"Doc" Holliday novel

[bettis1]

I just finished a novel called simply "Doc" by Mary Doria Russell. If you enjoy historical novels, I think you will like this one. It really brings John Henry Holliday, "Big Nose Kate", the Earp brothers, Bat Masterson, and others of the period to life.

The Washington Post calls it "One of 2011's five best novels".

Bob

 

[mjr]

I hadn't heard of this novel. I just googled it and now have to buy a copy--it sounds good. One link said HBO is going to do a series based on the book. Holliday is a fascinating character (who despite his reputation may never have shot anyone before the OK Corral).

 

[bettis1]

mjr,

I downloaded it and read it on my iPad so if you have that capability, it isn't very expensive.

Bob

 

[30-30remchester]

BETTIS, does this novel tell of his post OK coral days? I grew up in the town he died in and regularly visited his grave. Still living in the area, I have heard a few stories of his Leadville days. Once as a kid I saw a double barreled shotgun once owned by Doc, and sold to a local lawman to finance his gambling habit. Everyone speculated it was used at the OK but will never know for certain. Where this shotgun is now I have not been able to find out.

 

[bettis1]

The novel actually takes place before the OK Corral. It is historical fiction, however, when the author was asked "How much of that was real?", she answered: "Not all...but much more than you would imagine!". She based the novel on family records and contempory reports of Dodge City at the time.

Bob

 

[Dirtman]

Maybe I'll give it a try since I have now read all the Vince Flynn, Mitch Rapp books. Haven't been able to find any that match Flynn's books. Any other suggestions?

 

[ohiojerry]

I read that one last year and enjoyed it very much.

 

[monet61]

I have it on my wish list on my Nook.

 

[bobsdad]

A different perspective

I found a 1998 non-fiction account of Doc's life, written by a descendent relative Karen Holliday Tanner. The title is "Doc Holliday A Family Portrait". I believe it is still available in paperback. It is quite detailed and interesting. Mrs. Tanner had access to many family records. She also convinced members of the Holliday family to recount stories about Doc that they were previously reluctant to talk about. It was worth the read.

 

[Tam 3]

There is another bio, "Georgia's Doc Holliday" by Olin Jackson. He mentions an interesting link between Holliday and Margaret Mitchell.

Regards,

Tam 3

 

[windypoint]

I have read all of Mary Doria Russell's books. All very different and well written. If you enjoyed "Doc" try "Dreamers of the Day". It is written in the time that Europe was dividing the Middle East. We know how well they handled that.

 

[sophie]

Bob, thanks for the tip on the Doc Holliday book. I will pick it up soon.

Has anyone read "Empire Of The Summer Moon" by S.C. Gwynne? It is a real good book about Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the most Powerful Indian. Very good.

Bob I'm not trying to hijack this thread, just a suggestion.


_________
James