Henry McCarty, popularly known as Billy the Kid, was one of the most archetypal gunslingers of the Old West.

By the time of his death at the age of only twenty-one, he had shot and killed eight men.

Through the course of his life he terrorized large areas of the New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico, stealing cattle, killing law officers and escaping from justice.

In 1878 the Lincoln County War had erupted in New Mexico as rival factions fought over the control of dry goods and cattle interests in the country. The Kid was one of the few men to survive the shootout at the Battle of Lincoln and in its aftermath was forced to become an outlaw.

Two years later, Pat Garrett was elected sheriff of Lincoln county, and began his hot pursuit of the Kid shortly afterwards.

Garrett’s account is a thrilling memoir that captures life in the Old West perfectly.

Billy’s twenty-one years of life are described in brilliant detail by his old adversary. From his earliest years to his first killing through to his involvement in the Lincoln County War and finally up to his demise at the gunpoint of Garrett and his posse.

Particularly interesting is the story of the Kid’s final escape from justice and Garrett’s subsequent chase to capture the young man that had caused so much destruction.

It is remarkable book that uncovers the short and violent life of one of the most famous gunslingers in history.

Pat Garrett was an American Old West lawman, bartender and customs agent who became renowned for killing Billy the Kid. His book, The Authentic Life of Billy, the Kid was published in 1882 and popularized the story of the famous outlaw. He was eventually murdered under unclear circumstances in 1908.