Written by Dale T. Schoenberger & Illustrated by Ernest Lisle Reedstrom
SUMMARY:
Published in 1971, historian-teacher-journalist Dale T. Schoenberger notes he spent sixteen years researching this 207-page hardcover’s biographical profiles of: Clay Allison; Wyatt Earp; ‘Wild’ Bill Hickok; ‘Doc’ Holliday; Bat Masterson; Luke Short; and Ben Thompson.
Packed with photos, illustrations, and a few diagrams, Schoenberger’s stated premise is veering as far from legend and outright fiction as possible to document these seven gunmen’s lives through verifiable sources. Specifically, he often relies upon local journalism and government reports written at the time specific events occurred, and even the reminiscences of surviving old-timers.
Though some larger-than-life incidents and/or floating rumors are alluded to, the author opts for chronological reporting (with frequent citations) on each profile. When appropriate, Schoenberger expresses bits of plausible speculation to fill in gaps (i.e. his theory for Allison’s raging temper would be undiagnosed manic depression exacerbated by chronic alcoholism).
With help from illustrator Ernest Lisle Reedstrom, Schoenberger strives to make his Gunfighters an impartial contribution to American Old West historical research.
Note: There are some insensitive racial expressions in the text.
REVIEW:
It’s stunning that Schoenberger’s easy-to-read text dates back more than a half-century, and yet these seven profiles remain virtually indisputable. Some present-day writers (i.e. Tom Clavin, re: both Hickok and Earp) have reported additional incidents that Schoenberger either missed or omitted, but, unlike many works in this genre, The Gunfighters doesn’t take sides.
Case in point: the author acknowledges that some of Earp’s contemporary local detractors suspected his covert involvement in Tombstone stage robberies, along with other reported examples of Earp’s alleged criminal dishonesty. Yet, Schoenberger also spells out Earp’s consistently respectable (though hardly spectacular) track record as a Kansas policeman. While Earp’s enigmatic life and likely embellished exploits justifiably require the longest profile, the author tries not to overlap too much examining Wyatt’s favorite cronies: Holliday, Masterson, and Short.
Perhaps most intriguing are the Allison and Thompson profiles, as neither quick-tempered rogue has attracted nearly the same caliber of media attention as the other five have. For instance, Schoenberger’s deductions re: Thompson’s autopsy report provides possible insight as to why his hidden assassins weren’t ever prosecuted, let alone conclusively identified. Or, for that matter, the author indicates that eye-popping tales of Allison’s psychotic wrath possess some degree of truth, though likely dates and locales have shifted over time.
Lastly, tidbits about how/when some of these lives intersected (i.e. Allison’s purported Dodge City encounter with Earp & Masterson) make the mythic American Old West seem far more down-to-earth. If anything, Schoenberger’s obscure gem of a textbook merits re-discovery, as it should prove invaluable to the 21st Century’s armchair historians. As this reviewer can further attest, it’s a dynamite reference for middle school and high school research projects.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
There’s separate tables of contents for the chapters and black-and-white illustrations (including photos). Schoenberger also includes: acknowledgements, impressively detailed footnotes for each chapter, an extensive bibliography, and an index. Perhaps most insightful is a two-page introduction explaining his rationale re: these particular gunmen were selected and why certain other gunmen (i.e. John Wesley Hardin, Bill Longley, and Johnny Ringo) were left out. Though he doesn’t specifically mention them, Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett were evidently excluded, in part, because they didn’t meet Schoenberger’s criteria re: a lifetime of geographical diversity.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
