Donna B. Ernst

THE SUNDANCE KID
THE LIFE OF HARRY ALONZO LONGABAUGH
Donna B. Ernst, University of Oklahoma Press,2010,pb, $19.95 233pp, 978-0806141152.

The Sundance Kid, an alias derived from a town in Wyoming, was born Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, one of five children in a dysfunctional family. He was born in a blue collar town in Pennsylvania. He stood six feet, a handsome young rustler with a reputation as a member of the Wild Bunch Gang riding along side Butch Cassidy. Myth and legend surround this outlaw who was surprisingly well read.

Donna Ernst married to a relative of Longabaugh, has spent over twenty-five years researching this man. Through photos, Pinkerton files, historical archives, family correspondence and her husband’s ancestry she presents the biography of The Sundance Kid.

His outlaw years began in Colorado and to this day controversy continues as to which robberies were actually his responsibility. The author disputes the records on file and provides arguments to support her claim. Exhausted from his constant flight from detectives, he and his wife, Ethel sail to South America where he has trouble with authorities again. HIs life ended by gunshot in San Vincente, Bolivia in 1908.

This is an interesting well written story about The Sundance Kid. You would think a story about the infamous outlaw would be exciting and dramatic. It’s not. What makes this book fun are the occasional anecdotes about The Kid’s travels and exploits. These opportunities are embraceable and with the numerous period photos save this book from a laborious read.


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