description Wild Times Overview
Wild Times is a 1978 novel by Brian Garfield, structured as the fictional memoir of frontier showman Hugh Cardiff, a character closely modeled on William F. 'Buffalo Bill' Cody. The book follows Cardiff from his youth as a Pony Express rider, buffalo hunter, and Army scout through his later career as a Wild West entertainer in a travelling spectacle. Garfield uses Cardiff's life to examine the gap between the historical West and the mythologized version marketed to Eastern and European audiences.
The novel was adapted into a 1980 television miniseries starring Sam Elliott.
help Wild Times FAQ
How good is Wild Times?
Wild Times scores 7.36/10 (Good) on Lunoo, making it a well-rated option in the Western Novel category. Brian Garfield's fictional memoir has strong genre reputation and TV adaptation; admired for voice, though not a major literary western.
What are the best alternatives to Wild Times?
See our alternatives page for Wild Times for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: Buffalo Girls, This Old Bill, Death Comes for the Archbishop.
How does Wild Times compare to Buffalo Girls?
See our detailed comparison of Wild Times vs Buffalo Girls with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.
Is Wild Times worth it in 2026?
With a score of 7.36/10, Wild Times is a solid option in Western Novel. See all Western Novel ranked.
explore Explore More
Similar to Wild Times
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
