The Hero of a Hundred Fights

Book excerpt: “A fascinating examination of the genesis of the Western novel and its influence on the modern American novel . . . full of rip-roaring yarns.” —James Reasoner, New York Times-bestselling author The Wild West came alive under the pen of Edward Zane Carroll Judson, who wrote many of Americas best-loved ”dime novels” under the pseudonym Ned Buntline. From Buffalo Bill (whom Judson knew first-hand) to Wild Bill Hickok, these vivid tales feature some of the most colorful characters on the American landscape. This anthology gathers a selection of his best-loved work, including four full-length unabridged novels, each with an introduction by author and critic Clay Reynolds. Stories include: Buffalo Bill, the King of Border Men; or, The Wildest and Truest Tale I’ve Ever Told Hazel-Eye, the Girl Trapper. A Tale of Strange Young Life The Miner Detective; or, The Ghost of the Gulch Wild Bill’s Last Trail And more “A valuable work for teachers and scholars of American popular culture. The Hero of a Hundred Fights provides a well-chosen and well-edited selection from the work of an important nineteenth-century popular writer.” —Richard Slotkin, National Book Award finalist for Gunfighter Nation “A welcome addition to both western literature and western history—this volume will be welcomed by any serious student of the American West.” —R. David Edmunds, author of The Shawnee Prophet “Ned Buntline was a legend in his own time. This collection of his iconic western fiction brings the legend to life in our time.” —J. Randolph Cox, editor, Dime Novel Round-Up