Bruce Olds

Raising Holy Hell is unique. Bruce Olds tells John Brown's story from every direction. Quotations, mythology, folk tales, court transcripts, lists, poetry, diary entries, letters, interviews, Bible quotes, historical data, advice, agreements, and the perspectives of stepmother, father, first wife, second wife, eldest son, younger sons, daughters, neighbors, friends, Frederick Douglass, past Presidents, all piece together to tell not only the tale of Harper's Ferry, but of the biography of John Brown, the man. Perfect for someone with a short span of attention!… (mais)

After his impressive debut 'Raising Holy Hell', Olds turned his impressive language skills to another legend, Doc Holliday. Where 'Holy Hell' came in a little light, 'Bucking the Tiger' almost triples the length. I wish I could say it was all quality, but some serious editing was called for. As an admirer of Olds' pen, there are some excellent stretches in 'Bucking the Tiger', but they don't fill the book. The title comes from the game of faro, a favorite card game of the old West, at which Holliday excelled.… (mais)