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Ride the Devil's Herd: Wyatt Earp's Epic Battle Against the West's Biggest Outlaw Gang Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 719 ratings

The story of how a young Wyatt Earp and his brothers defeated the Old West’s biggest outlaw gang, by the New York Times–bestselling author of Texas Ranger.

Wyatt Earp is regarded as the most famous lawman of the Old West, best known for his role in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. But the story of his two-year war with a band of outlaws known as the Cowboys has never been told in full.

The Cowboys were the largest outlaw gang in the history of the American West. After battles with the law in Texas and New Mexico, they shifted their operations to Arizona. There, led by Curly Bill Brocius, they ruled the border, robbing, rustling, smuggling and killing with impunity until they made the fatal mistake of tangling with the Earp brothers.

Drawing on groundbreaking research into territorial and federal government records, John Boessenecker’s
Ride the Devil’s Herd reveals a time and place in which homicide rates were fifty times higher than those today. The story still bears surprising relevance for contemporary America, involving hot-button issues such as gang violence, border security, unlawful immigration, the dangers of political propagandists parading as journalists, and the prosecution of police officers for carrying out their official duties. Wyatt Earp saw it all in Tombstone.

Praise for Ride the Devil’s Herd

A Pim County Public Library Southwest Books of the Year 2021

A True West Reader’s Choice for Best 2020 Western Nonfiction

Winner of the Best Book Award by the Wild West History Association

“A marvelous book. By means of meticulous research and splendid writing John Boessenecker has managed to do something never before attempted or accomplished, tying together the many violent clashes between lawmen and outlaws in the American southwest of the 1870-1890 period and showing how depredations by loosely organized gangs of outlaws actually threatened “Manifest Destiny” and the successful taming of the Wild West.” —Robert K. DeArment, author and historian

“A ripsnortin’ ramble across the bloodstained Arizona desert with Wyatt Earp and company. . . . Boessenecker displays a fine eye for period detail. . . . A pleasure for thoughtful fans of Old West history, revisionist without being iconoclastic.” —
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4.4 out of 5 stars 719
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ride the Devil's Herd is a marvelous book. By means of meticulous research and splendid writing John Boessenecker has managed to do something never before attempted or accomplished, tying together the many violent clashes between lawmen and outlaws in the American southwest of the 1870-1890 period and showing how depredations by loosely organized gangs of outlaws actually threatened 'Manifest Destiny' and the successful taming of the Wild West."

-- "Robert K. DeArment, author and historian"

"Boessenecker goes through Hamer's career chronologically, methodically and in great detail, exploring both good and bad."

-- "Austin American-Statesman on Texas Ranger"

"In terms of sheer action and violence, from close-quarters gunfights to Mexican-border ambushes to face-offs with lynch mobs, I'm hard-pressed to think of [a biography of an American lawman and detective] that rivals John Boessenecker's excellent Texas Ranger...A notable achievement."

-- "Wall Street Journal on Texas Ranger"

"A fascinating look into the epic life of one of the greatest American lawmen of the 20th century."

-- "San Antonio Express-News on Texas Ranger"

"Fair-minded and thorough...Boesse-necker tells the gruesome story with power and force."

-- "New York Times on Texas Ranger"

"Through the extraordinary experiences of this straight-shooting, honor-bound lawman, Boessenecker sets forth a critically needed look at the history of Texas lynchings and race riots while presenting evidence for the murderous nature of Bonnie and Clyde that foreordained their violent deaths."

-- "Library Journal on Texas Ranger"

"A biography of Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, from his youth in the Hill Country to his appointment to the Rangers in 1906. He's most famous for killing Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in 1934, but there's much more to the cowboy lawman."

-- "Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Texas Ranger"

"Colorful and comprehensive."

-- "True West Magazine on Texas Ranger"

"Frank Hamer's is perhaps the last great story of the American West to be told...Well, Hollywood? Now you have the book, so go make the movie."

-- "Dallas Morning News on Texas Ranger"

"Finally, a complete, thoroughly researched and true account of Frank Hamer, whose experiences proved that the Wild West didn't end in 1900. All of our favorite lawmen pale in comparison to Hamer's service...Frank Hamer was the real deal and arguably the greatest lawman of the West."

-- "Roundup Magazine on Texas Ranger"

"The author's painstaking research...brings forth an astounding story...A superb account."

-- "Washington Times on Texas Ranger"

About the Author

John Boessenecker is considered one of the leading authorities on crime and lawlessness in the Old West. He is the award-winning author of Bandido: The Life and Times of Tiburcio Vasquez and When Law Was in the Holster: The Frontier Life of Bob Paul. In 2011 and 2013, True West magazine named him a ""Best Nonfiction Writer."" He has appeared frequently as a historical commentator on PBS, The History Channel, A&E, and others.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07RQ75L47
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hanover Square Press; Original edition (March 17, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 17, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 32.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 572 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 719 ratings

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John Boessenecker
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John Boessenecker, a San Francisco trial lawyer and former police officer, is considered one of the leading authorities on crime and law enforcement in the Old West. Since 1968 he has published dozens of magazine articles about violence on the frontier. He is the award-winning author of nine books, including including the New York Times bestselling Texas Ranger. In 2011 and 2013, True West magazine named Boessenecker Best Nonfiction Writer. He received a prestigious Spur award from Western Writers of America and Best Book award from Westerners International. He has appeared frequently as a historical commentator on PBS, The History Channel, A&E, and other media.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
719 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They find the storytelling fascinating and interesting, providing context and background to the lawless west in the 19th century. The book is described as an entertaining read with a well-written style that helps readers understand key points. Readers appreciate the well-described characters and their personalities, which add insight into human nature.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

39 customers mention "Depth"34 positive5 negative

Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They appreciate the detailed descriptions of Northern Mexico and the author's sources. The book provides a comprehensive account without focusing on minutiae.

"...Equally interesting are the detailed descriptions of Northern Mexico (not far from the San Simon river valley)and the bandits who rode there both..." Read more

"...It fit the subject matter, and I appreciated that he included so many details about every little, insignificant story and every little,..." Read more

"...Boessenecker is honest and thorough in his exposing the bad side of the Earps, but at the end of the day he shows clearly that they were a far cry..." Read more

"...at times, I've enjoyed, and found personally useful, the additional information he provides on certain bandidos, gangs, and highway robberies...." Read more

35 customers mention "Storytelling"30 positive5 negative

Customers find the storytelling engaging and informative. They appreciate the thoughtful insights and context provided for the events of the 19th century Wild West. The book provides a broader perspective on the events that led up to the events depicted, fitting the subject matter.

"...Together with thoughtful insights it gives us the history lessons that only good books can bring. Clifford Chappell" Read more

"...It fit the subject matter, and I appreciated that he included so many details about every little, insignificant story and every little,..." Read more

"...The book delves deep into the complexities of the conflict, exploring the motivations, personalities, and actions of all key players, not just Earp...." Read more

"...of the Cowboys and Earp relationships, including the famous gunfight...." Read more

34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an enjoyable and rewarding read. They describe it as a hard but worthwhile read with informative short stories. The book arrived in good condition and was worth the money.

"...These insights are why reading Boessenecker is rewarding . As a historian he is also fun to read because he relates the past to our present...." Read more

"A fairly entertaining read filled with mostly informational short stories or anecdotes...." Read more

"I have read so many books on this subject and so far, this is the finest one yet...." Read more

"This is a fascinating read by all means. The author really makes the Old West come alive as he details bandits, robbers, Cowboys, gamblers, etc.,..." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing style"14 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They find it well-written and clear, giving them a good understanding of key points. Readers enjoy the author's unique style, which allows them to read at intervals and immerse themselves in the action.

"...This incredibly thorough book is unique in that the reader is given a very good understanding of two key points: The cowboys of frontier Arizona..." Read more

"...best biographies I have read, and yet I still really liked the author’s unique style...." Read more

"Wonderfully written and accurate representation of the Cowboys and Earp relationships, including the famous gunfight...." Read more

"...All of this made for an unnecessarily difficult read. Foolish and frustrating." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters well-described and understandable. They find the Earp brothers fascinating and flawed heroes. The book helps readers appreciate human nature and the era.

"...about every little, insignificant story and every little, insignificant character. The Earp brothers were fascinating people...." Read more

"...together historical accounts, vivid descriptions, and compelling character portrayals to bring this iconic Western saga to life...." Read more

"...There are so many fringe characters and side events surrounding this gunfight that I have always wanted to know more about...." Read more

"...The characters are well described & the economic & political leanings of both sides is clearly explained...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2020
    Ride The Devil’s Herd

    John Boessenecker has written the best account of the Earps and the outlaw cowboys of Tombstone. This incredibly thorough book is unique in that the reader is given a very good understanding of two key points: The cowboys of frontier Arizona were a very large association of murderous thieves and that this era was influenced by a code of personal honor.

    The “cow-boys” (as they were derogatorily referred to at the time) were a bunch to be reckoned with. Boessenecker lists about 88 in the back of the book and estimates their number upwards of 200. Many lived on ranches east of Tombstone in the San Simon river valley. Wyatt Earp’s famous quote found on page 251 challenges Ike Clanton with ,” …I will go anywhere on earth to make a fight with you even over to the San Simon among your crowd.” I finally understand this reference to the San Simon and the cowboys whose crime spree had infested the area with fear and intimidation. Boessenecker’s rich research makes it clear that this dangerous bunch from the San Simon had murdered 30 people. For Wyatt Earp to be willing to confront Ike on the cowboys’ turf shows him to be a courageous peace officer.

    Equally interesting are the detailed descriptions of Northern Mexico (not far from the San Simon river valley)and the bandits who rode there both Mexican and American. This is important in understanding the story and the range of these murderous desperados. The author makes it abundantly clear that the only thing that stopped them was the Earp brothers.

    The following quote from page 260 sheds light on the notion of honor in 19th century men and the Earps in particular. “ But at their essence they were fighting men who lived their lives on the border. The Clantons and McLaurys had repeatedly threatened to kill them. Those threats were a profound attack on the Earps’ personal honor. Wyatt and his brothers fully understood that those threats could not go unchallenged. Unless they responded forcefully—either by arresting or killing the Cowboys—they could not expect to live with honor and respect on the frontier.”

    These insights are why reading Boessenecker is rewarding . As a historian he is also fun to read because he relates the past to our present. Late in the book we are treated to an anecdote of Wyatt Earp hiring a good lawyer in Los Angeles circa 1910. The man he hires successfully and skillfully represents his client. This attorney was Earl Rogers who became well-known for winning cases. Earl Stanley Garner knew him and used him as inspiration for his character Perry Mason.

    Ride The Devil’s Herd is thoroughly researched as it should be. Together with thoughtful insights it gives us the history lessons that only good books can bring.

    Clifford Chappell
    38 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
    I enjoyed this book a lot. I’d read a review of it in either the WSJ or NYT and was intrigued. I’ve never read a book by this author, or about the Wild West, so this was my first foray into this genre.

    The amount of research that went into this is staggering. The author would tell a story from a character’s point of view, then say, “but it was all a lie” and then tell what the real facts were, from his painstaking research. I enjoyed this approach to the stories.

    I almost had to quit reading during the first chapter, which was rambling and just a series of incidents showing how terrible the “Cowboys” were. But the writing style changed in Chapter 2 and it became absorbing.

    The caliber of writing wasn’t on the high level of the best biographies I have read, and yet I still really liked the author’s unique style. It fit the subject matter, and I appreciated that he included so many details about every little, insignificant story and every little, insignificant character.

    The Earp brothers were fascinating people. They did heroic, good things, and they did illegal, dastardly things. But the reader ends up admiring them, and liking them. In the end, they were human. Yet they were, no doubt, extraordinary humans. And it’s a miracle that most of the Earp brothers lived as long as they did, given the dangerous situations they were in almost all the time.

    I recommend the book and am grateful to the author for writing it.
    18 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
    This is a thrilling and insightful account of Wyatt Earp's legendary feud with the Clanton-McLaury gang. Harrigan masterfully weaves together historical accounts, vivid descriptions, and compelling character portrayals to bring this iconic Western saga to life.

    The book delves deep into the complexities of the conflict, exploring the motivations, personalities, and actions of all key players, not just Earp. Harrigan doesn't shy away from the gray areas, acknowledging the moral ambiguities that often clouded the Old West. He presents a balanced perspective, challenging common myths and offering fresh insights into this pivotal period in American history.

    "Ride the Devil's Herd" is a captivating read for both Western history enthusiasts and those seeking a gripping tale of courage, revenge, and the fight for justice in a lawless land. Harrigan's masterful storytelling will leave readers eager to learn more about this fascinating era and its enigmatic figures.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
    Wonderfully written and accurate representation of the Cowboys and Earp relationships, including the famous gunfight. The amount of research that was necessary for this book must have been staggering. Deep respect for the author, and I think Wyatt too would finally feel content with the truth being told.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2021
    A fairly entertaining read filled with mostly informational short stories or anecdotes. Lots of geographical detail and information but no maps or drawings for context. Maybe shorten the chapters to one main subject or time period, or even a group of people. But too many little narratives play no part in the main title of events. Could not finish the entire novel, just too much useless information to read about. Just not enough straightforward storytelling about Wyatt Earp and his family.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • Joe Mayo
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a WILD WEST!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 12, 2024
    The last half of the 19th century was a dangerous time in West Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. Cattle rustling, robbery and murder were the order of the day. The outlaw gang called the "Cowboys", 200 strong, and without scruples, were more than a match for the law until the Earps arrived. Though the Earps had a somewhat checkered past outside the law too, they were eventually the "good guys".

    An enjoyable read, though occasionally hard to keep track of all those bad guys!
  • Henrik N.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Så skall historia serveras
    Reviewed in Sweden on March 1, 2024
    Välskriven och med massor djup research. Inget äventyr. Här kan läsaren få ett titt in i verkligheten i Arizona Territorium på 1880erna och lära mer om Wyatt Earp och andra. Spännande och välskriven!!!
    Customer image
    Henrik N.
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Så skall historia serveras

    Reviewed in Sweden on March 1, 2024
    Välskriven och med massor djup research. Inget äventyr. Här kan läsaren få ett titt in i verkligheten i Arizona Territorium på 1880erna och lära mer om Wyatt Earp och andra. Spännande och välskriven!!!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
  • Trouble Monkey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really good read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 2, 2021
    I very much enjoyed this book. Very well written and builds up a good feel for the places and people. There’s a lot of names and dates which can sometimes lead to a bit of an information overload.

    I felt it started to drift away from being unbiased. But the book is based entirely on records of the time so you are able to make your own assessment in the end.

    A really good read.
  • Michael
    2.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
    Reviewed in Australia on November 6, 2024
    Maybe it is accurate, but it is much too heavy for me
  • Ricky Donaldson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wyatt
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 2020
    First class

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