The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford [Paperback]

Ron Hansen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 26, 1997

Hansen re-creates the real West with his imaginative telling of the life of the most famous outlaw of them all, Jesse James, and of his death at the hands of the upstart Robert Ford. James, a charismatic, superstitious, and moody man, holds sway over a ragged gang who fear his temper and quick shooting. Robert Ford, a young gang member torn between worshipping Jesse and taking his place, guns him down in cold blood and lives out his days tormented by the killing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Hansen has turned low history into high art. This is a terrific book." -- Newsday

"Here is THE James book . . . Put Hansen on your bedside table." -- Richmond News-Leader

"One of our finest stylists of American historical fiction." -- Christian Science Monitor

"This book is a wonderful achievement." -- San Francisco Chronicle

"Vivid and sustained." -- --New York Times Book Review

"Vivid and sustained." -- New York Times Book Review

. . . vivid and sustained . . . -- The New York Times Book Review, David Freeman

About the Author

Ron Hansen is the bestselling author of the novel Atticus (a finalist for the National Book Award), Hitler's Niece, Mariette in Ecstasy, Desperadoes, and Isn't It Romantic?, as well as a collection of short stories, a collection of essays, and a book for children. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Ron Hansen lives in northern California, where he teaches at Santa Clara University.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (February 26, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060976993
• ISBN-13: 978-0060976996
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #789,755 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the two best Western novels ever, June 20, 2005

By 

Neil Flowers (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Paperback)

I agree with the reviewers who laud Mr. Hansen's superb novel and give it five stars. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is sprawling and precise, Shakespeare out of Camus crossed with Peckinpah. I don't think that the book is too detailed or slow, as one reader reports. I think that the detail helps make the book what it is: An absolutely convincing account of the men and the times, taut all the way, and not romanticized. In my opinion, there are two great novels of the American West that transcend the genre and become real literature:Elizabeth Fackler's "Billy The Kid: The Legend of El Chivato," and this novel about Jesse James and Bob Ford by Mr. Hansen.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Blend of History and Narrative, August 1, 2005

By 

Margaret Riordan - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Paperback)

Ron Hansen's book relies extensively on archival research of newspaper accounts, courtroom accounts, and memoirs, all of which contribute to this intelliegent, exceptionally well-written tale of the death of Jesse James. Focusing on the individuals involved, as opposed to the deeds of the James gang, although these are described as required by the narrative, this book develops an understanding of the personal dynamics at work in the undoing of the great Jesse James. A gripping and ultimately satisfying read, The Assassination of Jesse James is a must-read for anyone with interest in the old west.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great surprise, September 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Paperback)

Hansen uses an even approach to all the characters in this story: No demons or straw men, here. I began with the common view that honorable Jesse was killed by the detestible coward Robert Ford. But Hansen made me understand the motives, the differing natures of real people with warm blood in their veins, not the card board cut-outs of popular legend. I came to understand, through Hansen of course, that Jesse and Bob had few other options, given who they were, than to live and die as they did. Jesse born the killer; Bob born the Judas. This, the insistance that the story must be as it is told, indicates the very "true-ness" of the story as told by Hansen. In that respect, they are nearly elevated to Shakespherian status (Hamlet born to avenge his father), and the language does indeed inspire to reach far beyong the pitiful, common mode of the genre. A great book