Buffalo Bill's Wild West An American Legend

by Wilson, R.L.

• ISBN13: 9780785818946
• ISBN10: 0785818944
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-05-15
• Publisher: Chartwell Books

Summary

No Theme in History has captured the imagination like the American West, and no presentation of the drama surpassed the original Wild West shows. In this unparalleled theater, the cast of characters were themselves authentic heroes: Buffalo Bill Cody, Texas Jack Omohundro, Wild Bill Hickok, Captain A. H. Bogardus, Annie Oakley, Doc Carver ("Evil Spirit of the Plains"), Lillian Smith, Captain Jack Crawford ("Poet Scout of the Plains"), Sitting Bull and hordes of Indians, Pawnee Bill, and May Lillie. These pioneer stars and superstars were predecessors to the Western film and television personalities of later times, and to the troupe in the contemporary extravaganza at Disneyland/Paris. Buffalo Bill's Wild West is a panoramic celebration of these colorful characters, who created the image of the West for Americans, and for the world. The book also celebrates the exciting and often flamboyant accoutrements and costumes, which were part and parcel of the stars' public appearance, and honors such characters as William Mathewson, recognized even by Cody himself as the "original Buffalo Bill."

Author Biography

R. L. Wilson has written some 30 books and over 250 articles on firearms and engraving. He is a historical consultant Peter Beard, New York and Kenya, freelances for Vogue, Esquire, Playboy, and other magazines Douglas Sandberg, San Francisco, freelances

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. VII
From Reality to Legend, 1846-1876	p. 3
The Prairie to the National Stage, 1876-1882	p. 29
From the Stage to the Arena, 1882-1886	p. 41
The Wild West Triumphs in Europe and America, 1887-1892	p. 71
Portfolio of Treasures: Buffalo Bill Historical Center and the Autry Museum of Western Heritage	p. 99
Annie Oakley: Superstar, Athlete, and Modern Lady	p. 121
The Congress of Rough Riders of the World, 1893-1908	p. 155
Colonel Cody and Major Lillie, 1908-1912	p. 189
Sells-Floto, the 101 Ranch, and the End of the Trail, 1912-1917	p. 215
Enjoying the Wild West	p. 241
Appendices	p. 259
Notes	p. 295
Selected Bibliography	p. 297
Acknowledgments, Photographic Notes, and Owner Credits	p. 303
Index	p. 306
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