A brief, fascinating portrait of saloon life in the old West. Noel considers the important economic, political and social functions of the saloon in Denver in glorious, scholarly detail. He documents where these saloons were located, the services and goods they provided, and how the saloon was a path of upward mobility for its keepers (from American-born to immigrant) and patrons. With tables, maps, and black-and-white photographs.  (USW207, $22.50)