Michael D King
Powered by Books.by
Michael D King
by and
Are you ready to see the Wild West through the eyes of the legends who survived it? This is the untamed West laid bare. Grounded in the real-life accounts of famous scout "Billy" Dixon and enriched by true tales from Life and Adventures of 'Billy' Dixon of Adobe Walls, Texas Panhandle" (1914), compiled by Frederick S. Barde. It is a classic frontier memoir detailing the life of James "Billy" Dixon, a legendary buffalo hunter, scout, and pioneer who played a key role in the Indian Wars of the Southern Plains. This captivating chronicle pulls you directly into the rugged realities of frontier life.
Step straight into the dust, grit, and thunder of the real American frontier. Forget Hollywood myths—the West wasn’t won in a movie studio; it was survived in the dirt. Are you ready to see the untamed frontier through the eyes of the legends who actually lived it? For over a century, the raw reality of the Southern Plains has been buried under romanticized fiction. Author Michael King shatters these misconceptions, delivering a breathtaking narrative grounded directly in the authentic 1914 accounts compiled by Olive Nixon and edited by Frederick S. Barde. Drawing straight from the primary memoirs of legendary scout and buffalo hunter James "Billy" Dixon, this book brings history back to life with razor-sharp authenticity—from unfiltered eyewitness accounts of pioneer survival to the pulse-pounding Battle of Adobe Walls.
Hailed by history lovers as "a visceral, pulse-pounding return to the real Wild West," it offers an essential, cinematic journey through history. As a veteran historian and dedicated researcher of the 19th-century American West, Michael King brings a decade of archival expertise and a lifelong passion for reclaiming lost historical truths to give voice to the legendary figures who forged a nation.
“Hailed by history lovers as "a visceral, pulse-pounding return to the real Wild West," it offers an essential, cinematic journey through history. ”
Mike King is a dedicated historical researcher, author, board member for regional history societies, and host of the Wild West Podcast. Raised on the rich heritage of the 19th-century frontier, King brings decades of archival expertise and a lifelong passion for Westward expansion to every page, giving voice to the forgotten figures who shaped American history.
Michael King is a retired distinguished educator, award-winning administrator, and prolific author who has dedicated his career to capturing history and shaping young minds. His journey as a professional author began in 1997, launching him as an extensive and impactful writer with Aspen Publishers. A recognized voice in educational leadership, King has also contributed numerous insightful articles to the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) publications. After a decorated career in public education—culminating in national recognition as an award-winning principal—he transitioned his leadership skills and passion for research toward preserving the heritage of the American West. Over the last decade, King has established himself as a powerhouse in historical non-fiction, publishing more than twenty books in ten years. His deep expertise in regional history is frequently showcased in the prestigious KANSAS! Magazine, where his research has been featured across five separate issues. Expanding his literary reach to inspire the next generation, King now focuses on bringing early Western history alive for readers of all ages. Beyond the written word, King is the creative force, writer, and producer of the acclaimed Wild West Podcast. The show has become one of the premier digital audio programs on American frontier history, surpassing one million downloads and earning the coveted "Best of Western Podcasts" award by Podranker in 2026. Deeply committed to historical preservation and community leadership, King serves on the board of directors for several prestigious organizations, including the Boot Hill Museum, the Western Cattle Trail Association, and the Ford County Historical Society. He also manages the Western Cattle Trail Association website, where he regularly publishes engaging historical blogs that keep the spirit of the old frontier alive for modern audiences.
Life and Adventures
The Great American Desert didn't just make men—it swallowed them whole. Could you survive when the line between fortune and a shallow prairie grave was a single, split-second choice?
Long before Dodge City became the legendary capital of the West, young Union cavalry veteran George W. Brown crossed the Mississippi into a wild, unmapped paradise.
The history books remember the railroad barons and legendary lawmen, but they completely miss the raw, blood-soaked truth of the men who actually built the frontier from the mud up.
From surviving brutal Civil War campaigns and dodging Indian ambushes along the Santa Fe Trail, to co-founding one or Dodge City's first saloons and riding through the apocalyptic final days of the Great Buffalo Hunt, Brown's forgotten personal journals and letters bring the true, unvarnished Wild West into blazing focus.
A Story of Survival
This narrative reclaims the authentic voices of Catherine, Sophia, Julia, and Adelaide from romanticized frontier exaggerations. It details how seven-year-old Julia and five-year-old Adelaide miraculously endured six weeks alone on the frozen Texas plains. Exploring humanity amid conflict, the story reveals the complex dynamics of captivity, including unexpected acts of empathy and protection by Native captors amidst total war. Ultimately, it serves as a bridge to healing by connecting historical tragedy with modern reconciliation, examining how extreme trauma yielded profound empathy.
Step into the tumultuous world of the Kansas frontier in the 1870s with "Billy Brooks and the Vigilantes," a gripping dime novel that brings to life the raw and often contradictory nature of law and order during this explosive era. The remarkable journey of William "Billy" Brooks takes us from the dusty trails as a buffalo hunter and stagecoach driver to the chaotic streets as a feared town marshal, gunfighter, and, inevitably, an outlaw whose fate was sealed by the very vigilantes he once vowed to keep at bay.
The Hero of the Kansas Plains
Based on true 19th-century accounts, Prairie Dog Dave tells the explosive story of David Morrow—the frontier titan who tamed the wild Kansas plains. Before Dodge City became legend, Morrow was a master marksman tracking a sacred white buffalo. Soon, he was riding alongside Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp, keeping the peace on Front Street’s deadliest deadline. Packed with dime-novel action and rich history, this is the untamed tale of the soldier, hunter, and lawman who helped forge the American West.
Step into the wild, blood-soaked streets of 19th-century Dodge City to discover the true story of Edward John Masterson, the forgotten lawman who gave his life to tame the frontier. Overshadowed by his famous brother "Bat," Ed’s journey takes you from the rugged life of a buffalo hide skinner to City Marshal of the "Queen of the Cowtowns.” Packed with authentic historical detail, original newspaper excerpts, and heart-pounding action, Edward Masterson and the Texas Cowboys brings the grit, sacrifice, and true spirit of the Old West alive. Pick up your copy today to uncover the legend behind the star!