Based on exhaustive research in Texas archives, this reference is a vividly written, action-packed history of the most fabled lawmen of the American West. 40 haftones. 11 maps. Texas book tour.

The tradition established : Jack Hays and Walker Creek -- The tradition evolves : Indians -- The tradition evolves : Mexicans -- The tradition nationalized : war with Mexico -- "Give us rangers in Texas" -- Last days of the Old Lion : Mexicans and Indians -- Chaos in frontier defense, 1861-1874 -- Institutionalizing the Rangers, 1874 -- McNelly and Hall : border adventures -- The adventures of Major Jones -- The El Paso Salt War -- "That Far Wild Country" : the Trans-Pecos and the Panhandle -- The King era, 1881-1891 -- The four captains -- End of an era -- A summing up.