Inventing Wyatt Earp: His Life and Many Legends

Rating:
Summary: Just read it
Review: "Inventing Wyatt Earp" is a major contribution to the literature of Old West. It is not, nor is it intended to be a biography based on groundbreaking research, and those who come to the book with that expectation are certain to be disappointed. It is, rather, a book of first-rate analysis and assessment whose main virtue is the clear-eyed, even-handed, critically probing intelligence the author applies to the appraisal of his material. Mr. Barra is possessed of a formidable analytical mind, and the questions he poses and answers he assays, however provocative at times, are reasonably well-considered. Wyatt Earp has over the years become a figure of debate and controversy. He is likely to remain one into the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, much of that debate has more recently betrayed a tone of strident and petty hysteria--much heat, little light--a tone that Mr. Barra's book serves effectively to counter. One needn't agree with the author's every assertion to appreciate the value of his book. "Inventing Wyatt Earp" may not be the Last Word on its subject, but I suspect that Allen Barra would not want, nor did he intend it to be. Forgive the many typos. Attend to the meat of the book. There is much there to be thoughtfully digested.

Rating:
Summary: A Facinating Study in the Evolution of a Western Legend
Review: I was captivated by the behind-the-scenes information contained in the book. The political climate of the era, and the critical role played by the media of the day added a new dimension to what I've previously read about Earp and other Western charcters from that period. Unlike most books with extensive footnotes, I actually looked forward to these, they were almost a separate book in themselves. As noted by other reviewers, I was distracted by the numerous (unbelievable!) typos and mislabeling of footnotes and photos. For example, Morgan Earp's photo is dated 1887, five years after his death! The Dodge City Commission photo misidentifies Wyatt and Bat. Though not a significant criticism, in a recent viewing of the movie 'Wyatt Earp,' it appeared that Dennis Quaid also did Doc with a southern accent, so perhaps Val Kilmer shouldn't get all of the credit. Typos aside, the book was still a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent journalism -- poor copyediting
Review: I would bet this book's copyeditor goofed and submitted an early draft for publishing instead of the final version. The dozens of grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and omitted words make for choppy reading. Even so, Barra's extensive coverage and analysis of previous Earpiana provides an excellent insight into the twists and turns the legend has taken over the years. Granted, Barra favors Wyatt's side in most controversies, but this bias seems to provide a fair counterbalance to the torrent of anti-Earp revisionist journalism (some of which can be seen in other reader reviews herein).