Life and Marvelous Adventures of Wild Bill

Although he is universally renowned as one of the great characters of the Wild West, Wild Bill Hickok was a modest man who downplayed his achievements in life. Yet, fortunately, his remarkable life and times were recorded for posterity by his contemporary, James W. Buel. Billed as the best scout and spy America ever produced, Will Bill’s larger-than-life persona is captured faithfully within these pages. Many are familiar with Wild Bill as an uncompromising lawman who remained unintimidated in the face of desperados and vagabonds.

Yet Buel’s biography also reveals he was a sharpshooter who could hit a penny nine times out of ten and a scout and spy who managed to survive some extremely deadly situations. Buel reveals that Wild Bill survived being shot seven times in one gunfight. He also records the gunslinger’s more emotional side and recalls how he would cry whenever someone mentioned his dead horse, Black Nell.

The author carried out extensive interviews with friends of Wild Bill to ensure the narrative remains as close to the truth as possible. The book serves as a fine testament to one of the great civilizers of the Wild West who believed in his country, the rule of law, and justice for all.