Dime Novels Propaganda of the West “In 1860 a publishing phenomenon appeared that would provide Americans a wealth of popular fiction in a regular series at a fixed, inexpensive price. Early dime novels, first printed in orange wrapper papers, were patriotic, often nationalistic tales of encounters between Indians and backwoods settlers. By the mid-1890s, bold color covers depicting scenes of bloodshed and courage appealed to a mostly adolescent audience.”

ASSIGNMENT: ◦ In this PowerPoint, you will find the covers of eight “dime novels” from the late 19 th century, all of which presented a largely fictional version of the West to an audience of Easterners (mostly young readers). ◦ Below the title of each dime novel, you will write a brief description of what you think the story is about. Write as if you are trying to convince readers that this story is an exciting, “true-life” adventure. ◦ Once you are done, click “Save As” and save this PPT under the following name:  “Dime Novels.YOUR LAST NAME” Then save the file in your digital drop box. ◦ Click on the “start” menu. ◦ Click on “My Computer.” ◦ When you see “drop boxes,” open yours and drag the file into the drop box.

an issue of Beadle's Dime Novels, published in 1860

Buffalo Bill's Special Service. No New York: Buffalo Bill Stories, 1906

Crack Skull Bob. No. 5. New York: Orum & Company,1872

Jesse James Protector. No New York: Jesse James Stories, 1903

King of the Wild West's Cattle War or Stella's Bout with the Rival Ranchers, Crack Skull Bob, no. 170

Jessie James the Outlaw, no. 2 New York: Jesse James Stories, December 22, 1897

White Wolf; or, The Mountain Den, no. 110 New York: Robert M. Dewit Publishers, 1873

Buffalo Bill's Best Shot, no. 3, December 29, 1897