This dazzling, adventurous book begins in Colorado with Oscar Wilde. Wilde, observing a casino sign reading, Please don't shoot the piano player; he is doing his best, reflects: "I was struck with this recognition of the fact that bad art merits the penalty of death, and I felt that in this remote city, where the aesthetic application of the revolver was clearly established...my apostolic task would be much simplified". Starting with the cowboy...