A Bandit Called Derby

Rating:
Summary: A Surprisngly Decent Bandit
Review: This is a book that rings as true as any of John Steinbeck's most memorable characters. A Bandit Called Derby is a son's tribute to his often wayward father's early years where Oliver Franklin Jones roared through Arkansas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and Idaho bootlegging,gambling, and robbing an occasional casino or bank.
It's not a glossed over version of the Rip Roaring 20s but a hard scrabble look at the hellbent life and times of a reflective man, who after doing his time offers a better route for his children, including his son, Derby- a decorated Vietnam veteran, a former Airborne Ranger and Sergeant Major, and to his friends one decent man. I'm biased. I know Derby Jones and he's truly one of the good people. This book is not only a touching tribute to his father but a true slice of Americana and look at a time we thought we knew. Thanks to Derby Jones (both of them) and Derby's wife, Sheryl, we all just got a better view!

Rating:
Summary: DERBY JONES-THE MOVIE
Review: I could not put this book down! A piece of Americana history, direct from one of the major sources of our early times, namely a first hand experience. The roaring twenties comes to life, as does the early preindustrial United States. This story deserves to be told, and is made to order for a major movie production. Dean Moriarty move over! The big show has come to town!

Rating:
Summary: A Bandit called Derby
Review: I thorougly enjoyed this book. It was an interesting sampling of "real" americana from a slightly different, but definitely humorous point of view. I recommend this read highly!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Great look at early Idaho crime and prison history
Review: This is a great book for anyone interested in the life of a small time criminal in Idaho in the 1920's. Mostly written by the man himself, it detalis the life of "Derby Jones" from his beginnings in Arkansas, through his bootlegging days in Twin Falls, and subsequent time spent at the Old Pen. Because it was written by the man himself it brings his unique voice to us. His son edited and lightly revised the work. These additions and explinations only add to the richness of the book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Idaho, Prison, the 1920's, and authentic voices from our past. This man lead an interesting and exciting life in an interesting and exciting time. A must read

Rating:
Summary: True life told by someone who lived it
Review: This is a read I couldn't put down.You can feel what the author feels as he goes through all the exploits of his life. Its full of history of early 1900's life.Roaring 20's drama at its best.I highly recomend it to anyone that enjoys autobiograhys.

Rating:
Summary: Great look at the past
Review: This was an excellent read. I got a genuine first hand account of how life during that period of time. For those who want to know what hard time was this is a book for them. Oliver (Derby) Jones was a hard man who's life was worthy of being told for all generations.