The Desperate Final Days of the Dalton Gang
by Tom Clavin
ABOUT THE BOOK
The definitive account of the Dalton Gang and the most brazen bank heist in history, by the multiple New York Times bestselling author.
The Last Outlaws is the thrilling true story of the last of one of the greatest outlaw gang. The dreaded Dalton Gang consisted of three brothers and their rotating cast of colorful accomplices who saw themselves as descended from the legendary James brothers. They soon became legends themselves, beginning their career as common horse thieves before graduating to robbing banks and trains.
On October 5, 1892, the Dalton Gang attempted their boldest and bloodiest raid yet: robbing two banks in broad daylight in Coffeyville, Kansas, simultaneously. As Grat, Bob, and Emmett Dalton and Bill Power and Dick Broadwell crossed the plaza to enter the two buildings, the outlaws were recognized by townspeople, who raised the alarm. Citizens armed themselves with shotguns and six-shooters from nearby hardware stores and were locked and loaded when the thieves emerged from the banks. The ensuing gun battle was a lead-filled firefight of epic proportions. As the smoke cleared, eight men lay dead––including four of the five members of the doomed Dalton Gang.
For the first time ever, the full story of the Dalton Gang’s life of crime, culminating in one of the Wild West’s most violent events, are chronicled in detail––a last gruesome gasp of the age of gunfights.
- Publisher : St. Martin’s Press
- Published : November 7, 2023
- Hardcover : 288 pages
My Thoughts
This book is perfect for those who like to deep dive into historical true crime. Clavin provides lots of information about the Wild West and the Daltons. And while I’d heard of the Dalton Gang, I didn’t know that much about them. The Last Outlaws presents indepth information.
For those who like a book to be history plus fiction, this isn’t quite that. The history is complete and, like many biographies, has a little speculation along the way. But it’s not historical fiction with facts woven through a lenghthy story.
Concerns
I have to admit that I had a little trouble staying interested and I found myself skimming through a few places.
Final Thoughts
I would guess true history lovers will devour and rave about this book. It felt thoroughly researched and was presented nicely. However, even if you find yourself, like me, skimming something here and there, it’s still a book that I recommend.
Thank you St. Martin’s Publishing for a #gifted copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TOM CLAVIN is a bestselling author of 18 nonfiction books on American and military history, sports, and entertainment. He previously worked as a newspaper editor and writer, including for the New York Times for 15 years, and as a writer for such magazines as Smithsonian and Men’s Journal. He has received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and National Newspaper Association.
Five of his books have been New York Times best sellers: Dodge City, The Heart of Everything That Is, Halsey’s Typhoon, The Last Stand of Fox Company, and, most recently, Blood and Treasure. Other titles that have received popular and critical acclaim include Tombstone, Wild Bill, All Blood Runs Red, Lightning Down and The Last Hill.
He lives in Sag Harbor, New York.
