As a preface to “Books on Western Gunmen,” by Guy J. Giffen, in the
Quarterly NEWS-LETTER of the Book Club of California, an editorial note
states that not the least interesting subdivision of Americana is that
relating to the bandits and gunmen of the Old West. The extensive
literature on the subject offers a tempting field to collectors with a
taste for the history and legend surrounding this phase of the Winning
of the West. Mr. Giffen’s extensive library of books on Western outlaws
is the result of a hobby of years’ standing.
Mr. Giffen’s article maintains that any well-rounded collection of
Western Americana should have a division of books on gunmen, and
mentions a number of men and titles that will serve as a general guide
to their selection. Of particular interest are the books on Murrieta.
“Joaquin Murrieta, the Brigand Chief of California” was published by the
CALIFORNIA POLICE GAZETTE in 1854, and is now very rare, only two copies
being known, both in private collections. According to Franklin Walker
as set forth in “San Francisco’s Literary Frontier,” John Rollin Ridge,
partly of Indian blood, who came to San Francisco in 1850, furnished the
GAZETTE with much of its source material when he wrote “The Life and
Adventures of Joaquin Murrieta, the Celebrated California Bandit.” In
1859, the GAZETTE reprinted the story with additions but also in this
instance, only two copies are known to have survived. Of the many later
treatments of Murrieta, one of the best is “The Life and Adventures of
the Celebrated Bandit Joaquin Murrieta,” translated from the Spanish of
Ireno Paz, by Frances P. Belle. (Chicago, 1925).
_Edward Eberstadt & Sons_
_Specialists in Old and Rare Books Relating to the Far West_
55 WEST 42nd STREET
NEW YORK
_WANTED AT ALL TIMES_
Americana, State and Local History, Exploration, Overland Narratives,
Confederate Imprints
All Scarce or Interesting Items, Relating to California, Texas,
Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, the Middle and Far West, the Early
and Confederate South