National Network for Equitable Library Service

Billy is 16 years old when he critically injures a henchman of infamous crook Boss Tweed during the 1863 New York draft riots. Running for his life, Billy heads for the frontier and finds work playing piano in various saloons. In his travels he crosses paths with such legendary figures as Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Chief Crazy Horse, "Wild Bill" Hickok, and even literary legend Oscar Wilde. Eventually, Billy finds himself in Hollywood as the film industry begins to explode.