The Life Of John Wesley Hardin.

JOHN WESLEY HARDIN

Publication: Smith & Moore, 1896, Seguin

First edition. First issue. Printed wrappers, 144 pp., illustrated. Autobiography of one of the most notorious gunfighters the West has ever known. "Hardin was an unusual type killer, a handsome, gentlemanly man who considered himself a pillar of society always maintaining that he never killed anyone who did not need killing...the fact that he had over 30 notches on his gun is evidence that no more dangerous gunman ever operated in Texas."--C.L. Sonnichsen. According to John Jenkins only 400 copies escaped a warehouse fire in San Antonio. An important gunfighter classic. This copy was owned by famous Texas Ranger, Captain M. T. Gonzaullas, who stamped "Property of M. T. Gonzaullas, Captain Commanding Company "B" Texas Rangers" on the inside of the front and rear covers, and the fore-edge of the text block. Gonzaullas became a Texas Ranger on October 1, 1920 in El Paso, and retired in 1951 after a long, decorated career. A previous owner, (Gonzaullas?) reinforced this fragile book by completely covering the front wrapper with clear tape, as well as much of the rear wrapper. Insect damage to fore-edge of the first several pages, not affecting text. Also included is an important biography of Captain Gonzaullas entitled: Lone Wolf. The Story of Texas Ranger Captain M. T. Gonzaullas, by Robert W. Stephens...an excellent biography limited to 650 signed copies.

Inventory Number: 52231