Two subjects continue to fascinate people—the Old West and a good mystery. This book explores and examines twenty-one of the Old West's most baffling mysteries; which lure the curious and beg for investigation even though their solutions have eluded experts for decades. Many relate to the death or disappearance of some of the best-known lawmen and outlaws in history; such as Billy the Kid; Buckskin Frank Leslie; John Wilkes Booth; The Catalina Kid; and Butch Cassidy. Others involve mysterious tales and legends of lost mines and buried treasures that have not been recovered—yet.
#393126 in Books 2010-03-02 2010-03-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.63 x .75 x 5.63l; .56 #File Name: 1586488058288 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Amazingly relevant even to an election year!By James Mikel WilsonDuring a contentious election year; combined with posturing to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court; the Great Decision sheds reassuring historical light on our enduring political processes--however messy they may become. It describes how our founding fathers’ faith in a new democracy prevailed over the bumpy transition to transfer the reigns of government for the first time to another political party. Caught in the intersection were tremendous difference in beliefs regarding the role of a fragile Supreme Court and the future of judicial independence. The Great Decision reveals the political tensions and drama that ultimately anchored our democracy under a rule of law for the common good. The authors relate this story in a clear and immensely entertaining manner. In addition to a good read at home; this book deserves to become a classic in American History classrooms.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fun and InformativeBy David HudsonMany of the other commentators on this book criticize it for not being a serious history book; or for not containing a detailed analysis of the impact of the Marbury v. Madison case at the time it was decided. These comments are probably correct; but this book is still a wonderful read. I enjoyed it from start to finish. While the book is primarily about the Marbury v. Madison case; the story sometimes wanders to facts and events not necessarily relevant to the case. I found these diversions both fascinating and fun. Anyone with even a slight interest in the Constitution of the United States; the Judicial Branch; the history of our government; or fun personal stories about our early political leaders will enjoy this book. The book is a very quick read; and the reader will probably enjoy the experience of learning something important about our history.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Marbury; Marshall; and Jefferson IntersectBy Ronald H. ClarkWe are currently in the midst of a veritable flurry of books relating to John Marshall; his nationalizing decisions; and his development of robust judicial power. See; e.g.; Richard Ellis's "Aggressive Nationalism" (also reviewed on ). Several of these books focus on the Marbury v. Madison decision; which laid the cornerstone for Supreme Court judicial review; and so does this one. Since this topic has been covered so extensively in the Supreme Court literature; one does not expect much that is new in a current discussion. When I first read this book I was a bit put off because it seemed to have a lot of "filler;" such as discussion of a Washington Birthday celebration; the John Adams presidency; and the selection and building of Washington; D.C. After a while the great virtue of this book dawned on me: the authors are quite excellent in setting the context of Marbury for the general reader; and that is the genesis of some of this tangential material. In other words; this is not the typical history of a Supreme Court case: a bit about the facts; heavy on the reasoning; and an analysis of where the decision fits into the body of constitutional law.All the pertinent history is here and the tale is well told. One co-author is a former Supreme Court clerk; the other has written several outstanding books including the definitive study of Tommy the Cork (also reviewed on ). While I have read scads of articles and books on Marbury; I found this treatment fresh and interesting. The authors really develop the human and political contexts behind the legal arguments which add a valuable dimension. The book also discusses briefly the related decision in Stuart v. Laird; which upheld the repeal of the Federalist Judiciary Act of 1801. Both decisions are included in appendices. In addition; the authors have attached a helpful "Epilogue" briefly tracing developments subsequent to the Court's decision. The book includes 14 pages of notes and a brief selected bibliography. While not a trail blazing work of scholarship; this is an interesting and valuable discussion of this most critical decision.
