Jesse James, My Father (Illustrated Edition)

This is a biography of Jesse James by Jesse Edwards James, Jr., son of Jesse James and Zee Mimms James. The first half of the book is Jesse Jr.'s remembrances of his famous father, who he didn't know was the famous outlaw until after his death. He includes all he remembers plus stories told to him by his family. The second half of the book is his account of his own trial for the charge of train robbery.

The book provides little-known, perhaps previously-unknown aspects of Jesse's life, as a father, husband, and as a member of the Quantrell gang. Jesse, Jr. plays down many of the popular accounts of his father's life as an outlaw. His biography may be the most accurate or inaccurate. No matter, there are things to be learned, and it's a very pleasant and interesting read.

This edition of the book contains the three original illustrations, plus eight additional ones of Jesse's life, including photographs of some of his guns, houses, his brother, Frank, and one of his children, Mary and Jesse, Jr.