The Bellevue War: Mandate of Justice or Murder by Mob [Paperback]

Susan K. Lucke (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2002

This history shows Iowa and adjacent areas as the early American Wild West, circa 1833-1850. Based on historical writings, documents, and records, it offers the definitive account of a gunfight between approximately 100 vigilantes and outlaws that occurred in Bellevue, Iowa Territory, on April 1, 1840, along the Mississippi River--the fate of the prisoners decided by a vote of colored beans. The book also explores settlement patterns and daily life on the trans-Mississippi frontier; organized crime as it moved with settlement across America; the coexistence of vigilantism and statute law in early America; more than 150 years of controversy surrounding the Bellevue War; and the lives of major people involved, including men who influenced the territory, state, and nation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a fascinating glimpse into the West as it really was.... an original and very highly recommended addition.... -- Midwest Book Review, March 2003 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

Featured on the Iowa Public Television series, "Living in Iowa," in May and November 2006.

In public, private, and academic libraries worldwide, including the: New York Public Library, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, University of Chicago Library, State Historical Society of Iowa libraries, Wisconsin State Historical Society Library, University of Alabama Law School Library, University of Iowa School of Law Library, Iowa State University Library, University of Northern Iowa Library, Utah State University Library, San Jose State University Library, University of Colorado at Boulder Library, and Gottingen State and University Library (Germany). --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: McMillen Publishing (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888223383
• ISBN-13: 978-1888223385
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,094,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for history buffs, January 30, 2008

By 

joe (midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bellevue War: Mandate of Justice or Murder by Mob (Paperback)

I grew up in Eastern Iowa, and had never heard of this event. I am amazed that Hollywood hasn't made a movie of it yet, as it would make a great story. The actual battle was much bloodier and larger than the OK Coral.

This book is researched to nearly the fullest extent possible (they have scans of promise notes from the 1830's), as there weren't really any records for the town four years prior to the 'war'. The author does form opinions, but these are made from the hard evidence available.

The pace of the book is what I like to call 'heavy history' as it details each event and background with citations/notes. It is a slower read, and sometimes you can feel like you are peer reviewing a paper, but the subject is great. Overall an excellent book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mississippi River History at its best, April 2, 2009

By 

Scott M. Fisher - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Bellevue War: Mandate of Justice or Murder by Mob (Paperback)

Ms. Lucke has done an outstanding job of researching and presenting all the details that led up to this historic eastern Iowa, Mississippi River event. Illustrations are masterfully created and organized, making this book a tremendous read. Descriptions of the battle, the main characters, and ironic aftermath are written in a clear, compelling style and careful references allow the reader to pursue further documentation. Very well done.

4.0 out of 5 stars Bellevue War, March 11, 2009

By 

J. P. Kirkpatrick (Ellsinore, MO USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bellevue War: Mandate of Justice or Murder by Mob? (Hardcover)

A well-researched book on the early times in Iowa that shows the necessity for the 2nd Amendment so that citizens, if they need to, can protect themselves from the usurpation of lawful order by evil men.

Just as is found in today's London, England, where the citizens have had their legal right to self-defense, and their means of enforcing that right, possession of weapons for self-defense removed from them by a government that is incapable of protecting the citizenry from riot and unlawful actions against them and their property; good people will only take so much abuse before they raise up and take matters into their own hands.