UPDATE: The highly anticipated book, Brothers of the Gun, by author and historian Mark Lee Gardner, officially hits shelves on Tuesday, November 15, 2023, exploring the intertwined lives of legendary Old West figures Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. This dual biography uncovers the bloody history of the duo, featuring notable events in Las Vegas, N.M., and beyond, captivating history buffs and casual readers alike.
The narrative delves into their infamous escapades, tracking their paths from Dodge City, Kansas, to Tombstone, Arizona, with a bloody interlude in Las Vegas during the late 1800s. Gardner’s meticulous research reveals a fresh angle on their storied past, shedding light on significant yet overlooked episodes.
“Icons never die,” Gardner asserts, setting the tone for this riveting tale that promises to enrich the historical narrative surrounding these iconic figures.
The book release coincides with a book signing event scheduled for November 15 at the Barnes & Noble in the Santa Fe Place Mall, giving fans a chance to engage with the author directly.
Gardner highlights a particularly intriguing chapter from 1878, when Holliday, accompanied by his partner Big Nose Kate, fled Trinidad, Colorado, after a violent altercation. They ventured down the Santa Fe Trail to Las Vegas, a booming town teeming with gambling and excitement, just before the arrival of the railroad.
The allure of the Montezuma Hot Springs, known for their health benefits, also drew Holliday, who suffered from tuberculosis. Gardner notes that while the exact location of their stay remains uncertain, it’s clear Holliday wasn’t there for dental work.
Between March and August 1879, Holliday faced multiple arrests. However, a pivotal moment unfolded on July 19, 1879, during the grand opening of a saloon he co-owned. A distraught former Army scout, Mike Gordon, entered the saloon and fired a shot, leading to a tragic series of events. According to Gardner, “No one could agree later on just how many more shots were fired, whether it was two or four.” The last shot, however, was fired by Holliday, resulting in Gordon’s death later that night. Remarkably, the absence of witnesses meant Holliday faced no legal repercussions.
As the narrative unfolds, Gardner captures the harsh criticism Holliday and Kate received from local newspapers, including a scathing assessment from the editor of the Las Vegas Daily Optic. Descriptions of Holliday as a “killer and professional cutthroat” highlight the town’s disdain for the infamous duo.
The book reflects extensive research, including historic newspapers and archives, revealing the challenges historians face in piecing together the tales of Earp and Holliday amid competing narratives and lost records. The auctioning of significant historical documents complicates the timeline further, as collectors often acquire records that could illuminate key moments.
In a world fascinated by the Wild West, Brothers of the Gun promises to draw readers into the lives of Earp and Holliday like never before. As Gardner states, “They truly deserve to have their stories told together, because they’re inextricably linked in history.”
Readers eager to explore this captivating new perspective on two of the most notorious figures in American history won’t want to miss the book’s release next week. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Gardner’s extensive research as the book continues to generate buzz in historical circles.
