Escape and Suicide of John Wilkes Booth

by Finis L. Bates

In his 1907 book, lawyer Finis L. Bates reveals that his client John St. Helen disclosed to Bates his true identity - claiming to be Abraham Lincoln's assassin, John Wilkes Booth. History tells us that 26-year-old Booth was killed by Federal authorities at the Garrett Farm in Virginia shortly after the 1865 crime. Based on conversations with St. Helen and evidence he himself gathered, Bates contends that Booth escaped, took on new identities, and died by his own hand (under the alias David E. George) in 1903 at the age of 64. This is a fascinating read filled with compelling details.

Genres: Civil War, History, True Crime

351 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1907

About the author

American Lawyer.

Bates is mostly known for his book "The Escape and Suicide of John Wilkes Booth" in which he claimed that John Wilkes Booth was not killed by Union Army, escaped and lived for many years under alluded names.

Henry Ford's The Dearborn Independent published multiple articles on Booth & Lincoln by Bates.

Reviews

[Jeffrey Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bates has one incredible imagination. He recounts stuff as "fact" when the facts are just the opposite. Yes, conspiracy theorists have grabbed onto this myth for the past 100+ years. The grammar is horrible and the facts are just plain wrong. Unless you are looking for the conspiracy theory - leave this book alone. Not worth the read.

[Brigitte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having seen the Brad Meltzer's "Decoded" episode on John Wilkes Booth, I found this old book at Google Books and thought I'd give it a try. Published in 1907, the writing takes some getting used to, but it does give you fuel for thought.

[Jake · Rating 2 out of 5]

The ravings of a mad man.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for thought...

[Todd Honig · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly wrote nonsense . Don't waste your time.

[Sd Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Dow Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fascinating. The author rambles on a lot giving extra details where I didn't find them necessary and repeats certain passages a lot. Very compelling. Great storytelling, lots of good evidence, sometimes slow but picks up fast too. A must-read for all conspiracy fanatics and history buffs.

[Raine Campeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Was turned on to it after watching Brad Meltzler's Decoded!