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The Jesse James Scrapbook
The Jesse James Scrapbook is the life's work of young Tom Gardner who pasted over the pages of his mother's own "Tour Of Continent Scrapbook," with clippings, pictures, and other memorabilia about Jesse James. When his mother scolds him, Tom vows that he is going to "Go out west and interview farmers and outlaws and trainmen and wild Indians —everyone who knew or saw or was robbed by Jesse!"
And Tom does just that. As he matures into a young man, he travels the country gathering the stories —the recollections of the critical events in the life and times of Jesse James, through the authentic voices of the men and women who knew him or whose lives were affected by him— their unique experiences collected in this book provide a fascinating view of the world in which Jesse lived.
We meet friends like Billy Drury the droll farmer and neighbor who shelters Jesse time and time again as he grows to manhood and sees the changes in the young boy that develop his character.
The schoolteacher, Ophelia Helms, who pretended to be engaged in order to teach at the little one-room school in Clay County, Missouri and was horrified a the children's hangman games.
Belle Star, the beautiful young girl, in love with an outlaw, who becomes an outlaw herself.
And the "Gang". Men who, along with Jesse, terrorized and inspired the local citizenry in several states in the South and midwest. From Quantrill to Cole Younger and Frank James, these colorful lives achieve a human scale with each narration.
The Jesse James Scrapbook is the story of the life of a man who was a hero to some and a monster to others. It is a compelling addition to the literature of the Civil War and the lore of the aftermath —the civil unrest that spawned the outlaws of the old west.
And Tom does just that. As he matures into a young man, he travels the country gathering the stories —the recollections of the critical events in the life and times of Jesse James, through the authentic voices of the men and women who knew him or whose lives were affected by him— their unique experiences collected in this book provide a fascinating view of the world in which Jesse lived.
We meet friends like Billy Drury the droll farmer and neighbor who shelters Jesse time and time again as he grows to manhood and sees the changes in the young boy that develop his character.
The schoolteacher, Ophelia Helms, who pretended to be engaged in order to teach at the little one-room school in Clay County, Missouri and was horrified a the children's hangman games.
Belle Star, the beautiful young girl, in love with an outlaw, who becomes an outlaw herself.
And the "Gang". Men who, along with Jesse, terrorized and inspired the local citizenry in several states in the South and midwest. From Quantrill to Cole Younger and Frank James, these colorful lives achieve a human scale with each narration.
The Jesse James Scrapbook is the story of the life of a man who was a hero to some and a monster to others. It is a compelling addition to the literature of the Civil War and the lore of the aftermath —the civil unrest that spawned the outlaws of the old west.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 16, 2018
From church going to bank robbing no one can say Jesse James lived a dull life.
This is a really cool. Jesse James has always interested me as I grew up being told that my family is descendants of Jesse James. Where the relationship exists I’m really not sure but it’s kind of a fun thing to know. One of these days I’ll do more research into it but until then, I just read most anything about him and his family that I can. I found this book to be particularly interesting because it’s told from so many different narratives. It’s sometimes hard to imagine him as the good church going upstanding citizen when he is best known for his less upstanding actions. I know this is a work of fiction and not to be taken seriously but it still seems to have been carefully researched and has a lot of true facts which really adds to the story. I really enjoyed the different view points of how this story was told.
This is a really cool. Jesse James has always interested me as I grew up being told that my family is descendants of Jesse James. Where the relationship exists I’m really not sure but it’s kind of a fun thing to know. One of these days I’ll do more research into it but until then, I just read most anything about him and his family that I can. I found this book to be particularly interesting because it’s told from so many different narratives. It’s sometimes hard to imagine him as the good church going upstanding citizen when he is best known for his less upstanding actions. I know this is a work of fiction and not to be taken seriously but it still seems to have been carefully researched and has a lot of true facts which really adds to the story. I really enjoyed the different view points of how this story was told.
November 16, 2018
Jesse James is one of the prominent faces of the civil war era making the historical fiction stories, like The Jesse James Scrapbook, so compelling. It tells the adventure filled story of Jesse James based on historical documents but with some added characters to bring the story to life. For those who cannot get enough of the tales of the time and the wild west feel The Jesse James Scrapbook will scratch that itch.
Not only does the book tell part of his story, but it dives into the civil war as well. Telling part of the story of the South. For those history buffs, The Jesse James Scrapbook has plenty to keep you engaged.
Not only does the book tell part of his story, but it dives into the civil war as well. Telling part of the story of the South. For those history buffs, The Jesse James Scrapbook has plenty to keep you engaged.
January 12, 2019
I thought this was a unique way of telling a story. It was like listening to your Grandparents tell their stories. Sometimes you forget that it's a story, cause the facts seem so real. It made you realize how there is two sides to every story and then there is the truth. Not sure we'll ever know the truth. The only part I did not like, was how it ended, tho it left you wanting more. It made me remember that I loved the old Westerns and will have to read more now.
December 2, 2018
I liked the way that this book was set up. It is more than a biography that shows the individual the entire time. This one is different because it has "interviews" with people who interacted with those who cam into contact with Jesse James and his family. Some were neighbors, friends, fellow soldiers, and even victims. It gives a different perspective of Jesse James like that found by historians doing research. These perspectives also know how people were living in Missouri and Kansas during this volatile time in history. And it doesn't just stop with James' life, but what happened after he died and the gang that was left behind. If it isn't based on facts, it's based on the legends that came from the story of Jesse James. The author went far to maintain the tone of individuals and journalism of that era. Even though it's the author's first novel, it would be wonderful to see more historical fiction like this.
February 2, 2017
George Jansen is a friend of mine so my judgement might be slightly influenced.
I liked the book a lot. I don't know much about the real 'wild west' of the 1850s through 90s so this story was of great interest to me. The book is written in statements, stories and letters by all kinds of people who lives crossed with Jessie James'. May it be his School Teacher, a Neighbour, a Confederate General. Actually: I learned quite a bit about the 'Civil' War, i.e. how Kansas and Missouri fought each other....
I gave the book only three stars because I had the feeling that the book fell apart a bit in the last third.
It was hard for the Author because there were just so many rumors about Jesse and Frank James. Were they still robbing trains or did they settled down as farmers? Or maybe this was because I lost interest? But I did finish it and I am glad that I did.
I liked the book a lot. I don't know much about the real 'wild west' of the 1850s through 90s so this story was of great interest to me. The book is written in statements, stories and letters by all kinds of people who lives crossed with Jessie James'. May it be his School Teacher, a Neighbour, a Confederate General. Actually: I learned quite a bit about the 'Civil' War, i.e. how Kansas and Missouri fought each other....
I gave the book only three stars because I had the feeling that the book fell apart a bit in the last third.
It was hard for the Author because there were just so many rumors about Jesse and Frank James. Were they still robbing trains or did they settled down as farmers? Or maybe this was because I lost interest? But I did finish it and I am glad that I did.
November 6, 2018
They claimed the government wouldn’t allow them to earn an honest living, so the James brothers began their own form of employment. George Jansen takes events in the notorious Jesse James life and spins them into this work of fiction, The Scrapbook of Jesse James. It begins with Tom Gardner, age 12, as he fantasizes about this outlaw and begins a scrapbook covering his life. His mom is none too pleased since he is gluing newspaper clippings and book cutouts into her own scrapbook. But he vows to one day finish what he started.
The Scrapbook of Jesse James is incredible. George Jansen sends you through the legendary journey of Jesse, but written in first person of the people who knew him. My favorite glimpse into his life would be Frank’s recollection in May 1896. The author adds humor to this novel adding colorful characters in his life. I would recommend this to those interested in the Civil War era.
The Scrapbook of Jesse James is incredible. George Jansen sends you through the legendary journey of Jesse, but written in first person of the people who knew him. My favorite glimpse into his life would be Frank’s recollection in May 1896. The author adds humor to this novel adding colorful characters in his life. I would recommend this to those interested in the Civil War era.
November 10, 2018
There is no doubt that Jesse James was a true American legend.
Ever since I heard of Jesse’s story I’ve loved the character that he represents and I often fantasise about his life and what it would have been like to live back then.
This book fully embraced that, the world that I wanted to imagine was set right there in front of me. Not only that but I think it’s pretty historically accurate and although a piece of fiction does portray what actually went on back then.
A perfect read, captivating, incredibly interesting and taught me a bunch about a mans life that I already knew so much about.
A great book, bravo!
Ever since I heard of Jesse’s story I’ve loved the character that he represents and I often fantasise about his life and what it would have been like to live back then.
This book fully embraced that, the world that I wanted to imagine was set right there in front of me. Not only that but I think it’s pretty historically accurate and although a piece of fiction does portray what actually went on back then.
A perfect read, captivating, incredibly interesting and taught me a bunch about a mans life that I already knew so much about.
A great book, bravo!
November 5, 2018
An engaging story!
An engaging story that brings Jesse James to life using narrations from soldiers, farmers and family and people. Though a fiction but gives much the sense of reality and keeps the reader engaged. The author skillfully created a scene for readers of the environment that created such a violent personality. Chapter by Chapter narration from different people, angles is a variation in the story that was really interesting.
An engaging story that brings Jesse James to life using narrations from soldiers, farmers and family and people. Though a fiction but gives much the sense of reality and keeps the reader engaged. The author skillfully created a scene for readers of the environment that created such a violent personality. Chapter by Chapter narration from different people, angles is a variation in the story that was really interesting.
October 29, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is told out of the view point of many people whose lives crossed with Mr. James' at some point - even his School Teacher (all fictional, of course!) George Jansen obviously studied the life of Jesse James thoroughly and did not leave anything for guessing.
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December 24, 2019I loved this book. Every chapter was like a glimpse of the past written in the tone of the past. All these chapters created an impression of Jesse James unlike anything I have read before. A thoroughly good read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews