Law and Order Ltd.; The Rousing Life of Elfego Baca

Santa Fe: New Mexican Publishing Corporation, 1928. First Edition. Octavo. Limited Edition of 375 copies. [not numbered or signed] 219p. Eugene Manlove Rhodes wrote of Baca "his willingness to discuss any moot point with that gun won him admiration from many and forgiveness from the few." With nine notches on his gun and being tried for murder three times, he was still alive and politically active when this book was issued. The account by the author shows New Mexico still at its wildest and where the distinction between law enforcement and criminal was often blurred. How he survived after being involved in many of the biggest gun fights is a testimony to both his coolness under fire and his expert use of the gun. It is still unknown as to whether he was appointed initially to enforce the law or merely purchased a badge. Eventually, after the murder trials were over he became a US Marshall and active politician fighting on behalf of the people for the government to protect the Rio Grande. A fine, sharp cornered copy bound in brown cloth lettered in orange, remanets of a small sticker removal, in near fine uclipped dust jacket with tiny edge tear to upper edge of front panel. An exceptionally nice copy. [Howes C-886; Adams #156].