Porter Rockwell: A Biography

"The best book of several written on Porter Rockwell." Duaine Hiatt This People Magazine "The writing is slick and the pace is fast. Dewey has done his homework." Deseret Morning News "Riveting reading." - Gannett Newspapers (owner of USA Today) "4 Stars: Excellent." West Coast Review of Books "Masterfully written." Dr. Fred R. Gowns Professor of History Brigham Young University "Remarkable . . . engaging." Dr. John A. Schultz Professor of History University of Southern California "Superlative work." James A. Cox Midwest Book Review "An intriguing trip." Broox Sledge columnist The Book World "An extraordinary mix of faith and firepower. Well-researched." Dr. Walter Nugent Professor of History Notre Dame University "Valuable." Tim H. Blessing Department of History Penn State University Considered the definite work on Porter Rockwell it s easily the most comprehensive accurate book on him yet. This epic biography although non-fiction is as exciting to read as a fast-paced novel. Beautifully illustrated by renowned western artist Clark Kelley Price this fascinating volume traces Porter Rockwell from turbulent Eastern beginnings to battles with Midwestern mobs to extraordinary gunfights on the American frontier. Its the true story of Brigham Young s bodyguard a man history (and Hollywood) has overlooked the only man to kill more outlaws than Wyatt Earp Doc Holladay and Batt Masterson . . . combined. A man who believed from a promise he received from Mormon leader Joseph Smith that if he never cut his hair he could never be killed. Assassins ambushed him bounty hunters hunted him but no one could kill him. The Deseret News in 1918 confirmed he passed through dangers "unscathed as numerous as those recorded in the most lurid fiction." Outlaws sang ballads about him around campfires. Gunfighters took on bets and traveled hundreds of miles to face him. But never returned alive. Many viewed him as a folk hero. Famed British journalist Jules Remy wrote in 1861 "He is the stuff from which heroes are wrought. It is he who is ever at hand where there is a sacrifice to be made which can be of advantage to the oppressed." Richard Lloyd Dewey quotes hundreds of original sources-journals letters and court records some from sources never before tapped - and weaves them all together in fascinating form. In the process he clarifies the controversies dispels the shadows and melts away the myriads of myths. Journalistic fast-flowing writing sweeps the reader through explosive early Mormon history with charm and style. The author reports little known events and unravels a bizarre yet uplifting tale. Its a story told with breadth and feeling. Includes a detailed bibliography and index.