Profiles the legendary heroes of the American West, including accounts of the exploits of Wyatt Earp, Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickock, and other famous figures.

Grade 3 Up-Through vivid photographs and reproductions and lively text, Ross introduces colorful characters and lifestyles of the Old West and discusses their impact on popular culture. Topics are covered in double-page spreads, with such titles as "The Cowboy and His Horse"; "The Buffalo"; and "Rum, Cards, and Women." A paragraph of text is supported by lengthy captions for the numerous illustrations per page. Popular myths are discussed, then dispelled as the true nature of cowboy life is illustrated. Pirates uses much the same layout but is separated by region. Notorious raiders of the Spanish Main, the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and the Eastern Seas are chronicled, again with textural blurbs accompanying the illustrations. Good overviews.
Julie Halverstadt, Douglas Public Library District, Castle Rock, CO
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.