Calamity Jane: Her Life and Her Legend

by Doris Faber

Who was Calamity Jane? Simply a legend created by a popular novelist? Or did Calamity Jane, born Martha Jane Cannary, really live the life she claimed? Doris Faber sorts out fact from fiction to tell the true story of a remarkable American woman who was part of the legend that celebrated the freedom and adventure of the West.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, American History

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to read "the truth" about Calamity Jane since I have never heard anything about her life. Of course, we now have to go to Calamity Jane restaurant on Mt. Hood after our next field trip and see if they have any interesting pictures or history there about her.

[Amber Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up because I know a fellow reenactor who plays Calamity Jane.

This is a basic sketch of her life, though I'll have to read an adult biography to get the full story...or at least the story we know of Calam! No mention is made of the daughter she had, nor of the fact she was sometimes a lady of ill repute, so very obviously this isn't a full bio of her.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book presents an overview of the life of Calamity Jane. It’s not long, and includes lots of old photos. It’s very difficult to determine what is actually true about this woman. I enjoyed reading it.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. I think they author did a really good job of explaining the real Calamity Jane (and how even that is a difficult task) as well as the legend. It was succinct, understandable for a child but not dumbed-down to be boring or insulting. The pictures were great! All in all, an interesting read.

[Cws]

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