Saddle up and step into the thrilling world of Ole Devil, where the dust of the Texas frontier swirls around Jackson Baines Hardin, a fiery Texian hero whose adventures blaze through the pages of J.T. Edson’s action-packed Western series! Set against the backdrop of Texas’s fight for independence in the 1830s, the Ole Devil books deliver heart-pounding tales of courage, loyalty, and frontier grit, blending historical detail with rip-roaring action that keeps readers hooked.
Known as Ole Devil for his devilish fighting spirit and horn-like tufts of hair, Hardin is no ordinary cowboy. From running guns for the Texas Revolution to commanding the Confederate Army and later ruling his O.D. Connected ranch, his larger-than-life persona captivates fans of Westerns and Texas history alike. Let’s ride into the origins, stories, and lasting allure of this unforgettable series!
How Ole Devil Began
British author John Thomas Edson, a lifelong Western enthusiast, created the Ole Devil series in 1975, drawing inspiration from the rugged tales of the American frontier he devoured as a child. Born in 1928 in a small English mining village, Edson’s fascination with cowboy films and minutiae—like why a gun jams or how card cheats operate—fueled his vivid storytelling. After serving in the British Army, he turned his hobby into a career, penning over 130 novels, with Ole Devil as his first major hero. Edson’s knack for weaving historical figures like Sam Houston into fictional adventures gave the series an authentic Texas flavor.
The Heart of Ole Devil
The Ole Devil series kicks off with Young Ole Devil (1975), where a brash Jackson Baines Hardin is tasked by General Sam Houston to deliver rifles to Texas patriots in 1836. Facing treacherous trails and Mexican foes, Ole Devil’s courage shines. In Ole Devil and the Caplocks (1976), he escorts a shipment of advanced caplock rifles, battling cutthroats and a vengeful woman’s gang alongside a pistol-wielding heroine and a samurai, Tommy Okasi. Ole Devil and the Mule Train (1976) sees him outgunned at the Brazos River, fighting to save Houston’s dream of a Texas Republic. Finally, Ole Devil at San Jacinto (1977) pits him against Santa Anna’s army in a daring behind-the-lines mission.
Edson’s series thrives on themes of bravery, loyalty, and the unyielding Texian spirit. His meticulous attention to historical details—like the mechanics of 19th-century firearms or frontier tactics—grounds the high-octane action. The Texas setting, from dusty trails to the Alamo’s shadow, pulses with authenticity, while diverse characters like Tommy, an exiled samurai, add unexpected flair. Fans praise Edson’s ability to craft well-rounded characters and gripping plots without relying on gratuitous content, making the series a standout in the Western genre.
Why Ole Devil Resonates
The Ole Devil series carved a niche in Western literature by blending Texas history with thrilling escapism, appealing to readers who crave action and authenticity. Edson’s interconnected universe, where Ole Devil’s nephew Dusty Fog and other relatives star in spin-off series, created a rich tapestry that kept fans coming back. Despite Edson’s passing in 2014, the series’ vivid portrayal of Texas’s formative years and its celebration of frontier resilience continue to inspire Western enthusiasts. Its niche status only adds to its charm, offering a hidden gem for those seeking classic cowboy tales.
- Publication Years: 1975–1977
- Number of Books: 5
- Key Character: Jackson Baines Hardin, aka Ole Devil
- Setting: Texas, 1835–1837
Grab Young Ole Devil and dive into the wild, untamed world of J.T. Edson’s Texas frontier! Whether you’re a Western fan or a history buff, Ole Devil’s adventures promise a rollicking ride through the Lone Star State’s fiery past.