Doug Hocking's Blog: Way Out West - Writing about the West, page 6

Blood and Thunder, not a biography of Kit Carson but still good

There is a special enmity in my heart for journalists posing as historians. I have to admit that many write beautifully and some have done a wonderful job with their subject matter. However, many pad their bibliographies by including popular … Continue reading →

Kit Carson, Hero or Heel: Dispelling the false history of the ignorant and America hater

I was signing books in Santa Fe when a woman walked up to my table. “Your hero is Kit Carson? He was such a terrible person!” “What have you got in mind?” I asked. Her friend jumps in. “You better … Continue reading →

Home Again from Santa Fe with photos and a book by Ben Traywick

We’re home again and safe after a profitable and pleasant trip to Indian Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I may be wanted by the Santa Fe police (Dead or Alive) for double parking while a loaded my gear into … Continue reading →

Another Day in Santa Fe at Indian Market

Well, it’s another day at Indian Market. Sunday, the last day, and we’re ready for some rest.  600 mile drive to get home, oh my. First time I’ve seen carved turquoise. Cochise’s head as big as my fist. After seeing … Continue reading →

Santa Fe Indian Market, Chimayo and Richard’s Ghost

Another day at Indian Market. This is the big one. 100,000 visitors and buyers, 1300 vendors and more shows with more vendors like the show I’m in, Native Treasures at the El Dorado Hotel. If you’ve never been to Indian … Continue reading →

On the Road, Selling books at Santa Fe Indian Market at the Native Treasures Show in the Eldorado Hotel

Yesterday we were at the Kit Carson House and Museum in Taos selling books. If you’ve never been there it’s worth a visit. My guns resting on Kit’s horno. We’re staying at the Hacienda Rancho de Chimayo. A century ago … Continue reading →

The Life and Times of Tom Jeffords, Friend of Cochise

Jimmy Stewart played a heroic Tom Jeffords in 1950’s Broken Arrow. He learned the Apache language and boldly rode alone into Cochise’s Stronghold to make a private peace for his stagecoach company. Having made friends with Cochise and earned his … Continue reading →

Never annoy an author. They’ll put you in a story and kill you.

They say never annoy an author. He’ll put you in a book and kill you. So here goes. Yesterday, Saturday, I did a presentation, The Black Legend of Lieutenant Bascom, twice, at 12 and 2, at the Western National Parks … Continue reading →

Sailing the Great Lakes with Tom Jeffords in the 1850s

I wish I could sail the Great Lakes on a wind-driven ship. I’ve sailed on small lakes, lakes too small to have waves of any size. And I’ve sailed on the ocean which is quite a different experience. On the … Continue reading →

Knowing the truth from history: how do we know who’s telling the truth

Some claim the truth in history is unknowable. Without doubt the historian should be trying to present a true picture of what happened. Let us agree that only one thing did happen. There are those who seem to doubt this … Continue reading →