Travis Simpkins: "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" by Ron Hansen

The Assassination of Jesse James

by the Coward Robert Ford

by Ron Hansen

HarperCollins, 1983

Notes by Travis Simpkins

A finalist for the prestigious Pen/Faulkner Award, Ron Hansen's 1983 novel The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford raises both the Western and Historical Fiction genres into the realm of Fine Art. Carefully composed, each sentence and chapter rings with beautiful truths and harmonious use of the English language. It is, by all accounts, a veritable Masterpiece. Ron Hansen's ability to convey sentiments and dialogue in ways that are both thought-provoking and relatable is an inspiration. His works are amongst those select novels that I find myself re-reading again and again… discovering something new with each revisitation.

In this recreation of the American West, Hansen retells the almost Shakespearean tale of outlaw Jesse James and his ignoble death at the hands of Robert Ford… a casual member of his gang, who was envious of Jesse's legend, perceived-glory and fame. Thereafter known as "that dirty little coward," history has never forgiven Bob Ford for discharging his gun into the back of Jesse James' head on April 3, 1882. Within the text, Ron Hansen provides an in-depth portrait of the two men, dissecting the hero-worship mythology surrounding those anti-heroes and presenting the true history with gritty realism and subtle, refined nuances.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is a modern Classic and a "must read." It was later adapted into a wonderful film of the same name, released in 2007, starring Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck in the title roles.