Calamity Jane: The Woman and the Legend

The Woman and the Legend

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Women&, History, Americas, United States, 19th Century, Biography & Memoir
Cover of the book Calamity Jane: The Woman and the Legend by James D. McLaird, University of Oklahoma Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James D. McLaird ISBN: 9780806183138
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press Publication: November 3, 2011
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press Language: English
Author: James D. McLaird
ISBN: 9780806183138
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
Publication: November 3, 2011
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press
Language: English

Forget Doris Day singing on the stagecoach. Forget Robin Weigert’s gritty portrayal on HBO’s Deadwood. The real Calamity Jane was someone the likes of whom you’ve never encountered. That is, until now.

This book is a definitive biography of Martha Canary, the woman popularly known as Calamity Jane. Written by one of today’s foremost authorities on this notorious character, it is a meticulously researched account of how an alcoholic prostitute was transformed into a Wild West heroine.

Always on the move across the northern plains, Martha was more camp follower than the scout of legend. A mother of two, she often found employment as waitress, laundress, or dance hall girl and was more likely to be wearing a dress than buckskin. But she was hard to ignore when she’d had a few drinks, and she exploited the aura of fame that dime novels created around her, even selling her autobiography and photos to tourists.

Gun toting, swearing, hard drinking—Calamity Jane was all of these, to be sure. But whatever her flaws or foibles, James D. McLaird paints a compelling portrait of an unconventional woman who more than once turned the tables on those who sought to condemn or patronize her. He also includes dozens of photos—many never before seen—depicting Jane in her many guises. His book is a long-awaited biography of Martha Canary and the last word on Calamity Jane.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Forget Doris Day singing on the stagecoach. Forget Robin Weigert’s gritty portrayal on HBO’s Deadwood. The real Calamity Jane was someone the likes of whom you’ve never encountered. That is, until now.

This book is a definitive biography of Martha Canary, the woman popularly known as Calamity Jane. Written by one of today’s foremost authorities on this notorious character, it is a meticulously researched account of how an alcoholic prostitute was transformed into a Wild West heroine.

Always on the move across the northern plains, Martha was more camp follower than the scout of legend. A mother of two, she often found employment as waitress, laundress, or dance hall girl and was more likely to be wearing a dress than buckskin. But she was hard to ignore when she’d had a few drinks, and she exploited the aura of fame that dime novels created around her, even selling her autobiography and photos to tourists.

Gun toting, swearing, hard drinking—Calamity Jane was all of these, to be sure. But whatever her flaws or foibles, James D. McLaird paints a compelling portrait of an unconventional woman who more than once turned the tables on those who sought to condemn or patronize her. He also includes dozens of photos—many never before seen—depicting Jane in her many guises. His book is a long-awaited biography of Martha Canary and the last word on Calamity Jane.

More books from University of Oklahoma Press

Cover of the book Sign Talker by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Sweet Freedom's Plains by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Drug Politics by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book The Conquest of Texas by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Winning the West with Words by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Gathering the Potawatomi Nation by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Return to Aztlan by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Pathfinder by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Crazy Horse by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Native American Placenames of the Southwest by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book After My Lai: My Year Commanding First Platoon, Charlie Company by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Hollywood Beauty by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book California's Channel Islands by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book Beyond the American Pale by James D. McLaird
Cover of the book A History of the Indians of the United States by James D. McLaird
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy