(4) 4-6 Outlaws and Lawmen of the Wild West series. These slight biographies "drawn from firsthand reports" combine known facts about Old West outlaws and lawmen with the many legends about their exploits, leaving questions about historical accuracy. Nevertheless, readers will be drawn into the books, especially when their subjects' lives overlap. These new editions have been revised and updated, including more dramatic covers. Many photographs appear throughout. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Outlaws and Lawmen of the Wild West titles: Belle Starr, Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, and Wyatt Earp.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Best of the West Biographies series. Each of these books tells the story of a legend of the American West: one lawman, an African-American cowboy, and two notorious outlaws. Archival photographs and drawings enhance the sometimes choppy texts. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers theses Best of the West Biographies titles: Bill Pickett, Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and Wyatt Earp.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Famous Figures of the American Frontier series. Despite some oversimplifications, the books in this series provide adequate introductions to these individuals. After acquainting readers with the subject's more colorful accomplishments, succeeding chapters present a biographical sketch. Illustrated with (often colorized) archival photos, the texts are readable and accessible. Timelines are included. There are five other fall 2001 books in this series. [Review covers these titles: Crazy Horse, Davy Crockett, Annie Oakley, Wyatt Earp, Geronimo.]

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale