Monumental Lies

“James openly reveals in his conclusion, "I remain concerned that this book will dampen the stories people tell, inspiring me to hope that what I have written will be ignored." The hard work the author has done to find, categorize, and make sense of these localized stories is too important to be ignored, and his worry is ill-founded as he has honored the fun-loving spirit in which these stories were originally told, bringing many of them to a new audience and ensuring they will be told, embellished, and retold for future generations.”
—Mark Maynard, Nevada Historical Society Q

“This is a well-researched book and a significant contribution to the study of the confluence of historical fact and folklore in Nevada’s early days. It’s a story about stories, well told by a historian who is also an accomplished storyteller. He knows where the bodies are buried—and ghost linger. James has spent most of his life immersed in the history of the Silver State, and he is uniquely qualified to tell the tales of its early folklore.”
—Frank X. Mullen, investigative reporter, historian, and author of The Donner Party Chronicles: A Day-by-Day Account of a Doomed Wagon Train, 1846-47

“James moves atop the western folklore scene with Monumental Lies. His provocative volume provides an emulative framework for the study of folklore in other subregions of the American West. His superb account is extraordinarily revealing and clearly written. A helpful read for general readers and scholars alike ”
—Richard Etulain, author of Thunder in the West: The Life and Legends of Billy the Kid

“James provides the first comprehensive account of Nevada folklore. He discusses where the tales came from, their context, significance, and lifecycles. At the same time, he reveals the state’s traditions, enhancing our understanding of Nevada history and cultural traditions in the American West. It is a fascinating and compelling story.”
—Michael J. Makley, author of Imposing Order without Law: American Expansion to the Eastern Sierra, 1850-1865