Bill ONeal Bücher

Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Butch Cassidy und Sundance Kid, die Dalton Brothers - sie gehören zum festen Inventar unseres Bildes vom Wilden Westen. Zahllose Legenden ranken sich um ihr abenteuerliches Leben als Gesetzlose. Die Wirklichkeit sah anders aus. Bill O'Neal, selbst Enkel eines Revolvermannes, hat Leben, Kämpfe und Sterben aller 255 'Gunfighter' sorgfältig erforscht und aus den Gerichtsakten dokumentiert. Sein Lexikon ist eine Fundgrube für alle, die wissen wollen, was damals wirklich geschah, als Billy the Kid am O. K. Corral in Tombstone auf Doc Holiday traf, wie Wyatt Earp starb und was es mit 'Wild Bill' Longleys später Einsicht auf sich hat.

Zahllos sind die Legenden, die sich um die "Revolverhelden" des Wilden Westens ranken. Romantische Filme, Bücher, Groschenromane, Songs und Musicals halten das Andenken an den braven Gesetzeshüter hoch, der, um "Law & Order" zu verteidigen, zum Colt greifen muß gegen den hinterhältigen, schurkischen, aber unglaublich schnell ziehenden "Outlaw". Die rauhe Wirklichkeit sah etwas anders aus:§"Die wichtigste Lektion, die ich gelernt habe, lautet, daß der Sieger in einem Revolverduell für gwöhnlich derjenige war, der sich Zeit ließ." (Wyatt Earp)§Bill O'Neal, Urenkel eines Gunfighters, arbeitet die durch maßlose Übertreibungen entstellte Epoche der Geschichte Amerikas akribisch nach den Quellen auf. Er dokumentiert Leben, Kämpfe und Tod von 255 Revolvermännern. Ein Panoptikum der Gewalt, des Faustrechts und der Verworfenheit. Die Entlarvung einer Legende, die das Geschichtsbild einer großen Nation und unsere eigene Sicht jener Epoche schonungslos mit der Wahrheit konfrontiert.

The biography explores the life of Captain Harry Wheeler, a dedicated lawman and soldier known for his service as a Captain of the Arizona Rangers and Sheriff of Cochise County. It highlights his tumultuous experiences, including fatal shootouts and personal loss. After the disbandment of his Ranger company, Wheeler continued to serve as sheriff in Tombstone, where he was involved in the controversial Bisbee Deportation. His patriotic spirit led him to join the army during World War I, despite his age. The book offers new insights into this remarkable figure from America's frontier history.

Set in Caldwell, Kansas, during the 1870s, the narrative explores a lawless village along the Chisholm Trail. Known as the Border Queen, it served as a first stop for weary drovers, providing whiskey and companionship. The town's vibrant yet dangerous atmosphere attracted countless cowboys, leading to a backdrop of shootouts and lynchings, capturing the essence of the Wild West's tumultuous spirit.

The narrative explores the rich history of cowboys and longhorn cattle in West Texas, detailing the influence of Spanish conquistadores and Mexican vaqueros on cattle handling techniques. Post-Civil War, the demand for beef spurred the growth of cattle drives along trails like the Chisholm Trail. The book highlights iconic ranches such as the King Ranch and the XIT, showcasing the evolution of cowboy culture through attire and skills adapted from vaquero traditions. It captures the essence of a transformative era in American ranching history.

Set against the backdrop of the Johnson County War in the early 1890s, this narrative explores the fierce conflict between cattle barons and homesteaders in Wyoming. The story unfolds through violent confrontations, including lynchings and ambushes, culminating in a dramatic last stand involving numerous combatants. This tumultuous period has inspired countless works in literature and film, solidifying its place in the American West's history and culture.

The book highlights Texas's significant role in World War II, showcasing the contributions of nearly 830,000 Texans, including 12,000 women, who served in the military. It features notable figures such as Lt. Audie Murphy and Adm. Chester Nimitz, emphasizing Texas A&M's exceptional output of officers. The state was pivotal in training 1.5 million military personnel and supplying vital resources, including oil and war machinery, which bolstered the Allied forces. The narrative underscores Texas's profound impact on the war effort both on the battlefield and at home.

Rich in history, the Pacific Coast League has produced numerous legendary baseball players who later achieved fame in the majors. Bill O'Neal's thorough research uncovers the stories of forgotten players and pivotal moments, showcasing the league's significant impact on the sport. Notable figures like Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, and Gaylord Perry emerged from this league, ultimately earning their places in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, highlighting the league's vital role in baseball history.

The narrative centers on a tumultuous early 20th-century feud between two West Texas families, sparked by the ill-fated marriage of Gladys Johnson and Ed Sims. Their union quickly deteriorates due to Gladys's rebellious nature and Ed's alcoholism, leading to a bitter divorce. Tensions escalate when Ed attempts to claim their daughters during a Christmas visit in 1916, resulting in a shocking confrontation where Gladys and her brother Sid fatally shoot him in a bustling public square.