The Ballad of Tom Dula: The Documented Story Behind the Murder of Laura Foster and the Trials and Execution of Tom Dula

by John Foster West

Tom Dula was hanged for the murder of Laura Foster. Numerous folklores developed surrounding Foster's murder and Dula's execution. West sifts through the evidence and refutes the popular folklore versions.

Paperback

First published December 31, 1970

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I live only a few miles from where this murder took place, I found this book very interesting. I like history and murder mysteries and this combines the two so I enjoyed it. There is so much folklore and stories passed around about what happened and who really committed the murder and it was fascinating to learn what was true and what was not. Everyone has an opinion on who did it and this book helped me form my own. Now to drive out and see the actual places and graves.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much from this book. His name was Tom Dula but the mountain folks pronounced his last name Dooley. If he were tried now he would be acquitted. The true account is so different from the movies. He was a busy man with the women of his time.

[Kellene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read a fictionalized account of the murder of Laura Foster previously and grew up hearing the story (being raised in Wilkes County, site of the crime). I even tell the story on a regular basis in my role as a storyteller/tour guide. I chose this book in hope of learning some new facts or gaining some new understanding of the players or the trials. This goal was not accomplished. The book contained a lot of trial transcript, both in the telling of the events and the retelling of the convictions. The writing was dry and I found the author extremely judgemental of the players involved and the circumstances in which they lived. For a reader who wants to learn about the crime, I would suggest the fictionalized account written by Sharyn McCrumb rather than this version.

[Tommy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked this out of the local library after reading Sharyn McCrumb's newest book. I loved reading the actual trial documents and transcripts, maps, and contemporary news articles.

[Steven Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the Tom Dooley story, with a great section of primary documentation that sheds further life on the true story behind the legend and myths. Grade: B+