Jesse James' Bold Stroke; Or, The Double Bank Robbery by William Ward: This dime novel by William Ward is part of the popular genre of Western fiction and recounts the fictionalized adventures of the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Key Aspects of the Dime Novel "Jesse James' Bold Stroke": Wild West Adventures: The dime novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Wild West, portraying the daring exploits and robberies attributed to Jesse James. Myth and Legend: William Ward's portrayal of Jesse James contributes to the enduring myth and legend of the outlaw in American popular culture. Entertainment and Sensationalism: Dime novels like this one were known for their sensational and action-packed narratives, catering to the entertainment preferences of their readers. William Ward was a prolific writer of dime novels and other popular fiction during the late 19th century. His works often featured Western themes and contributed to the dime novel craze of the era.

Jesse and his band while passing through Colorado on their way east have many exciting adventures. The great desperado is captured by the Indians, after a battle with United States Cavalry and is rescued by an Indian maiden. He blows up an Indian village with dynamite and performs other of the daring feats for which he was so noted during his career. In a mining city in Colorado, he saves the life of a sheriff and robs two banks, from which he and his men carry away more than a hundred thousand dollars.

The story of Jesse James is shrouded in conflict. The conflict of the American Civil War and the conflict between those who saw a folk hero and those who saw a ruthless killer. This new collection brings together three classic biographies of the most infamous outlaw of the west.