Mark Lee Gardner’s latest book, Brothers of the Gun, offers a dual biography of two of the Old West’s most notorious figures, Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Set for release on November 15, the book traces their tumultuous journey from Dodge City, Kansas, to Tombstone, Arizona, with significant events occurring in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Gardner’s narrative delves into the violence and drama that surrounded these iconic characters, providing a fresh perspective on their intertwined histories.
Historical Context and Connections
Born in 1848 in Illinois, Wyatt Earp became a lawman and gunslinger, while Doc Holliday, a dentist-turned-gambler born in Georgia in 1851, is best known for his role in the infamous shootout at the O.K. Corral on October 26, 1881. Gardner, who has previously been awarded the Frank Waters Award for Literary Excellence, is known for his deep dives into the American West, aiming to enrich narratives that have been previously overlooked.
According to Gardner, the dual biography format allows for a more comprehensive understanding of Earp and Holliday’s stories: “I felt like this dual biography was a great angle that no one had really looked at prior to this book,” he stated. “They truly deserve to have their stories told together, because they’re inextricably linked in history.”
Las Vegas, New Mexico: A Setting of Turmoil
The book highlights a pivotal moment in 1878, when Holliday and his partner, known as Big Nose Kate, arrived in Las Vegas after an incident in Trinidad, Colorado. Gardner notes that despite the absence of a railroad at the time, Las Vegas was a vibrant hub of excitement and gambling, with the nearby Montezuma Hot Springs attracting health-seekers like Holliday, who suffered from tuberculosis.
Between March and August 1879, Holliday was arrested three times. His most notorious incident occurred during the grand opening of a saloon and dance hall he co-owned on July 19, 1879. A confrontation with a former Army scout, Mike Gordon, ended with Holliday shooting Gordon, who later succumbed to his injuries. Gardner points out the unusual aspect of this event: “One of the interesting things about that killing is that apparently there were no witnesses.” This lack of testimony allowed Holliday to avoid arrest.
The local press did not spare Holliday and Kate from criticism, with the editor of the Las Vegas Daily Optic referring to Holliday as a “shiftless … character — a killer and professional cutthroat.” Gardner acknowledges the exaggerated nature of these portrayals but notes their significance in shaping public perception of the pair.
Research and Challenges
Gardner’s research for Brothers of the Gun involved extensive examination of historical newspapers, archives, and visits to key locations. He faced challenges in verifying facts due to the questionable claims of historical figures and the high demand for records related to Earp and Holliday. “That robs the historians,” Gardner explained, referring to the auctioning of important documents that could illuminate the past.
Ultimately, he believes he has succeeded in enriching the narrative surrounding Earp and Holliday, not just through his own findings but also by incorporating the latest research on their lives and the women who played significant roles in them. A book signing event is scheduled at the Barnes & Noble at the Santa Fe Place Mall on November 15, providing an opportunity for fans to engage with Gardner and explore his insights into these legendary figures.
