Billy the Kid

The Endless Ride

By: Michael Wallis

Narrated by: Todd McLaren

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of Route 66 comes this long-awaited biography of one of America's most legendary folk heroes.

Award-winning historian Michael Wallis has spent several years re-creating the rich, anecdotal saga of Billy the Kid (1859-1881), a deeply mythologized young man who became a legend in his own time and yet remains an enigma to this day. With the Gilded Age in full swing and the Industrial Revolution reshaping the American landscape, "the Kid", who was gunned down by Sheriff Pat Garrett in the New Mexico Territory at the age of 21, became a new breed of celebrity outlaw. He arose amid the mystery and myth of the swiftly vanishing frontier and, sensationalized beyond recognition by the tabloids and dime-store romances of the day, emerged as one of the most enduring icons of the American West: not to mention one of Hollywood's most misrepresented characters.

This new biography separates myth from reality and presents an unforgettable portrait of this brief and violent life.

©2007 Michael Wallis (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc.

Critic reviews

"Wallis writes clean prose, occasionally enlivened by a particularly lovely turn of phrase....[C]ountless books have been written about the infamous outlaw, and this is surely one of the best." ( Publishers Weekly)

More than a history of The Kid, a history of the times.

This collects all the info known about the kid, even comparing conflicting stories. It also includes a history of the people and the places surrounding The Kid to give you more detail into the tumultuous environment he grew up in. The narrator does a great job of switching voicing for quotes, to give life to the people interviewed.

Heavy On Background, Light On Subject

There is a lot to enjoy in this book. Much of the history and ins and outs of the political intrigues of the southwestern territories is here. I feel that the author uses all this background to fill pages because, alas, there is precious little real documentation on Billy or his life. Still, I found this read to be very interesting and informative.

great listen, great story

this book held our interest. great factual story. we learned a lot of very interesting facts about the time that we would not have known. highly recommend

I hardly knew ye

I loved this book a must read for every wild west and Billy buff out there..He sends you past the myths to the man or rather the kid.This book tells The Kids whole story not just the Lincoln County War. All the information is up to date plus it was well read.

loved it !!!

narrator was awesome. this book gives you more information of William H. Bonnie Billy the Kid. I really loved this audio book. highly recommend it.

Baby Back Ribs

narrative was good. interesting tale of Billy the kid. I would recommend this book. yeah

Great story

Excellent biography and narration!
Insightful look into the short life of The Kid. I appreciated the added references from other historians.

These are the facts

Wallis does a terrific job of covering what is known about the kid and separating out the rumours, lies and silliness. Wallis isn't trying to promote a vision, just provide an account. The reading is lively and engaging.

A different understanding

This is a really good book. It explains details about BTK life that was unknown to me. it also makes you think. BTK was just a Kid , very young with no parents.

Good Book

I little too much back story on stuff that doesn't really have to do with Billy the kid. Kind of seemed like filler, but helped setup the origin of the wild west,prior to Billy's arrival.