This book is in keeping with the spirit of Tombstone Resident and diarist George Parsons who documented events through most of his life. Most notable is the diary Parsons maintained are the events he documented in Tombstone, Arizona beginning in 1879. His first-hand coverage continued throughout Tombstone's turbulent years. In this book the journal entries reach beyond Tombstone covering historic events throughout the west. The facts presented will help dispel some myths, or reinforce popular beliefs regarding the people or events discussed relevant to that time. The format keeps to chronological order by date and offers stories from mining boom towns including Deadwood, South Dakota and Tombstone, Arizona. Additionally, stories from the famous Kansas cow towns including Abilene, Dodge City, and Wichita providing extraordinary insight into their most historic events. The stories here include the exploits of heroic peace officers such as Seth Bullock, Wyatt Earp, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, Bat and Ed Masterson, Bill Tilghman, and many others.

Further, there are other characters from the old west covered here including the gunfighting gamblers John Henry "Doc" Holliday and Luke Short. Lastly, the exploits of the old west's most famous outlaw Billy the Kid.