Speaking Ill of the Dead: Jerks in Texas History features 15 short biographies of notorious badguys, perpetrators of mischief, visionary if misunderstood thinkers, and other colorful anti-heroes from the history of the nation's capital.

A delightfully wicked look at the badly behaved characters who shaped the history of Texas through their deeds and misdeeds. Speaking Ill of the Dead: Jerks in Texas History features eighteen short profiles of notorious bad guys, perpetrators of mischief, visionary if misunderstood thinkers, and other colorful antiheroes from the history of the Lone Star State. It reveals the dark side of some well-known and even revered characters from Texas's past-both part-time Jerks and others who were Jerks through and through. They include:¿ The notorious Judge Roy Bean-colorful interpreter and maker of laws¿ Texas Ranger Leander McNelly-a hero or a villain, depending on how you look at things. ¿ Myra Maybelle Shirley-better known as Belle Starr, the Bandit Queen