The Encyclopedia Of Lawmen, Outlaws, And Gunfig... -

by Leon Claire Metz is a definitive reference for anyone fascinated by the reality—rather than the Hollywood mythos—of the Old West. The "Why It Works" Review

Readers generally find it to be an "indispensable" part of a Western historian’s library, though some note that certain entries could benefit from even stronger sourcing.

: Unlike niche biographies, this encyclopedia offers a massive variety of entries, covering household names like Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp alongside obscure but equally dangerous figures like Bill Doolin or Pearl Hart. The Encyclopedia of Lawmen, Outlaws, and Gunfig...

Leon Claire Metz, a highly regarded historian, does more than just list names; he provides a cohesive look at the lives of over 500 men and women who shaped the American frontier.

“This encyclopedia has good, pertinent information without being too murky and obtuse. The writing is smooth... and is in a plain language you can just fly through.” Amazon UK by Leon Claire Metz is a definitive reference

: Metz’s primary goal is to strip away the "dime novel" exaggerations. It serves as an essential tool for separating the legendary exploits of the OK Corral from the gritty, often brutal reality of 19th-century lawlessness.

: Beyond people, the book includes entries on specific events, geographical locations, and even the terminology and language used at the time. Community Perspective Leon Claire Metz, a highly regarded historian, does

: Readers from Amazon praise the book for being a "good primer" that avoids becoming too "murky and obtuse". The writing is noted for being plain and smooth, allowing you to fly through dense historical information easily.