Robber and hero: the story of the raid on the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, by the James-Younger band of robbers, in 1876.

"Robber and Hero: the Story of the Raid on the First National Bank of Northfield" by George Huntington is a late 1800s retelling of the James-Younger gang's attempted robbery of a Minnesota bank in 1876. It emphasizes Joseph Lee Heywood's brave actions as he defied violent criminals, costing him his life. The story intends to keep alive the memory of these events, focusing on the courage of the people who defended their town. The book begins by putting readers right into the suspense that surrounds the gang of robbers as they cross into Minnesota using lies. The story follows the robbers' plans and choice of Northfield as a target after previously failing. It shows the crucial moment inside the bank when Heywood stood up against threats and violence, refusing to betray his community, an action that unfortunately led to a sad end. The beginning part of the adventure sets up a thrilling story of good versus bad, inviting the reader to discover the real events of that historical day.