Dime NovelsDime NovelsPropaganda 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.”

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/tri015.html

ASSIGNMENT:◦ In this PowerPoint, you will find the covers of eight “dime novels” from

the late 19th 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 SpecialService. No. 243.New York: Buffalo Bill Stories,1906

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

Jesse James Protector. No. 113.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. 2New 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