Robert B. Parker (1932-2010) lived in the New England area, and cheered for the Red Sox. He wrote mysteries, but had also written western novels. In his career, he wrote over sixty-five books, and four series. His best-known series, Spenser takes place in the Boston area, and was made into a television series, Spenser for Hire, in the mid-nineteen eighties. He also wrote the Jesse Stone series and the Sunny Randall series. His western series portrays the characters, Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch.
In addition to his mysteries and westerns, Robert B. Parker has written historical literature. His Gunman’s Rhapsody tells the story of Wyatt Earp. Many people think they know the story of Wyatt Earp, the gun toting sheriff that tamed the West, but few actually realize that Wyatt Earp’s story is also a romance, and political intrigue.
The story takes place in 1881. The country still feels the effects of the Civil War. Wyatt Earp and his brothers came to Tombstone, Arizona as businessmen hoping to make it rich in the mining industry. When they arrived, they found most of the mines had been claimed. While the Earps owned some mining interests, they did business as gamblers, saloon owners, Federal law officers, and stagecoach guards for Wells Fargo. They also tended towards Republican beliefs.
The Cowboys, a loosely organized group of cattle rustlers, were well liked by the local community, and befriended by the local Sheriff Johnny Behan. They tended towards Democratic ideologies, and did not appreciate the increased competition for resources from Eastern immigrants.
Wyatt and Johnny competed extensively for the same job, sheriff, and the same women, Josie Marcus. The Cowboys backed Johnny and the Earps along with Doc Holiday, Bat Masterson, and Luke Short fought beside Wyatt. Both sides had their faults and both sides had their good points, but if you follow the Hollywood version – the Cowboys were the villains and the Earps were the Heroes. Hollywood also portrays the Earps as the victors. In reality, neither side was “good” nor were the Earps forced to leave town.
For a truthful version of the events in Tombstone in 1881 read Gunman’s Rhapsody, and skip the Hollywood version. This is one of the few renditions of the story that actually details the lover’s triangle between Wyatt, Josie, and Johnny. Nor does Parker portray Wyatt as a hero, but merely a hard man during a rugged time in our history.
Bruce G. Smith 8/15/2009 updated 1/20/2010