Many conditions, cultures, and events have played a part in the history of New Mexico. The author, a recognized authority, guides the reader from the earliest land formations into the present time and has illustrated the narrative with photographs, maps, and artwork depicting various changes that took place during the many stages of New Mexico's development. Donald R. Lavash taught New Mexico junior and senior high school history for 13 years, and at the college level for two years. This book is the outgrowth of his teaching experiences and his feeling of a strong need for a New Mexico history text. Dr. Lavash was also the Southwest Historian for the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives for five years. He is the author of numerous articles and books on history and archeology.

Was Sheriff William Brady a willing pawn in the hands of a crooked political faction or was he an honest man dedicated to law and order? After his extensive research, Donald R. Lavash thinks Brady deserves a more realistic evaluation of his part in the Lincoln County Was in New Mexico. In 1873, crime and violence were rampant in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Land fraud, cattle and horse stealing were common. Outlaws, including Billy the Kid, swarmed in to join hands with dishonest citizens. Although Brady tried to stem the growing tide of anarchy, his efforts ended when he was ambushed by Billy the Kid and his gang. This book is not only a biography of a man but the history of an era in the American Southwest. More information on this controversial period will be found in these other Sunstone Press books: "Alias Billy the Kid" by Donald Cline, "Sheriff Pat Garrett's Last Days" by Colin Rickards, "The Death of Billy the Kid" by John William Poe, "The Real Billy the Kid" by Miguel Antonio Otero, "Stalking Billy the Kid" by Marc Simmons, "The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid" by Pat Garrett, "Kit Carson's Own Story of His Life" by Blanche Grant, and "Dynamite and Six-Shooter" by Jeff Burton. Donald R. Lavash was a historian on the staff of the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives and was a specialist in American Southwest history. An author of numerous articles and the book, "A Journey Through New Mexico History" also published by Sunstone Press, he received his Ph.D. from the International Institute for Advanced Studies.

Many conditions, cultures, and events have played a part in the history of New Mexico. The author, a recognized authority, guides the reader from the earliest land formations into the present time and has illustrated the narrative with photographs, maps, and artwork depicting various changes that took place during the many stages of New Mexico's development. Donald R. Lavash taught New Mexico junior and senior high school history for 13 years, and at the college level for two years. This book is the outgrowth of his teaching experiences and his feeling of a strong need for a New Mexico history text. Dr. Lavash was also the Southwest Historian for the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives for five years. He is the author of numerous articles and books on history and archeology.