Supported by strong ratings and a rich history, The Real Deadwood provides background and historical accuracy for the figures depicted on the hit HBO series, and takes a broader look at the times that spawned them. Covering law and order, politics, journalism, and early medicine, and examining some "historical guest stars" who may play a factor in future Deadwood episodes (Teddy Roosevelt was an acquaintance of series protagonist Seth Bullock and made several visits to the lawless town; Bullock turned away Wyatt Earp when he offered his services as a lawman)-The Real Deadwood will allow readers to traverse the unpaved streets of an outlaw town without ever getting their boots dirty.

One person reviewing this book wrote that if you're a fan of the Deadwood television series, you should avoid this book. Let me go a little bit further. If you've got any sense at all, avoid this book. It's easily the fluffiest 128 page book you're likely to read this year (or next). The content in the book could fit in a high school student's term paper, and I suspect that is actually how the book may have originated.

It's filled with lots of information that seemed lifted from various web sites I've seen, although I suppose that it is possible that various web sites may have lifted their content from this book, although why anyone would do this, I can't begin to contemplate.

To be perfectly clear, avoid this book. It is a clear attempt to cash in on the popular Deadwood TV series. (The series started in March 2004. This book came out in August 2004.) Go to your local Borders or Barnes and Nobel to glance at a copy before you decide to buy it.

If you are a fan of the TV series, "Deadwood: Stories of the Black Hills" is a far better choice.

If you are into getting down as close as you can to the real history of the town and it's periods of boom and bust, then I highly recommend you consider, "Deadwood: The Golden Years." (Published in 1981, 23 years before the TV show.)

The book references the tv show "Deadwood" much too often. I didn't know if I was reading about the "real" Deadwood or the tv version. I was very disappointed.

The book give more insight to the tv show Dead wood....I wish they would not have canceled it....Any way I enjoyed the book quite a bit..and found the grave of one of them...here in St Louis....

If you're looking for a fast, easy read about Deadwood with little detail, insight, or depth, this is the book for you. The book offers nothing new or interesting for those of us already familiar with Deadwood's history.

I also consider the strong tie in to the HBO series (which is, by the way, my favorite show) generally ill advised. The positive aspect of doing so is the author makes it clear early in the book that the series is not completely factual, the writers, producers, etc. do not intend for the show to be completely factual, and the book addresses some of these characters, events, situations presented in the series, and "corrects" the facts. Unfortunately, in a few cases, the author discusses fictional characters/situations from the series, it's important to understand the context and details of the reference, the context and details are not included in the book, so only readers who've watched the series would understand the references. I'm sure there are a lot of people interested in Deadwood and it's history who haven't watched or have no interest in the series. Overall, I found the constant references to the series annoying. I love the series, I wanted to learn more about the real Deadwood, I didn't want to read about the series, I didn't get what I wanted or thought I'd get from this book.

This was a very quick read, and not a very detailed book. I would wish the book to go into more detail, and not have so many references to "Deadwood" the HBO show. If I wanted to know all that, I would watch the show.
I would not recomend buying this book. It does not go into detail at all, is very basic, and leaves you hanging.
Once you find a part that actually interest you, it comes to an abrupt end and seems like some of the pages detailing the story fell out.