A Decent, Orderly Lynching: The Montana Vigilantes

Rating:
Summary: Fresh look at a fascinating episode
Review: In lawless gold rush days, Montana's vigilantes took inspiration from San Francisco's -- but lynched ten times as many victims. Until now, the bloody story of the Montana vigilantes in the 1860s has flattered the legendary law-and-order gang with each retelling; the vigilantes remain heroes (perhaps saints?) in Montana, models of manliness and rectitude. But Frederick Allen has taken a fresh and deeper look at this fascinating tale. The picture he paints is darker, more nuanced, and ultimately haunting. Allen's vigilantes -- good men whom too much bloodletting finally corrupted, and who tried to cover their historical tracks -- provide a perfect narrative arc for a master storyteller. A great book for almost anyone: historians, fans of the West, fans of a terrific tale. Highly recommended.




Rating:
Summary: Best Montana Vigilante Read Yet
Review: This recitation of Montana Vigilante activity is the best yet. I've read Dimsdale's book (a painful read of newspaper articles that were collected and published later as a book by Dimsdale's son) and Nathaniel Langford's "Vigilante Days and Ways" (much easier to read than Dimsdale's and a worthwhile view from an insider), but Allen goes beyond them to compile data from private journals, court transcripts, etc, that truly brings the story alive. Further, Allen's writing explains the politics, private asides, and observations of many of the citizens of the time. A thorough explanation of how the State of Montana was sliced off Idaho Territory is intertwined and highly relevant.