The Day Jesse James Was Killed

Book excerpt: Jesse James is Dead! On April 3, 1882, a bullet fired by Bob Ford from a Smith & Wesson .44 revolver ended the life of Jesse James, notorious badman. Since then, the James story has grown into a full-blown American legend. Here is the dramatic, day-by-day account of the gunman’s lawless adventures—which to some held the bravura of a Robin Hood and to others were wanton banditry—right up to the blood-curdling moment when Jesse is shot down dead in his own parlor. Now, for the first time, new material—drawn from authentic letters, old newspapers, and the personal remembrances of the James family, neighbors, and friends—casts a fascinating light on the motives and deeds of the entire James gang.