These books focus on exploits as a Captain in the Confederate States Army. Mississippi Raider (1996). You're in Command Now, Mr. Fog (1973). The Big Gun (1973). Under the Stars and Bars (1970). The Fastest Gun in Texas (1968). Waco Series
Edson's stories are primarily spread across nine series, each focusing on a different era or set of characters. For the most logical reading experience, it's best to follow the timeline of his universe, not the publication order.
: Bridges the gap between the Old West families and the jungle adventures. 💡 Key Reading Advice
J.T. Edson was a highly prolific British author who wrote over 130 Western novels. He created a massive, interconnected universe of characters. Reading his books in the order they were published can be confusing. Characters age, marry, and have children across different series, but the publication dates skip around in time. jt edson books in chronological order
: Shows the transition from horses to early mechanized travel. Alvin Fog, Texas Ranger : Modernizes the "Texas law" theme. The Professional Killers
– Focuses on the naval and supply struggles of the Confederacy.
This is the core of Edson’s work, following , Mark Counter , and the Ysabel Kid . While there are over 60 books, these are the key early titles that establish the team: These books focus on exploits as a Captain
– The veteran fighters deal with a new breed of modernized post-war outlaws.
– Dusty Fog transitions from a ranch hand to a respected Texas Ranger. 3. The Floating Outfit: The Golden Era
: Focuses on the lightning-fast draw mechanics Edson loved to describe. 🟠 The Later Generations: The Alvin Fog Era Fog (1973)
Set slightly apart from the Floating Outfit, this series follows the descendants of a Mafia family who move to the American West. It blends Western themes with organized crime elements.
This series follows Jackson Baines "Ole Devil" Hardin, the uncle of Dusty Fog, during the Texan War of Independence. Young Ole Devil (1975) Ole Devil and the Caplocks (1976) Ole Devil and the Mule Train (1976) Ole Devil at San Jacinto (1977) Get Urrea! (also titled ) (1975) 2. The Civil War Series (1861–1865)
This era focuses on the patriarch of the family, , during the early days of the Texas Revolution. Young Ole Devil Ole Devil and the Caplocks Ole Devil and the Mule Train Ole Devil at San Jacinto Get Urrea! (also published as Texas Fury 2. The Civil War (1861–1865) The Civil War series
For the devoted fan looking to build a complete collection, several excellent resources exist online:
This series serves as the foundational prequel to the entire universe. It focuses on General Jackson Baines "Ole Devil" Hardin—Dusty Fog’s maternal uncle—during the and the birth of the Texas Republic. Young Ole Devil Ole Devil and the Caplocks Ole Devil and the Mule Train Ole Devil at San Jacinto The Heritage of Ole Devil 2. The Civil War Era (Setting: 1861–1865) Main Character: Captain Dusty Fog