Riata and Spurs

Book excerpt: In his introduction to the 1927 edition of Riata and Spurs, Gifford Pinchot said that Charlie Siringo's story of his life is one of the best, if not the very best, of all books about the Old West, when cowpunchers actually punched cows. He goes on to say that it is worth something to be able to lay your hand on a book written by a man who is the real thing, and who tells the truth. Others might not have the same opinion about the book and some might argue about Siringo's memories of things that happened during his lifetime. But, in any event, the book is a colorful portrayal of the ins and outs of cowboys, bad men, and the one detective who took out after them. Siringo originally had references to his experiences with the Pinkerton Agency, but which objected to his statements and they do not appear in the 1927 edition. There's plenty left, however, including stories about Billy the Kid, Kid Curry, Butch Cassidy, and even a mention of Will Rogers. All in all, this fascinating book will give today's readers a rare glimpse of what was once called the Old West and is now gone forever. This new edition includes a new foreword by New Mexico historian Marc Simmons.