I just finished Oklahombres member, John Kinney’s new book, “Captain Jack and the Dalton Gang, The Life and Times of a Railroad Detective.” (University of Kansas Press: Lawrence: 2005) What a trip!!! John has presented a real look at the 1880-1900 era by chronicling the life of his ancestor, John J. Kinney, a detective for the MK&T and Santa Fe railroads. But, rather than recording the known facts in a linear fashion, John has filled in the background, the events shaping the actions discussed and the decisions made. As a consequence, the narrative reminds one of the old PBS series: Connections, wherein entire cultures were determined by relatively mundane innovation in generally out of the way places. John’s major character, Captain Jack, is treated with respect but at the same time allowed to be human; possessing the same wants, needs, weaknesses, and strengths as the average man. This treatment brings a whole new understanding to a man and an event which have been little more than a footnote in the lives of more popular historical lawmen and outlaws. It’s a book well worth the read. Go on over to the Kansas Press website and order a copy.