This is a great western book. Copyrighted 1934.
This not only has short histories on several gunfighters, but there is also a nice section on how to perform the flashy moves with the six-shooter. If you've tried these spins, twirls and shifts, you've no doubt found them difficult to perform. Yet John Wesley Hardin was a master at it, and it was Hardin, who taught Ringo the tricks. ( Hardin also told the guards, to get that psychopath--Ringo---out my cell. They shared the same cell in prison)

I would consider this a mandatory book for a Old West gunfighters library. You have the primary sources for many of the other later books.


Disturbingly Racist, but highly informative   July 31, 2002
 7 out of 38 found this review helpful

I haven't read this particular edition, but I read an older edition, so it's possible the racist bias of the author has been discussed in the foreward, or perhaps even eliminated. But in the edition I read, the author seemed to applaud the cold blooded murder of blacks committed by a gunslinger who would today be considered a serial killer. In spite of the author's unsavory sympathy with the racist motives of the murders, I think it's wonderful that he recorded the racism of the old west. Popular culture has pretty much overlooked the presence of black folks in the old west and the rabid racism they had to live with. In this book innocent black men are murdered by a crazed killer who I had never heard of before (his name escapes me at the moment). He killed more people than any other western outlaw, according to the author, mainly because his murder of black people was condoned and even applauded by the white populace. These weren't gunfights in the standard sense, but cold blooded assasinations. The author neglects to villify this killer with the same passion he villifies other gunfighters in the book, but if you can overlook the distaste his attitude leaves in your mouth, the book can be very informative about one of the dark secrets of the old west.


TECHNICAL AND ENTERTAINING   April 12, 2002
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

A look at the old west is best done in Triggernometry. This book tells the real (if not short) stories about the well known gunfighters. It gives no glamor to what they did, just the facts. If you are a fan of Westerns or one who studies the old west, this book is a must.


Triggernometry: A Gallery Of Gunfighters   April 28, 2000
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

From the first page to the last, this book was one tough hombre to set down. My interest in this period of American History was greatly served. One should keep in mind that much of the stories of the legendary gunslingers [Both, the popular ones as well as the lesser knowns] are subject to interpretation as there was very little factual documentation of the characters themselves. This, in itself, leaves room for speculation as much of the information relied on "word of mouth" from various sources with varying opinions. I found it a more realistic accounting on the subject of gunfighters and less of the hollywood facade that many people accept. Really great reading for any true western buff.


Deserves its place in any 'western' library   January 30, 2000
 18 out of 18 found this review helpful

A fast moving collection of short biographies concerning the careers of lawmen, gunmen, rangers, ranchers and robbers. From this contrasting selection of backgrounds, Eugene Cunningham has compiled a wonderful blend of colourful Western characters. Individuals with the notoriety of Wild Bill, John Wesley Hardin and Billy the Kid, are coupled with their lesser known contemporaries that had equally intriguing existences. None more so than the accounts of Tom Horn, Jim Courtright and Dallas Stoudenmire, which were excellently written, revealing and entertaining. This book is suited to the 'western' fanatic, who will discover several flaws in the accuracy of the text, but will appreciate it for it's style and attempted honesty. Much of the authors research stems from a raw source - first-hand witnesses for example. This enhances the realism surrounding the book, and though some of the errors are quite alarming, it should be remembered that the author's sources of research would still have been tainted with as much fiction as fact. Eugene Cunningham has endeavoured to sift through the fiction, but is also susceptible to showing great degrees of personal bias. Evidence of this is clearly shown in the section concerning Billy Breakenridge. The foreword by Joseph G. Rosa is especially helpful with understanding this. As important as it is to recognise the minor faults, it should not be detrimental to the book's value. For what really sets this book apart from others is the final chapter on 'Triggernometry'. An in depth analysis of methods and techniques of drawing and firing an assortment of relevent firearms is offered. Historical characters are used in this chapter, to demonstrate the variety and individuality of their techniques. Eugene Cunningham is enthusiastic about his subject - and it shows! An enjoyable read.