6x9 200 pages
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Gus Raney was an individual who possessed few, if any, redeeming qualities. Yet he attained a reputation as a genuine “wild west” character, even though he lived most of his eight decades in the twentieth century.
Don Bullis leaves no doubt Raney was a “badman.” He was convicted of two murders and suspected of several others, including two of his own sons. Bullis carefully examines Raney’s life, debunking much of the mythology that accumulating around him, much of it created by lies and exaggerations of his own making. Yet, Bullis provides often minute, well documented details of the violent and often mysterious life that Raney made for himself. “Badman” is a careful and informative treatment of Raney’s life and a region of New Mexico that often seemed beyond the reach of effective law enforcement.
Robert J. Tórrez, New Mexico State Historian, Retired
Gus Raney was certainly a character right out of the Old West, even though all of his life and exploits occurred well into the twentieth century. However, the phrase “legend in his own mind” may be an appropriate description for this New Mexico “badass,” as is well described by noted New Mexico historian Don Bullis. Bullis’s masterful biography recounts Gus’ life, while debunking many of the myths and legends about Gus, most of which were self-generated by the man himself.
Billy the Kid be damned—this is a must read for anyone interested in the fascinating characters that make New Mexico’s history so engaging!
John Taylor, Award-winning author of New Mexico history