The chivalry of crime

the long version

"Set in the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War, The Chivalry of Crime is the story of a young man who wants a gun - and what happens when he finally gets his wish.". "When the legendary shootist Robert Ford brings his tent saloon to Weaver, Colorado, young Joshua Beynon is among the first to greet him. Ford is reviled by some for having slain Jesse James, but to Joshua he is a demigod, a living connection to the mythic world of outlaws he has read about his whole life. Joshua is determined to get a gun for himself and to make Ford his friend - and in pursuing those wishes Joshua embarks on an unimaginable journey that utterly transforms his ideas about adventure, violence, manhood, and glory." "The Chivalry of Crime intertwines Joshua's story with the true and amazing story of Jesse James's life. In Ford's telling, Jesse James emerges as a man twisted by violence into retribution's dark angel, an implacable instrument of revenge.". "The life of Jesse James and the story of Joshua and Robert Ford come together in an explosive drama that touches the very root of violence in human nature."--BOOK JACKET.