Billy the Kid: An Autobiography Kindle Edition

("After further review")I want to believe as much as anybody, that Brushy Bill Roberts was Billy the Kid, but I just can't. I reduced my rating of the book from 5 stars to 4 because although it was a very interesting book, IMO the evidence presented in favor of Brushy Bill being Billy the Kid was outweighed by the book's evidence against it (as stated below). I admire Edwards' honesty and objectivity in presenting, both, the affidavits of those affirming that BBR was BtK, and the Coroner's Jury report. But IMO, the latter not only carries more weight than the former, but soundly refutes it as well.(1) As famous and wanted by the law as BtK was, surely there were many “Wanted” posters that went out with his picture or likeness on them, making him recognizable in many places. If he was not killed by Pat Garrett, to me it is unthinkable that he would go to so many places during the years afterward, while still being “wanted” and having the death sentence still in effect for him. According to Edwards' book, BBR went to Mexico, Texas, Kansas, Idaho, Missouri, and Arkansas. And it is unfathomable that he would go to work for Isaac Parker, “the Hanging Judge!” Why would he travel to so many places, revealing himself to so many people while still having a death sentence in effect for him, instead of going into hiding? That makes no sense whatever. (2) Edwards' explanation was simply too weak, or stretching things quite a bit, as to why BBR's date of birth was not 1879, as recorded in a family Bible and later on other documents as well. (3) I thoroughly enjoyed reading his book, but time after time he actually gave reasons to NOT believe that BBR was BtK. For instance, the many photographs of BB that, except for his slumped shoulders, really bore no resemblance to BtK at all. And Edwards' inclusion of the report of the Coroner's Jury, showing that all 6 members of the jury UNANIMOUSLY AGREED that the person shot and killed by Pat Garrett was “William Bonney.” The 6 persons who comprised this Jury were right there at the time of his death. I simply can't believe that 6 people would see the corpse of someone who was NOT BtK, and all of them mistakenly believe and testify that it WAS him.On the other hand, there are a number of things that say that Brushy Bill WAS the Kid. If anyone can add to or correct or refute anything I've said, please do so, I welcome it.And one more thing: For what it's worth – I wrote to a friend whose wife grew up in Hamilton, Texas, where BBR's grave is. Hamilton is about 20 miles south of Hico, where he lived. Knowing that my friend's wife grew up there, I wrote and asked him if she knew anything about BB. He wrote back and said that his wife's father knew him, or knew of him, and said -- “He was a nut!”However, that does NOT prove or disprove anything. After all, even a “nut” can recall and tell things ACCURATELY that happened in his past!

This is an interesting read for Old West history buffs, and is one of the best accounts of the Brushy Bill as Billy the Kid story I’ve read. Edwards clarifies some of the confusing details of William Roberts life from the end of the 19th century up to the 1950’s. Additional supporting evidence is included at the end of the book in photographs and affidavits. Whether Roberts really was who he claimed to be or not may never be known, but Edwards presents a convincing case.

I am always watching old western movies and TV shows so when I saw this book I wanted to read it. This book dispels a lot of myths about Billy the Kid. It was more interesting than I thought it would be and I found myself learning a good deal about this man. My biggest surprise was that he wasn't all bad as the legends said. The second one was how the supposed earlier facts of how he died do not seem to be the truth. I was very glad I ordered this and would recommend it to anyone who loves westerns or stories about New Mexico.

I have to say this is a must read book for anyone interested in Billy the Kid. I was very impressed with this book from start to finish. I am somewhat of a slow reader and seem to loose interest when reading books but wasn't the case with this one. I bought the book and read it in two days which was a first for me. I look forward to more writing about Billy from this author as they become available.

He most definitely is the kid. The chin, the ears, the mouth. Add to that, all the witnesses that were still alive, from the law men to the outlaws. An incredible story. New Mexico doesn't have much in the way of tourism, and the governor couldn't bear to let what little they had go. So to this day, New Mexico refuses to see the evidence. They need those tourism dollars I suppose. The real Billy the Kid died in Texas. Great book and well written.

A great read with some pretty strong circumstantial evidence outlined. Not the first time I’ve read about people who knew Billy purporting he was still with us - it is possible and some of the latter day things we’ve learned about Pat Garrett, lend themselves to the theory of a cover-up if for no other reason than everybody got what they needed...

Was 1940s old-timer Brushy Bill Roberts really Old West outlaw Billy the Kid? The author makes a good case for debate with research and photos. Without going into all of the evidence supplied - sometimes complicated by connecting dots of historical assumption - I am a believer. It’s definitely worth the read and awakens the historical sleuth to make that decision.

After doing research myself there is no doubt Brushy Bill is Billy the kid.No one will be quick to admit that because of people’s reputation and wealth would all be for not. History can and should be rewritten for true justice of Billy and for the world who need to know the truth.

Having been a fanatic of everything 'Wild West' since a child and the days of Bananza, Rawhide, Bronco Laine and all the great Western Movies my attention was grabbed by the idea of Billy The Kid cheating the bullet. The book was free as a kindle download so I couldn't lose. I found the book very very interesting and I have to say I was impressed with the way the research into 'Brushy' Bill Roberts' claim to be 'The Kid' was executed and presented. I found myself completely absorbed and read the book very quickly (I am normally not a quick reader). I would recommend this very interesting piece of work to anyone with a thirst for knowledge of American history. I would have given it five stars, but for the numerous typing errors in the text, this however did not spoil my enjoyment significantly. I notice the very same book is available as a Kindle download for around £3.00 this may have the typos corrected for all I know. In short very good read if it's your cup of tea.

This is an excellent book. I dont think Garrett killed the Kid. He lived to tell his story

best book i have read for a long time, very informative loved it

Very interesting book of the out law.

great book I think he was billy the kid