have the right to presume that which I do not know for a fact. Based on Mr. Carters comments I will remove the those which he has refuted or corrected. Mr. Carter, my humble apologies. The boys of my generation have a firm tribal memory of Cody. His career as a pony express rider, the "first scalp for Custer", the Wild West show performance before Queen Victoria is the kind of knowledge one just seems to "know". Perhaps the generations that have followed my own have forgotten and this book will redeem his reputation as well as rescue him from the haze of the 19th Century. It is a "good read" and is full of facts and anecdotes. Mr. Carter often presents the evidence and leaves it up to the reader to decide the verity of the story. This is a great technique and it leaves the reader with the feeling he has uncovered the truth. It might be called the multiple choice method of biography. However, it is the use of this technique that detracts from a well researched study. That said and in spite of some barbs on my part I do think this is among the finest and possibly best researched treatment of the man.