The Outlaw Years: The History of the Land Pirates of the Natchez Trace

by Robert M. Coates

Book Overview

The years just before 1880 until about 1885 are considered the "outlaw years," when lawlessness developed a law of its own and planned an empire.

Operating along the Natchez Trace, an overland trading and postal-rider route that in places was barely a trail, the outlaws preyed upon the traffic along this line. Their plans were laid in the dives under the bluffs of the river towns--Natchez and Vicksburg and as far south as New Orleans.

By...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1565544579
• ISBN13: 9781565544574
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 4.7" x 6.7"

Customer Reviews

Excellent book

First this book has an interesting literary pedigree. The author is a member of the "lost generation" writers---Hemingway; Stein--who became a famous art critic. He wrote the book at the suggestion of Malcolm cowley (critic and promoter/"discoverer" of William Faulkner ). Second the book expressly notes it is not intended to be a scholarly academic history ; rather it is a popular history drawn from various accounts and presented in a readable entertaining style. The book itself is very well-written in an original fresh highly readable form. There is a detailed bibliography included for those interested in delving more deeply into the historical facts presented. The fact that the book is in print 80 years later is a testament to its strength as history well told.

The Outlaw Years: The History of the Land Pirates of the Natchez Trace

Found this informative, but would have liked a little more proof about the subject pirate, Sam Mason. Most of the material seemed to be recollection and heresay. However, there was such a person and he did fall into bad repute. There was enough recording from newspapers, government records to give a rough outline of Mason's activities. Barb Balas

Outlaw Years- Natchez Trace

Most interesting history of the "development" of the Natchez Trace. A step back in time to when development included high risk to life and family. Good read for history information.