Keith: An Autobiography
I looked for over 20 years for a copy of the first Keith biography but could never find a copy I could afford. At last, I found a copy on eBay in Butte, MT, in poor condition, priced right on a buy it now. It was published by Winchester Press in 1974 with a printing of about 1000 copies. Keith hated the book. It was made by Keith speaking into a tape recorder; Keith disliked the book intensely. The editor printed the pictures poorly, never corrected the grammar or misspelling of names, places or guns. While it was as I remember Keith speaking, it doesn’t come across as very flattering. In 1979 Peterson Publishing released “Hell, I was There!” that he liked much better and was worked over and condensed from the first book with more pictures and “gun stuff”. Public must have liked it better also, as it has been reprinted many times.
The first book shows Elmer’s personality and his relationship with friends and family. Also, his ego shows through and puts himself in the best of light, but that is expected to be in an autobiography. There is a detailed section on the death of his daughter, Druzilla. He also tells all his good stories and lots of details of the killing of Bill Strong in 1919. There is less detail on guns, reloading and shooting in this book.
In conclusion, if you are a Elmer Keith fan, you would enjoy the book, I would not recommend spending the money for a copy at the current asking prices.
