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 adventureswhich to some held the bravura of a Robin Hood and to others were wanton banditryright up to the blood-curdling moment when Jesse is shot down dead in his own parlor.
Now, for the first time, new materialdrawn from authentic letters, old newspapers, and the personal remembrances of the James family, neighbors, and friendscasts a fascinating light on the motives and deeds of the entire James gang.