UPDATE: A gripping new dual biography titled Brothers of the Gun by author Mark Lee Gardner is set to be released on November 15, 2023, diving deep into the legendary lives of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. This book promises to unveil shocking details about their tumultuous history, including a bloody chapter in Las Vegas, New Mexico, that changed the town forever.
The narrative spans from their iconic showdown at the O.K. Corral in 1881 to their lesser-known escapades in Las Vegas during the late 1870s. With Earp’s birth in 1848 and Holliday’s in 1851, this biography paints a vivid picture of their intertwined destinies as notorious gunslingers.
Gardner, who has received the Frank Waters Award for Literary Excellence, emphasizes that this book offers a fresh perspective on these historic figures. “I felt like this dual biography was a great angle that no one had really looked at prior,” he stated. “They truly deserve to have their stories told together.”
Las Vegas was a bustling town in 1878, marked by excitement and gambling opportunities, attracting Holliday and his partner, known as “Big Nose Kate,” after fleeing Trinidad, Colorado. The duo sought refuge in a community that was swiftly gaining prominence, just months before the arrival of the railroad.
Gardner reveals that Holliday’s time in Las Vegas was fraught with drama, including three arrests between March and August of 1879. The most notorious incident occurred on July 19, during the grand opening of a saloon co-owned by Holliday. A tragic confrontation with a former Army scout, Mike Gordon, ended with Holliday fatally shooting Gordon.
“No one could agree later on just how many more shots were fired, but there was no debate on the last shot,” Gardner notes, highlighting the chaotic atmosphere. Remarkably, Holliday faced no legal consequences for the shooting, as witnesses refused to come forward.
The book also reveals the unflattering assessments from the local press at the time, with the then-editor of the Las Vegas Daily Optic labeling Holliday as a “shiftless … character — a killer and professional cutthroat.” Yet, Gardner argues that these portrayals are exaggerated and do not fully capture Holliday’s complex character.
In a statement reflecting his dedication to historical accuracy, Gardner explains the rigorous research process involved in producing this book. He combed through historic newspapers, traveled to archives nationwide, and visited key sites to ensure that this narrative enriches the understanding of Earp and Holliday’s legacies.
What’s next? Fans and history buffs can meet Gardner during a book signing at Barnes & Noble in the Santa Fe Place Mall on November 15, where he will discuss the insights gleaned from his extensive research.
This release not only highlights the enduring fascination with the Old West but also serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the legends, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American history. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the lives of two of the most infamous figures in the West!
