For many today, The Lone Ranger was their introduction to the myth of the Texas Rangers, "good guys in white hats" bringing justice to the frontier. Collins (history, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas) revises the myth, promulgated by Texas historians as well as writers of fiction. Using primary material, he paints a darker picture of the Rangers, from their inception in 1846 to their official (though not actual) disbanding in 1861. While relating incidents of terrorism, torture, lynching and other abuses, Collins also puts the Rangers into the context of the time in which brutalities were perpetuated by Mexican bandits and Native Americans on the Anglo-American settlers. In no way condoning the atrocities, he explained the real and perceived threats, as well and nationalism and racism that helped to create the myth of the valiant Rangers. Rather than negating the myth, he brings it in line with a complex reality. Collins gives a vivid portrait of the larger-than-life participants in the story, including the young army officer sent to evaluate the Rangers, Colonel Robert E. Lee. It was Lee who recommended the formal dissolution of the Rangers, many of whom became the Confederate Second Texas Mounted Rifles. Collins presents an image of Texas history less glorious but every bit as fascinating as the legend. This is paperback reprint of a book published in 2008. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)