Review of "Annie Oakley," by Ginger Wadsworth

Review of

Annie Oakley, by Ginger Wadsworth ISBN 0760766363


Four out five stars

 While this book is an effective recounting of Annie Oakley’s achievements as a shooter and trick-shot artist, some very significant aspects of her life are not covered in enough detail. Oakley was an early advocate of women in combat roles, sending a letter to President William McKinley in 1898 offering the services of 50 lady sharpshooters for any war effort that would be undertaken against Spain. This is in the book.

 She also stated, "I would like to see every woman know how to handle guns as naturally as they know how to handle babies." It has also been stated that she shot the ashes off a cigarette being held in the mouth of the newly crowned Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany.

 Oakley grew up poor and her natural ability to shoot straight did a great deal to feed her family when she was in her teens. She was so proficient at hunting that many of the family’s bills were paid by the excess game she was able to kill. She never lost track of those roots and she was a strong supporter of women’s rights her entire life. Oakley was also a strong advocate for education for females as well as their opportunities for independence. It is unfortunate that these aspects of her personality were not emphasized more.