by Leon Claire Metz is a definitive reference for anyone fascinated by the reality—rather than the Hollywood mythos—of the Old West. The "Why It Works" Review
: Beyond people, the book includes entries on specific events, geographical locations, and even the terminology and language used at the time. Community Perspective
: Metz’s primary goal is to strip away the "dime novel" exaggerations. It serves as an essential tool for separating the legendary exploits of the OK Corral from the gritty, often brutal reality of 19th-century lawlessness.
Readers generally find it to be an "indispensable" part of a Western historian’s library, though some note that certain entries could benefit from even stronger sourcing.