American frontiersman and entertainer (1846–1917). By the age of 15 Cody had already been a horse wrangler, Pony Express rider, and unsuccessful prospector. He became a scout for the Union army and after the war took a job for a company that supplied meat for railroad construction crews, killing 4,280 buffalo during 1867–68. Dubbed “Buffalo Bill” by writer Ned Buntline, Cody organized his famous Wild West Show in 1883 and met with great success during national and worldwide tours in the following decades. Signed book: True Tales of the Plains. First edition, first printing. NY: Empire Book Company, 1908. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8, 259 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page, “With compliments of the author, and your old friend, W. F. Cody, ‘Buffalo Bill’ to Col. W. J. Thornby, May 10th 1909.” In fine condition, with some scattered light surface wear to covers and spine, and some small repairs to separation of inside of front cover along binding. R&R COA.
