Chronological Order ~repack~ - Jt Edson Books In

Reading J.T. Edson's books in chronological order follows the multi-generational timeline of the Hardin, Fog, and Counter families from the Texas War of Independence through to the modern era. Ole Devil Hardin Series

Set during the Texas Revolution, these novels follow Jackson Baines "Ole Devil" Hardin in his youth. Young Ole Devil Get Urrea! (aka Texas Fury Ole Devil and the Mule Train Ole Devil and the Caplocks Ole Devil at San Jacinto Civil War Series (1861–1865)

These books detail the wartime exploits of a young Dusty Fog and members of the Hardin family. Mississippi Raider You're in Command Now, Mr. Fog (aka Rebel Vengeance The Big Gun Under the Stars and Bars Kill Dusty Fog! The Rebel Spy The Floating Outfit Series (1870s–1880s)

This is Edson’s most famous series, featuring the trio of Dusty Fog, Mark Counter, and the Ysabel Kid during their prime as cattle-driving troubleshooters. The Ysabel Kid (often cited as the starting point) .44 Caliber Man A Horse Called Mogollon Goodnight's Dream From Hide and Horn Quiet Town Trail Boss Wagons to Backsight Troubled Range Expansion Series (Overlap & Late 1800s)

These series focus on individual members of the Floating Outfit or their close associates. Waco Series

: Follows former Floating Outfit member Waco as he becomes a lawman (e.g., Waco's Badge , Sagebrush Sleuth Calamity Jane Series

: Features the famous frontierswoman working alongside Edson's recurring cast (e.g., The Big Hunt , Calamity Spells Trouble Waxahachie Smith Series

: Focuses on a former Texas Ranger associate of the Fog family. Descendant Series (Early 1900s to Modern Day) Company Z Series

: Chronicles the grandsons of the original Floating Outfit (Alvin Fog, Mark Scrapton, and Rance Smith) during the early 20th-century Texas Rangers era. Rockabye County Series jt edson books in chronological order

: Features Brad Counter, the great-grandson of Mark Counter, in a modern law enforcement setting. Bunduki Series

: A "Planetary Romance" crossover where Mark Counter's great-grandson, James Allenvale Gunn, is transported to another world.

Many of Edson's books were republished with updated titles; for instance, Set Texas Back on Her Feet is also known as Viridian's Trail

. Comprehensive lists can be found on sites like Fantastic Fiction or FictionDB. Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Discussion - Facebook

Edson: a brief overview. Jess Terrell ► For the Love of All Things EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS. A brief look at the Bunduki books by J.T.

Facebook·Fantasy-Faction - Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Discussion J. T. Edson - Tropedia

Reading J.T. Edson's massive library of Westerns can be tricky because he wrote across multiple overlapping series featuring a core group of characters known as "The Floating Outfit"

. While the series are often listed by publication date, many readers prefer a storyline chronological order Reading J

to follow the characters from the Civil War through their various range adventures. Core Series in Recommended Chronological Order Civil War Series This series follows

and his companions during the American Civil War, serving as the origin stories for many primary characters. AddALL Book Search and Price Comparison Fastest Gun in Texas The Devil Gun The Colt and the Sabre The Rebel Spy The Bloody Border 2. Young Ole Devil Series

These books predate the main "Floating Outfit" era, detailing the younger years of Ole Devil Hardin Young Ole Devil Get Urrea! Texas Fury Ole Devil and the Caplocks Ole Devil and the Mule Train Ole Devil at San Jacinto The Floating Outfit Series


Understanding the “Floating Outfit” Universe

Before diving into the list, it’s crucial to understand the three core “generations” of characters:

  1. The Civil War Generation (The Lonely Ones): The earliest stories involve the Confederate secret service, featuring characters like the Ysabel Kid and Dusty Fog’s father.
  2. The Golden Age (The Floating Outfit): This is Edson’s main event, set in the 1870s–early 1880s. The core trio—Dusty Fog (small in stature but a giant in gunplay), the Ysabel Kid (a part-Comanche frontier scout), and Mark Counter (a handsome brawler)—work from the sprawling OD Connected ranch in Texas.
  3. The Next Generation: Later books focus on the sons and younger proteges of the original heroes.

Part 5: The Mellowing Years & Passing the Torch (1881–1889)

The original heroes are settling down (slightly), and their sons—Dusty’s son, the Kid’s son—begin to appear.

  1. The Rio Hondo Kid (1986) – Focuses on a younger relative.
  2. The Justice of the Gun (1985)
  3. The Cow Thieves (1986)
  4. The Return of the Floating Outfit (1987) – A “where are they now” reunion.
  5. The Gentle Giant (1988) – Mark Counter’s son takes a bow.
  6. The Last of the Floating Outfit (1989) – The final chronological adventure, dealing with the passing of an era.

Part Four: The Peak Years of the Floating Outfit (1871–1880)

Most of Edson’s most popular books occur here. This period also introduces the "Ole Devil" series (prequel to the Civil War books) and the "Waco" series (as a solo protagonist).

  • The Ole Devil Series (Chronologically fits BEFORE the Civil War, but best read as flashbacks):
    Recommended chronological placement: Read anytime after book #1. They detail Dusty’s uncle, Jackson Baines "Ole Devil" Hardin, in pre-Civil War Texas.

    • Ole Devil’s Hands and Eyes (1980)
    • Ole Devil at San Jacinto (1980)
    • Ole Devil’s Story (1982)
  • The Waco Series (Solo adventures of young Waco, contemporary with Floating Outfit): The Civil War Generation (The Lonely Ones): The

    • Waco’s Badge (1972) – Timeline 1872
    • Waco Rides In (1973) – 1873
    • The Law of the Gun (1975) – 1874
    • The Town Tamers (1976) – 1875

(Return to core Floating Outfit timeline, 1872–1880)

  1. The Gun Wizard (1969) – Timeline 1872. Dusty faces a psychotic "trick shooter" who believes he is unbeatable.

  2. The Man from Texas (1975) – Timeline 1873.

  3. The Wildcats (1974) – Timeline 1874.

  4. The Peacemakers (1975) – Timeline 1875. The Floating Outfit helps settle Dodge City.

  5. The Arizona Gunfighters (1974) – Timeline 1876. The crew moves into Arizona territory, meeting Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp before Tombstone.

  6. The Apaches (1977) – Timeline 1877. A brutal war against Apache renegades.

  7. The Making of a Lawman (1978) – Timeline 1879.

  8. The Night Riders (1981) – Timeline 1880.

Phase 2: The Formation of the Floating Outfit

This is where the iconic trio—Dusty Fog, Mark Counter, and the Ysabel Kid—truly come into their own.

  1. The Gentle Giant (Set in 1868)
  2. Bring Me His Ears (Set in 1868)
  3. Peace Maker (Set in 1869)
  4. Sheriff of Lonesome Creek (Set in 1869)
  5. The Trouble Busters (Set in 1869)
  6. The Hide & Tallow Men (Set in 1869)