Reviews
"Though written in accesible language and in a style that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat, Figueredo's book should please demanding academics."—La Voz
"Author D.H. Figueredo compares historical facts with the Hollywood images of the 'Wild West' to explore the ways that Mexican vaqueros and their contributions were replaced with Anglo-centric narratives. The book address topics such as The Black Legend, banditos, greasers, Zorro, and 'loose women' both thematically and chronologically in order to document the role of Latinos, including Spanish-Mexican Jews, in the conquest of the territory west of the Mississippi."—ProtoView
"In his richly researched book, Figueredo lays out how his lifelong interest in the subject [and] offers a scholarly approach and an entertaining read."—The Star-Ledger
Endorsements
"Revolvers and Pistolas, Vaqueros and Caballeros: Debunking the Old West is a delightful and engaging review of Southwestern history aimed at revealing the origin and development of many of the myths held even today about Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and Latinos. Thoroughly researched and documented, the book will engage the general reader as well as the scholar as Figueredo explores how legends and stereotypes have colored our vision of Hispanics in the making of the American nation. Because the themes touched run the gamut from 'banditos' to the 'Yellow Rose of Texas,' readers will be able to regard today's images of Hispanics on screens and in print with a critical eye. Figueredo has provided an invaluable guide."—Nicolás Kanellos, Brown Foundation Professor of Hispanic Studies at the University of Houston, Director of Arte Público Press and Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage
"Like a history detective, Dan Figueredo finds the clues, identifies the culprits, and sets the story straight as to how the West was won. Move over John Wayne, the real lawman was Marshall Elfego Baca, who took on 80 gunslingers all by himself in a gunfight that lasted two days! The Old West will never look the same after you read Revolvers and Pistolas!"—Alex Abella, Author of Soldiers of Reason: The RAND Corporation and the Rise of the American Empire