The Man From Packsaddle

DR. J. E. ENFIELD

Publication: House-Warven, Publishers, Royalty Books, 1951, Hollywood

First edition. 8vo. Inked gift inscription on the front free flyleaf to Merrill Kitchen and signed by the author. Also a holograph letter dated Nov. 8, 1951 to Merrill Kitchen and signed by Dr. Enfield is affixed to a frontal endpaper The letter thanks Kitchen for his kind comments about the book and invites him to stop by and visit should he pass near Enfield's home. Also includes a mimeographed errata sheet laid-in. Red cloth, titles and devices stamped in gilt on the front cover and spine, 186 pp. Enfield (1894-1952) was a Kern County, California, chiropractor for most of his professional life, who wrote this work about an "Enfield" forced to become an outlaw / gunslinger in Oklahoma, robbing banks and trains, before finally killing the gang leader. He died just 14 months after this book was published from a heart attack. See: Dr. Jess Enfield Died in Los Angeles, Wed., Obituary, Ellis County Capital (Dec. 5, 1952). Six Guns 680 says: "The autobiography of a man who rode the outlaw trail, though he does not give the reason for his start as a hunted man. He uses fictional names for his characters and thus damages the historical value of the book, although he does save some embarrassment and perhaps avoids charges of libel." A fine bright copy in a bright fresh dust jacket lightly sunned on the spine and with trivial wear to the top front corner.