To Hell On A Fast Horse: Billy The Kid, Pat Garrett, And The Epic Chase To Justice In The Old West (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I finish this book with a renewed appreciation of why people became outlaws in the old west. While pirates had a multitude of exotic locales to live their lives in the people of the old west were pretty much stuck with working cattle, farming, working in stores, mining, (stop me when I get to one that would make you go woohoo) there really is no need. If any of this does it would be because you thought you would be an owner of one of these enterprises. Most people weren't, most then were "pickin shit with the chickens" so what's a guy to do? Gamble, steal, murder apparently. The thing is I didn't get the impression this was strictly an economic thing. I think it was in part entertainment. A simple desire for something to do. You can only listen to the same thing, look at the same things for so long. The landscape of New Mexico and Arizona is beautiful but it doesn't offer much in the way of variety or comfort. I have read all the artistic blather about the ever changing landscape but the speed of evolution is shockingly slow. I enjoyed the book after the first third which seemed a little to collegiate in tone. So with that as a guide I will say that if you are looking for a book that is heavy on facts and pretty in depth on the character of these individuals you should find it quite pleasing. I will admit that I had only a vague notion of the story of Billy the Kid, and knew even less of Pat Garrett. The author did very thorough research and leaves no part of their stories out. Gardner manages to bring the truth into focus and to help the reader understand why Billy the Kid became a legend most everyone has heard of, and why Pat Garrett, the lawman, is hardly remembered - yet both men are forever linked by their final showdown. I enjoyed this visit to a young New Mexico and the times of the Old West.
What do You think about To Hell On A Fast Horse: Billy The Kid, Pat Garrett, And The Epic Chase To Justice In The Old West (2010)?
Some fine moments and great photos. Probably wouldn't have read it were it not a book club book.
—DToye91
The book dies down right about the time billy the kid dies
—ally19lez
