The Branch and the Scaffold

For twenty one years Judge Isaac Parker was the presiding judge for the western district court of Arkansas including the Oklahoma and Indian territories. It was an area a little bigger than Great Britain. Appointed in 1875 he did his best to bring law and order to a land he saw as sorely needing it.......more

Many years ago I visited the tourist trap at Hanging Judge Parker's courtroom and gallows in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I'm a big fan of Mr. Estleman. This book sometimes reads like a history and not a novel with a narrative arc. The descriptions and history are rich. Fans of Westerns should like the bac......more

Interesting novel in a historical context but not the easiest read. The author use of verbiage meanders and therefore the reader loses the intent of the sentence. The life and time of Judge Isaac Parker and the Arkansas territory of the late 1800's was interesting.......more

I read this book to become more familiar with Judge Parker. It contained some interesting stories of outlaws but a little hard to follow at times.......more

Good read for those who like history! I enjoyed it!......more