Final answer:
The authenticity of Mills' study on western outlaws like Jesse James cannot be confirmed, but the allure and public perception of such figures during the Wild West era were complex, with some viewing them as anti-heroes similar to Robin Hood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that one of Mills' books is a study of western outlaws like Jesse James who he idolized is not verifiable with the information given. However, we can discuss the context around outlaws like Jesse James and the public's perception of them in the Wild West. Jesse James and his gang are known for their train robberies and other criminal activities post-Civil War. Notably, in 1873, Jesse James was part of a group that derailed a train and robbed $2,000 from its safe. This crime and others like it contributed to James' notoriety and the formation of a public image that some saw as reminiscent of a modern-day Robin Hood, although this romanticized view may be exaggerated.
The popularity and romanticization of Wild West outlaws can be traced back to the cultural narratives of the time, including dime store novels that often glorified these figures and their exploits. Despite the allure of these stories, it is important to note that the reality of violence and criminality in the West was much more nuanced. Characters like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday, while involved in violent altercations, indicate a period where violence was often tied to the struggle over scarce resources or the flip of fortune brought on by prospecting.
It is also worth noting that the Wild West was more than just a haven for outlaws; it was also a place of opportunity and new beginnings, and not all were involved in the type of violent or criminal behavior often associated with figures like Jesse James. The perception of the region and its people was complex, with communities like Cottonwoods experiencing the influx of various elements only gradually, which sometimes included gunmen with questionable reputations looking for new frontiers.