Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth

[Gene C]

Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth
Written by George Alfred Towsend and published in 1865.

Its one of the early classics in Lincoln Assassination literature, and I've never read it. It's less than 70 pages, 8 chapters, and available online here
https://archive.org/details/lifecrimecapture00town

(TEXT UPDATE BELOW)

I was wondering if anyone might be interested in an ongoing chapter a week study and discussion of this book beginning next week, November 29. We can discuss chapter one all week, and then move on to the second chapter the second week. Nothing formal, just share your impressions, something you learned, or update some thing based upon info not available to the author at the time. Any one interested in this?

[RJNorton]

Good idea, Gene. I shall look forward to being involved in this.

[BettyO]

This sounds like fun, Gene - did you know that there are TWO versions of the book? Both by GATH? This one covers both the trial and execution - https://archive.org/stream/lifecrimecapt...2/mode/2up

[Gene C]

Thanks Betty, I didn't know that. We've already learned something new and haven't even started.
Lets read the one you posted. It's still under 100 pages.

[BettyO]

It will be fun -- better than reading Katy of Catoctin! I've yet to ever get all the way though THAT one!! Or even know anyone who ever did read it all the way through....

[Gene C]

Reprinted copies are of this book are available. There are several different publishers who have made this book available, so be careful if you get one, and the prices vary. My luck with reprints has been iffy, with poorly reproduced illustrations and photographs, and the occasional missing pages(s) the most common problems.
The size of the book as well as the number of pages seems to vary between publishers, from 82-166. I guess it depends on what version of the book they are copying. Sorry I can't tell you more. If you end up purchasing the book, please share with us how you liked your copy.

On Amazon, our very own LincolnMan (William Nash) has done a review of the audio version of this book.
http://www.amazon.com/Life-Crime-Capture...lkes+Booth

For now, I'm going to stay with the e-book version posted in BettyO's post

[Eva Elisabeth]

Thanks for this cool idea and endeavor, and the link, Gene - the book has long been on my wish list, but I haven't gotten a copy yet (at a reasonable price). I have always refused to try reading a book online, but this will make me doing it. I also didn't know it has only quite few pages. Thanks for taking time to start this, Gene!

[BettyO]

I downloaded a PDF copy to my phone and have a copy on both my PC and iPad. I also have an original - but I won't read that one!

[Eva Elisabeth]

PS: I would think discussing Donald's "Lincoln Reconsidered" this way could be interesting, too, but I don't think it's online (although pretty old - would be interesting to see if you think it still valid).

[Thomas Kearney]

It was a very interesting read! Thanks for sharing!

[Thomas Thorne]

(11-23-2015 08:42 AM)BettyO Wrote:  It will be fun -- better than reading Katy of Catoctin! I've yet to ever get all the way though THAT one!! Or even know anyone who ever did read it all the way through....

I guess I am a a glutton for punishment. I finished Katy-barely. She reminded me of Terri Garr in "Young Frankenstein" singing "Roll roll,roll in ze hay."
Tom

[BettyO]

Quote:I guess I am a a glutton for punishment. I finished Katy-barely. She reminded me of Terri Garr in "Young Frankenstein" singing "Roll roll,roll in ze hay."

That's a hoot, Tom! Love that film....Yes, the dialect was atrocious. I got a good laugh out of GATH's portrayal of Lew Powell as a "Richmond Baptist College" student. The current University of Richmond (my alma mater) sprang out of that Baptist college. Wonder if Powell made the basketball or football team!?!

[Craig Hipkins]

I have a copy of Townsend's book on pdf. I too would rather read a paper copy of a book. I think that the younger generation would prefer a digital copy and hard copies will eventually go by the wayside like AM radios and black and white television sets.

[RJNorton]

(11-28-2015 08:36 AM)Craig Hipkins Wrote:  hard copies will eventually go by the wayside like AM radios and black and white television sets.

Hi Craig! I am with you! I hope this prediction never comes true!

[BettyO]

Although I am a geek and yes, I DO read digital books, I'm old fashioned and prefer the feel, look and even the smell of a real old fashioned printed book! To me, nothing can take the place of it!