Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves, by Art T. Burton

 Publication Sept. 1, 2022

This was a tough one to rate. While I found the topic intriguing, particularly since I recall hearing periodically of Bass Reeves' possible connection to the Lone Ranger, a favorite show of my horse loving childhood, it wasn't an easy read. The author is obviously a researcher and scholar and, as such, he provides us with a wealth of documentation and information as any research project should do. Unfortunately, research papers, which I believe this is/was, don't necessarily make for good reading. I'd find myself fascinated at one point, then not many pages afterward, I'd feel my eyes glazing over. Don't get me wrong, this isn't to slam the book. It's simply that it's far more research paper than the average, mildly interested reader can digest with the wealth of often contradictory information and detail. Thus, for the average reader, this one might be a 3 star at best. For those of a more research oriented mind, it might easily rate a 4+ rating. I've opted to rate for the average reader, however, so take all this into consideration when deciding whether to read or not. 

As for the content, as noted, there is an abundance or documentation and information, all fact based and checked. Personal memories were probed and the stories of the real Bass Reeves were fascinating. Were they all true? Who knows? Sadly, for the simple fact that he was a black man, records on his history and exploits were scarce. Author Burton has done an admirable job pulling it all together in this well researched volume. 

Whether Reeves was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger or not, his story is one that deserves to be told. Born into slavery, he escaped and became one of the West's best lawmen ever. Those who knew him personally claimed he outshone the likes of the legendary Wyatt Earp. He was conscientious. He even arrested his own son at one point. An excellent horseman, he was also said to be a dog-lover, a real plus to me. Some say he rode a white horse, or maybe gray, which, of course, calls to mind the TV Lone Ranger's Silver. Reeves was known to distribute silver dollars, however, not silver bullets. Hmm, another tie. I understand there are ongoing talks about a movie featuring Reeves, so will be intrigued to see if that happens and how the research within this book is utilized. The story of a respected and authoritarian black man in a decidedly white world is definitely one that deserves to be heard.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the #UniversityOfNebraskaPress - #BisonBooks for giving me the chance to delve into a childhood legend in depth.