Description
This book is a definitive biography of Martha Canary, the woman popularly known as Calamity Jane. Written by one of today's foremost authorities on this notorious character, it is a meticulously researched account of how an alcoholic prostitute was transformed into a Wild West heroine.
Always on the move across the northern plains, Martha was more camp follower than the scout of legend. A mother of two, she often found employment as waitress, laundress, or dance hall girl and was more likely to be wearing a dress than buckskin. But she was hard to ignore when she'd had a few drinks, and she exploited the aura of fame that dime novels created around her, even selling her autobiography and photos to tourists.
Gun toting, swearing, hard drinking - Calamity Jane was all of these, to be sure. But whatever her flaws or foibles, James D. McLaird paints a compelling portrait of an unconventional woman who more than once turned the tables on those who sought to condemn or patronize her. He also includes dozens of photos - many never before seen - depicting Jane in her many guises. His book is a long-awaited biography of Martha Canary and the last word on Calamity Jane.
About the Author
James D. McLaird (1940-2017) was Professor Emeritus of History, Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell, South Dakota. He is the author of numerous articles on western history and myth-making, focusing especially on South Dakota and the Black Hills.
Reviews
The definitive biography of Martha Jane Canary."" - L.A. Times
Book Information
ISBN 9780806142517
Author James D. McLaird
Format Paperback
Page Count 384
Imprint University of Oklahoma Press
Publisher University of Oklahoma Press
Weight(grams) 694g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 22mm