VILLAINS AND VIGILANTES The Story of James King of William and Pioneer Justice in California

Hardback. Revised Edn. with new material. A chronicle of the turbulent era of 1850s San Francisco, focusing on James King of William, a pivotal figure in pioneer justice. The book details the rampant crime wave, with 1,200 murders in four years, prompting the formation of two vigilante committees (1851 and 1856) to combat lawlessness. Through vivid accounts and contemporary illustrations, the author explores King’s role in instigating one of the West’s most notorious vigilante groups, highlighting the bloody yet necessary measures taken to restore order in a chaotic, gold rush-driven city. Illus., Bibliog. and Index. 261pp. 8vo. h/back. With faint water stain to lower edges of boards (see image) o/w Vg. in Vg+ protected pcdw.