Tom Claven’s Dodge City reads like those old TV westerns from the 1950s and 60s. In this case, though, the stories are real, and often far messier than Hollywood ever let on.
High Point: Clavin’s narrative is informal and never distracts from his fascinating stories.
Low Point: You may not enjoy this book if you have little interest in the history of the American West.
Author: Tom Clavin
Publication Date: 2017
Genre: History
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Dodge City: Less Glamour, More Gunpowder
Tom Clavin’s Dodge City reads like those old TV westerns from the 1950s and 60s. In this case, though, the stories are real, and often far messier than Hollywood ever let on. If you love those old shows, you’ll love this book.
A New York Times Bestseller from 2017, this history of the Old West is centered around Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Dodge City, Kansas. Along the way, though, Clavin delves into the details of other familiar characters and places such as Doc Holliday, Billy the Kid, Kate Elder, Wild Bill Hickock, Tombstone, and the OK Corral.
Clavin dispels the myths portrayed by the movies and television about many of the people and the incidents in which they played key roles. For instance, the gunfight at the OK Corral was not as encompassing or exciting as depicted in the 1946 movie My Darling Clementine. Even so, you may be surprised at the frequency of fights—with fists and guns—in which our heroes participated.
Clavin’s narrative is informal, conversational, and never distracts from his stories. And he doesn’t shy away from the tarnish that frequently applies to his subjects. That includes discussions of their multiple marriages, infidelities, gambling, drug and alcohol abuse, and even visits to their local cathouses.
You likely won’t enjoy this book if you have little interest in the American West. Otherwise, Dodge City is a history you’ll want to peruse between episodes of your favorite westerns.
Quotes
| A story was told of a despondent man riding on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe line; a curious conductor tapped his shoulder and asked where he was going. “To hell, most likely,” the man muttered. The conductor responded, “That’s two dollars, and get off at Dodge City.” |
| There have been many accounts of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, ranging from as close to authentic as the facts and differing reminiscences will allow to deliberate and often mystifying flights of fancy. Many authors and filmmakers have treated the more reliable accounts as obstacles to be overcome… …we may wind up unearthing the true origins of Stonehenge before knowing what exactly happened on Wednesday, October 26, 1881, in Tombstone. |
Sources For This Book
This book was purchased at Junk and Disorderly Antiques in Brownwood, Texas
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
