Outlaw Tales of Oregon: True Stories of Oregon's Most Infamous Robbers, Rustlers, and Bandits

Reviewed by Susan Pettrone for Reader Views (11/06) Upon first perusal of "Outlaw Tales of Oregon", the reader is struck with the well organized manner in which this book is written. Within the first few pages of the book is a conveniently placed map which proves to be extremely beneficial in keeping track of and referring back to, specific areas in which the stories within occurred. With ten well written and clearly told tales of early Oregon in the days of stagecoach robbers, and bushwhackers, the reader is drawn into a time in history when this rugged country was filled with criminals of every kind and how their bold fearless style molded this area into one which held many of the citizens at the time in a state of constant anxiety, wondering what would happen next. Leading off the stories in this book is "The DeAutremont Brothers," one in which the reader is instantly placed within the story through historical references and background of the times. Three brothers, Hugh, Roy and Ray are generally known as having attempted a train robbery which, had it been successful, would have netted the brothers a tidy sum and place in history as well. As it was, because of the problems with this robbery, their place in history was the only thing that was certain for this trio. This robbery, in which their best laid plans went awry, is illustrated with clear pictures of the three brothers both before and after their subsequent arrests for the robbery. It is these pictures and others in this book as well that help the reader to more easily visualize the story unfolding and also add variety to the stories within. The DeAutremont Brothers robbery which was thought to net the brothers $40,000 was one which gathered much public attention and made history as being hailed as the last Oregon train robbery in history. And so this book goes on, with story after story unfolding, giving the reader a wonderfully exciting view into the turbulent history of the Oregon region at this time. Stories such as: The Princeville Vigilantes, Black Bart, The McCarty's, Incident at Chinese Massacre Cove and many others only further illustrate the wild, dangerous atmosphere in the history of Oregon and the men who would stop at nothing to achieve whatever they set out to accomplish. Their daring escapades and fearless attitudes made for an exciting time in Oregon history and a spell binding book for the reader as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of early times in the development of the United States as well as students of Oregon history. The chapters are superbly written with descriptive language and easy to follow storylines and the pictures accompanying each story only further implement within the reader, the realism of this part of Oregon 's history and the people who molded the area into what it is today. As "Outlaw Tales of Oregon" is written in an easy to read and understand style, this book would easily appeal to all ages f