Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride
by Michael Wallis
Published by W.W. Norton
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Reviewed by Sharron Stockhausen, MMA
At first glance of Michael Wallis' new book, one might ask, "Do we really need another book about this young guy on the wrong side of the law?" After reading Billy the Kid, my answer is a definite, "Yes."
Wallis is masterful at discovering and sharing information about a life lived in too short a time (1859-1881) in an era and place where little was documented. Addressing questions about Billy the Kid's birthplace, his correct name, and other unresolved facts, Wallis weaves a sympathetic story about a notorious figure from our country's celebrated Wild West era.
Most of us think we know this historic hoodlum, but Wallis shows us we do not. As we read each chapter, we see Billy the Kid more clearly. His father was non-existent, and his mother worked hard to protect him and his brother from the perils of life before she died of tuberculosis when Billy was a mere 14.
Living in the Southwest, he became intrigued with the Mexican culture and learned to speak Spanish as fluently as he spoke English. He was, for the most part, a likeable personality. Sure, he stole horses, a high crime in his day, and he was a killer, but he didn't turn killer until the man bullying and beating him wouldn't stop. As a last resort, Billy the Kid shot his tormentor, then began his life running from the law.
We've been intrigued by Billy the Kid for generations because, until now, we've known so little but conjecture about him. Wallis changes all that.
Armchair Interviews says: This book is a must read for history buffs, Wild West gurus, and Billy the Kid fans.
Author's Web sites: http://www.MichaelWallis.com
Sharron Stockhausen's latest book is Picturing Anoka County History, and she writes a weekly history newspaper column published in three newspapers.