What sort of person undertakes to rob a multi-ton train surging down a
set of rails at high speed? For the Old West's most famous outlaws,
including Jesse James, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Dalton
Gang, and Black Jack Ketchum, it was as much about the thrill of the
crime as the riches to be won, thumbing their noses at the authorities,
and getting away with their crimes more often than not. These men, and
at least one woman, were dare devils, rule breakers, adventurers, and
rebels. In addition to their train robberies, they led colorful,
dramatic, and dangerous lives. The Old West's Infamous Train Robbers and
Their Historic Heists profiles sixteen noted train robbers (or train
robbing gangs) along with the details of each their forty-seven
hold-ups. The mechanics of each of their train robberies--planning,
execution, and escape--are dissected and discussed. Pertinent background
information relating to each outlaw/gang is included as well as what
became of them following their train-robbery days.