The Calamity Papers

Available From:

Add to your Goodreads To-Read Shelf

Spur Award-winning author, Dale L. Walker continues what he started in Legends and Lies, by uncovering the truth around some of the American West’s most famous and infamous figures. Leaving no figure sacred and no stone unturned, Walker dives deep into some of the most enduring myths and legends of the Old West:

• What was the real story behind the death of Meriwether Lewis—suicide or homicide?
• Did Pat Garrett really kill Billy the Kid, or did the Kid fake his own death and live to a ripe old age?
• What was the real relationship between Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane?
• And who was the woman who claimed to have proof that she was their daughter?
• Was Jack London killed or did he take his own life?
• Who burned Wolf House to the ground?

Asking these and many more questions, The Calamity Papers sheds some necessary light on our history by taking a closer look at some of its heroes.

Reviews

“We’re living in the golden age of historians, and Dale L. Walker is the brightest nugget in the field. Brilliantly entertaining and rock-solid informative, The Calamity Papers demonstrates that history is always in flux, with surprises around every corner.” —Loren D. Estleman, author of Port Hazard and Retro

“When it comes to history and intrigue, Dale Walker does not leave stones unturned. The Calamity Papers is packed with surprises that make for a great read and lively conversation. Treat yourself to a copy and amaze your friends. Better yet, buy copies for your friends, too.” —Lucia St. Claire Robson, author of Ghost Warrior and Mary’s Lands

About the Author

Born in Illinois, the son of a career army sergeant, Dale L. Walker is a journalism graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso whose many books reflect his varied historical interests: military and Western history, 19th century "Golden Age" journalism, biography, and Jack London studies. Among his books are Januarius Macgahan: The Life and Times of an American War Correspondent; Legends and Lies: Great Mysteries of the American West; The Boys of '98: Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders; Bear Flag Rising: The Conquest of California; Pacific Destiny; and Eldorado: The California Gold Rush. He is a four-time winner of the Spur Award from Western Writers of America, the Owen Wister Award for life achievement in the history and literature of the American West, and many other awards, and is a member of the prestigious Texas Institute of Letters.

Walker, who lives in El Paso, Texas, with his wife of 43 years, Alice McCord, has been involved in virtually every aspect of the book business. He has served as a university press director, newspaper book page editor, magazine editor, fiction editor for Forge Books, book columnist and reviewer, and has written historical books, magazine articles, and fiction.

Learn More About Author

Books By Dale L. Walker