The Rise and Fall of Jesse James

By Robertus Love

Book Overview

"The Rise and Fall of Jesse James" offers a definitive and compelling look into the life of one of the American West's most infamous figures. This work traces the trajectory of Jesse James from his origins as a young Confederate guerrilla during the Civil War to his eventual status as a legendary fugitive. It provides an in-depth exploration of the James-Younger Gang's notorious exploits, including their daring bank and train robberies across the frontier.

Beyond the simple recounting of crimes, the narrative delves into the socio-political landscape of the 19th-century United States, examining how local sympathies and the scars of war helped shape the James brothers into folk heroes for some and public enemies for others. The book captures the tension of a nation in transition and the lawless spirit of the Missouri borderlands. Readers will find a detailed account of the events leading to the dramatic betrayal by Robert Ford and the subsequent end of an era. "The Rise and Fall of Jesse James" remains an essential piece of historical literature for those interested in true crime, the Wild West, and the enduring myths of American history.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025955420
• ISBN13: 9781025955421
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.81 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A True Western Classic.

Countless books have been written about the outlaw Jesse James and his brother Frank over the last 120 years. This is one of the best. Robertus Love knew Frank James, and also knew some of the bandits who rode with Jesse and the eyewitnesses who saw the crimes. This book, written in the 1920's, was the first attempt at an honest biography of Jesse. It still holds up after 80 years. Love has the ability to take the reader back in time to those wild days of the Old West. While some of his stories are more legend than history, this book is still a great read and essential reading for anyone with an interest in our country's most famous outlaw.

Exciting!

A well-written account of outlaw Jesse James's life featuring such colorful characters as the Youngers. Full of interesting facts (did you know Jesse was wounded during the Civil War)?