Billy Gashade: An American Epic

By Loren D. Estleman

Book Overview

Billy Gashade is a wandering musician crossing the young United States in the late 1800s, and introducing us to its most colorful characters along the way. Calamity Jane, Billy the Kid, Chief Crazy... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812549155
• ISBN13: 9780812549157
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Forge
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

A delightful diversion

"Billy Gashade" was recommended by a bookshop employee who knew of my interest in Old West history. He urged me to give Estleman a try, and I'm delighted that he did. The title character (we never know his "real" name) embarks upon a series of adventures and misadventures, meeting most of the familiar frontier characters of the 1860s to 1880s. The depth of research is impressive, reminding me of Fraser's intricate plotting in the marvelous Flashman series. "Billy Gashade" proved a delightful diversion from my usual nonfiction reading, but in the words of The Terminator...I'll be back.

A Welcome Find in any Genre!

The western genre can usually be found on the bottom rack of the book display in most supermarkets. It seldoms rates more than a thin display at bookstores as well because, well, let's face it! it's snubbed by those who look down on 'cowboy' stories. However Loren Estleman's books and particularly Billy Gashade deserve a more prominent place in book displays and certainly more attention. This is taleneted writing, skilled craftsmanship, and shucks buckaroos, just fine storytelling! History comes alive in this adventurous run and more than once you're going to catch yourself thumbing to the end of the book and swearing because you're running out of pages! If you're not hooked yet then give Estleman's books a read. You will be.

A Journey of America

I bought this book because I love Estleman's mysteries. I thought I would try one of his non-mystery books.I was amazed. The book takes us from one coast to the other during the time of the cival war. We see it through the eyes of a young musician on the run. Along the way we see Billy meet some famous folk of the old west, including the James Brothers, Custer, and Billy The Kid. It reads so real, that you want to check for the name Billy Gashade in history books. Estleman did his homework and it shows.A history lesson that entertains every step of the way.

Get to know the work of Loren Estleman

Back in college I took a course called Pop Culture in Society (Hey, it was spring term). Addressing the phenomenon of what he termed 'top 40 mentality' the professor offered the following, "You don't know what you like, you like what you know." Since that day I've always wondered how much is out there that I'm missing. Billy Gashade is something out there that you're missing. As fine a blending of fact and fiction as there is in literature today, Estleman continues to deliver quality work that unfortunately doesn't draw the attention of the masses. Though set primarily in the West, the stroy is far from the classic Western. If you are looking for thoughtful, and engaging story telling, breakout of the top 40 mind set and spend some time with Loren Estleman, someone you don't know, but should.

A love song to the West

This unique and engrossing novel, about a wandering ballad singer who encounters the legendary characters of the early West, is a remarkable study in American history. The novel is rich and compelling. Familiar stories and legends become new-minted and bright when Estleman's alchemy transmutes them into gold. I heartily recommend this enchanting book.