UPDATE: The highly anticipated book, Brothers of the Gun, by author and historian Mark Lee Gardner, is set to release on November 15, 2023. This gripping dual biography explores the infamous lives of Old West legends Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, with a spotlight on their tumultuous time in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Gardner’s narrative takes readers through the chaotic paths of Earp and Holliday as they navigate the rugged landscapes of the American West, from Dodge City, Kansas, to Tombstone, Arizona, with a bloody episode in Las Vegas that shocked the town and the press in the late 1800s. The book promises to reveal untold stories, including the notorious shooting incident on July 19, 1879, that solidified Holliday’s infamous reputation.
As the book’s release looms, Gardner is gearing up for a book signing at the Barnes & Noble in Santa Fe Place Mall, where fans can meet the author and delve into the gritty history of these iconic figures. Gardner, a recipient of the Frank Waters Award for Literary Excellence, has dedicated his career to illuminating the American West, and he believes this dual biography offers a fresh perspective.
“I felt like this dual biography was a great angle that no one had really looked at prior to this book,” Gardner explained. “They truly deserve to have their stories told together, because they’re inextricably linked in history.”
The book details how in 1878, Holliday and his partner, known as Big Nose Kate, fled to Las Vegas after a violent encounter. Despite the absence of a railroad at the time, Las Vegas was a vibrant town buzzing with excitement and gambling, drawing in those seeking fortune. The allure of the nearby Montezuma Hot Springs was also a significant pull for Holliday, who was battling tuberculosis.
Between March and August of 1879, Holliday faced multiple arrests, yet he celebrated the arrival of the railroad while co-owning a saloon. The grand opening on July 19 turned deadly when a distraught former Army scout, Mike Gordon, fired shots in the saloon, leading to Holliday’s infamous retaliatory shot that resulted in Gordon’s death. Remarkably, Holliday faced no consequences, as local witnesses were reluctant to testify.
The book dives deep into the social dynamics of Las Vegas during this time, revealing the complexities surrounding Holliday and Kate’s legacy. Critics of the era, including a scathing review from the Las Vegas Daily Optic, painted Holliday as a “killer and professional cutthroat,” a characterization Gardner believes is exaggerated.
As Gardner finalizes the book, he emphasizes the challenges of piecing together this history amid conflicting narratives and lost records due to auction houses prioritizing profits over historical preservation. Yet, he remains confident that his research has enriched the tales of Earp, Holliday, and the women entwined in their lives.
With the clock ticking down to the book’s release, readers can expect an eye-opening exploration of these legendary figures whose stories continue to captivate and resonate today. What will be revealed when Brothers of the Gun hits the shelves? Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.
