Portrays J.H. Holliday and his life along each point of the expanding frontier. Doc was well-educated and came from a notable southern family. Throughout most of his 20 years in adventurous boom towns, he was continuously told he had a short time to live, which fostered a boldness and willingness to seek dangerous situations. Doc learned to a be a cool gambler and cold-hearted fighter when facing an opponent. He was seemingly involved in several dishonest deals at several times. Doc backed up Wyatt Earp when at a time when Wyatt was outnumbered. Their friendship continued through the famous fight at the OK corral. They seem to have split ways after that to some extent. He wrote periodically to Mattie and his condition deteriorated considerably upon hearing of her entering a convent. Doc moved between Denver, Leadville, and Pueblo duing his last days. The author paints a very critical view of the Earps, although he does bring out some balance not seen elsewhere with regard to the incidents in Tombstone. ( )