This is an original first edition circa 1896 book titled, “The Life of John Wesley Hardin, From the Original Manuscript, As Written by Himself.” This is a first edition published by Smith & Moore, Seguin, Texas 1896; Copyright 1896 by Smith & Moore. This is a first edition, first issue in the original gray card cover printed in blue. Illustrated by noted Texas artist R.J. Onderdonk. In this very first issue copy shows the portrait of Joe Hardin, John’s brother, which is mislabeled John Wesley Hardin. 'The book was withdrawn from circulation a few days after publication and stored in a San Antonio warehouse. The warehouse burned and destroyed all of the edition except for 400 copies sold surreptitiously to a local bookseller.' -Jenkins. 1896. This edition is surprisingly well cared for with some slight loss to the image on the binding, and binding paper, appears to contain all 144 pages and illustrations with nice color. Provenance: From the historic Tombstone Western Heritage Museum collection, the card was donated to the museum from the McNellis collection of Robert and John McNellis, the most noted John Wesley Hardin collectors. Measures 7 3/8-inches by 5-inches.