WILLIAM F. "BUFFALO BILL" CODY - BOOK UNSIGNED - HFSID 9303

[WILLIAM F. CODY]. Book, unsigned, 616p, 6x9, hardcover. Heroes of the Plains, Life and Wonderful Adventures of Wild Bill, Buffalo Bill and Exploits of Gen. Custer, Kit Carson, California Joe, Capt Jack, Capt D.L. Payne. White Beaver., by J.W. Buell, Historical Publishing Co., Philadelphia, Pa.: 1891. From the Author's Preface: "The work of preparing a brief history of the greatest of plains-heroes has been one of especial pleasure to me...It is our natural disposition to admire true heroes, and not only to admire, but to exalt their acts...one of the motives which impelled me into a preparation of 'HEROES OF THE PLAINS.' While this volume abounds with thrilling adventures, sanguinary encounters and personal combats of the most startling character, yet through every page there is observed a thread of wholesome justice, upon which is strung every deed recounted, preserving a forcible and moral influence beneficial to young and old alike...I was well acquainted with Wild Bill for several years before his death, and in 1879 wrote a pamphlet sketch of his life...Buffalo Bill, who now stands unchallenged as the greatest plainsman living, was an intimate friend of Wild Bill, and the two, so long connected in their wonderful careers, deserve a conjunctive position in this history...The other heroes, Kit Carson, Capt. Jack, Gen. Custer, Capt. Payne, California Jack, and Texas Jack, have each made their private mark over the wild expanse of Western wilderness...." Profusely illustrated. Scarce edition. Front and back covers, first blank flyleaf and title page separated from spine, other pages show slight separation. Covers are soiled and worn. Pencil notes (unknown hand) on inside front cover and first blank flyleaf. Pages shaded. Overall, fragile condition.