Subject
Arizona -- Fiction Books
Best books
Zane Grey
The Man of the Forest
"The Man of the Forest" by Zane Grey is a novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1910s. The book is set against the backdrop of the rugged American wilderness, exploring themes of adventure, danger, and the clash between civilization and the wild. The main character, Milt Dale, is portrayed as a solitary figure deeply connected to the forest, who stumbles upon a plot that threatens an innocent young woman named Helen Rayner, the niece of rancher Al Auchincloss. At the start of the novel, the serene yet haunting ambiance of the forest is vividly depicted, with Milt Dale, an experienced woodsman, blending into the natural surroundings. He overhears a conversation among a group of outlaws, led by the menacing figure Snake Anson, plotting to kidnap Helen Rayner upon her arrival in the West to claim her inheritance. Dale's sense of justice and protective instincts are ignited, prompting him to devise a plan to thwart the kidnappers. The opening sets the stage for a gripping tale of suspense, as Dale prepares to confront dangers in order to save Helen, while the reader is introduced to a world where both beauty and treachery lie lurking just beyond the trees.
H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock
The Young Engineers in Arizona; or, Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand
"The Young Engineers in Arizona; or Laying Tracks on the Man-killer Quicksand" by H. Irving Handcock is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around two young engineers, Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton, who embark on a challenging project to lay railroad tracks across treacherous quicksand in Arizona. The opening chapters introduce us to the local gambling scene, represented by the unscrupulous character Jim Duff, and illustrate the tension between the engineers and those who seek to benefit from the workers' misfortune. The beginning of the novel sets a lively scene in a barber shop where bets are made over a fly on a mirror, ultimately leading us to Jim Duff's gambling operation. It quickly becomes evident that he is a manipulator who preys on naive newcomers like Clarence Farnsworth. As Reade and Hazelton arrive in town, their youthful determination contrasts with the entrenched dishonesty represented by Duff. The chapter establishes an atmosphere of conflict, hinting at the challenges both men will face from the local gambling element and the environmental hazards of the quicksand they must overcome. The stage is set for an engaging tale of engineering, deception, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Zane Grey
The Call of the Canyon
"The Call of the Canyon" by Zane Grey is a novel written in the early 20th century, capturing the essence of the American West following World War I. The story revolves around Carley Burch, a young woman from New York, who is drawn to the West by a letter from her fiancé, Glenn Kilbourne, who has returned from the war profoundly changed. The narrative explores themes of love, transformation, and the stark contrast between urban and rugged natural life through Carley's journey as she seeks to understand and reconnect with Glenn in his new world. At the start of the novel, Carley reflects on Glenn's haunting letter as she rides on a train toward Arizona, revealing her uncertainty and desire to find him. The opening details her memories of their last moments together before the war and her efforts to comprehend the deep changes Glenn has undergone. After arriving in Flagstaff and embarking on a challenging journey to reach Glenn's remote cabin, Carley grapples with the unfamiliarity of her surroundings, the harsh conditions of the West, and her inner anxieties about their relationship. As she meets Glenn, who has transformed into a rugged figure embodying the West's strength and harsh realities, the complexity of their love unfolds, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead for both as they navigate their altered lives.
Zane Grey
To the Last Man
"To the Last Man" by Zane Grey is a western novel published in 1921. Set in Arizona's Tonto Basin, it tells the story of an ancient feud between two frontier families that escalates when one side turns to cattle rustling. Jean Isbel and Lee Jorth lead their respective clans in a relentless war, bound by loyalty and honor. Amidst the bloodshed, young Jean falls hopelessly in love with a girl from the opposing family, separated by an impassable barrier of hatred and violence.
Zane Grey
The Rainbow Trail
"The Rainbow Trail" by Zane Grey is a Western novel published in 1915. Set twelve years after "Riders of the Purple Sage," the story follows John Shefford, a former clergyman searching for Fay Larkin in the remote Arizona-Utah borderlands. His quest leads him to a hidden Mormon village of "sealed wives," where he encounters a mysterious woman called the Sago Lily. As federal prosecutors arrive to prosecute polygamists, Shefford uncovers secrets that challenge everything he believes about faith, justice, and freedom in the desert frontier.
Alfred Henry Lewis
Wolfville Days
"Wolfville Days" by Alfred Henry Lewis is a novel probably written during the late 19th century. The book is set in the fictional frontier town of Wolfville, exploring the unique lifestyles and characters of its inhabitants, particularly highlighting the culture surrounding cowboy life, local commerce, and the various conflicts that arise within this rugged setting. It introduces a vibrant cast, including Colonel Sterett, a prominent newspaper owner, and the mischievous Doc Peets, who engage in dialogue that reflects the humor, challenges, and dynamics of daily life in a Southwestern town. The opening portion of "Wolfville Days" begins with a conversation about labor struggles in Wolfville, particularly centering on a strike by printers at the local newspaper, the "Coyote." The narrative features the Old Cattleman, who reflects humorously on the town's social structure and the characters who populate it, including a drunken impresario named Huggins and the Colonel, who navigates his relationship with the rebellious printers. As tensions build, the Colonel maneuvers through this labor uprising, interspersing his interactions with witty anecdotes about the town’s inhabitants and their antics, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict and camaraderie found in Wolfville.
Andre Norton
Rebel Spurs
"Rebel Spurs" by Andre Norton is a historical novel written in the early 1960s. The story is set in the post-Civil War American West, specifically in Arizona in 1866, and follows Drew Rennie, a recently discharged Confederate soldier. As he navigates the challenges of establishing himself in a town grappling with the aftermath of war, Drew also seeks to connect with his long-lost father, a legendary ranch owner known as Don Cazar, while dealing with the tensions and dangers that come with his past. At the start of the novel, Drew arrives in the struggling town of Tubacca, Arizona, leading his thoroughbred stallion, Shiloh, and a mare that is soon to foal. He adopts the alias "Drew Kirby" to conceal his true identity as he attempts to gain employment on his father’s ranch, Rennie's Range. His recent experience in the war has left him both hardened and troubled, and he must tread carefully to navigate the suspicion of others while proving himself worthy of a position in a place rife with conflict and resentment. The opening sets the stage for Drew’s internal struggles and external actions, establishing a gripping narrative filled with themes of identity, belonging, and the weight of heritage.
Forrestine C. (Forrestine Cooper) Hooker
The Long Dim Trail
"The Long Dim Trail" by Forrestine C. Hooker is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around life on a ranch in Arizona and touches on themes of adventure, danger, and personal transformation against a backdrop of both natural beauty and rugged frontier life. The narrative introduces several key characters, including Allan Traynor, the ranch owner, and Doctor Powell, a newcomer looking to settle in the area, along with the experiences of a woman named Katherine Glendon who faces the threats posed by an Apache presence. At the start of the novel, the reader is introduced to the lively dynamics of ranch life as Traynor prepares his crew for a cattle drive. Through discussions between the characters, we gain insights into the local culture and the dangers that come with living in a wild and untamed environment. The opening scenes are filled with vivid descriptions of the Arizona landscape and the camaraderie among the cowhands, while also hinting at the tensions brought on by the nearby Apache tribes. Katherine Glendon's dangerous encounter with Geronimo and his band deepens the stakes, showcasing her bravery as she hides with her son. This blend of ranch life adventure and personal challenges sets the tone for a story that promises both suspense and character development in the vast wilderness of Arizona.
Stewart Edward White
Arizona nights
"Arizona Nights" by Stewart Edward White is a collection of narratives reflecting on the rugged life of cowboys in Arizona, likely written in the early 20th century. The book presents stories centered around the adventures and experiences of cowboys as they navigate the challenges of the Wild West, showcasing camaraderie, survival, and the dangers posed by both nature and outlaws. The opening chapters introduce a group of cowboys led by characters like Uncle Jim and the Cattleman as they engage in various wild adventures, hinting at themes of resilience and the stark realities of frontier life. At the start of "Arizona Nights," the characters experience a gathering storm while riding and conversing about their current situation. They arrive at a ranch, the Double R, where they encounter Uncle Jim, a seasoned cowboy known for his wild tales of the past. One story recounted narrates Uncle Jim's narrow escape from a group of Apaches during the time of Geronimo, emphasizing the constant threat of danger in the territory. The opening sets the tone for a blend of rugged physicality, camaraderie among the men, and the exploration of legendary tales that define the lives of the cowboys in this harsh yet beautiful landscape.
John Murray
The Round-Up: A Romance of Arizona; Novelized from Edmund Day's Melodrama
"The Round-Up: A Romance of Arizona" by John Murray and Marion Mills Miller is a novel that appears to draw from the early 20th-century tradition of Western melodrama. The story introduces readers to the life and struggles of a prospector in the barren landscapes of Arizona and Mexico, immersed in themes of adventure, love, and conflict, particularly against the backdrop of tensions with Native Americans. The main character, Dick Lane, embodies the tough, rugged individualism expected of the genre, all while navigating his affections for Echo Allen amidst treacherous circumstances. The opening of the novel sets a vivid scene of desolation and danger as Dick Lane navigates the treacherous Ghost Range, where he reflects on his promise to return home. After a tense encounter with a group of Apaches and an unexpected betrayal from the half-breed Buck McKee, Lane's journey quickly transforms from merely a quest for fortune to a fight for survival. As he faces captivity and torture, the narrative hints at deeper connections to the lives of other ranchers and the ensemble of characters, revealing a rich tapestry of relationships and the moral complexities of loyalty and love. Thus, the beginning establishes not just a personal struggle for Lane, but also a larger, intertwining story of various characters deeply influenced by the harsh realities of frontier life.
Zane Grey
The Young Forester
"The Young Forester" by Zane Grey is a novel written during the early 20th century that follows the adventures of a young boy named Kenneth Ward. The story explores themes of outdoor life, forestry, and personal ambition as Kenneth embarks on a journey to pursue his dream of becoming a forester, grappling with the responsibilities and dangers that come with his chosen profession. The opening of the book introduces Kenneth and his brother, Hal, as they spend time camping by the Susquehanna River, discussing Kenneth's aspirations to study forestry. As Kenneth passionately explains the importance of conserving natural resources, we see his determination to pursue this path, despite potential pushback from his father. The narrative quickly escalates as Kenneth's journey takes him away from home to Arizona, where he encounters various challenges, including a budding intrigue with the forest and dangerous adults who threaten his mission. This opening sets the stage for a tale filled with adventure, conflict, and the struggle of a young man trying to carve out his future in the wilderness.
Harold Bell Wright
The Mine with the Iron Door
"The Mine with the Iron Door" by Harold Bell Wright is a romance novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the rugged backdrop of Arizona's Cañon of Gold, the story revolves around two old prospectors, Bob Hill and Thad Grove, and their partnership daughter, Marta Hillgrove. The narrative not only explores themes of love and family dynamics but also the pursuit of dreams and the burdens of the past. The opening of the book introduces the majestic Santa Catalina mountains surrounding Tucson and hints at a rich history intertwined with the lives of those who ventured through the area, including prospector legends and old tales of the elusive Mine with the Iron Door. As we meet the Pardners and their spirited daughter, we learn of the unique relationship they share, marked by affection and a hint of mystery surrounding Marta's origins. This segment of the story lays the foundation for the complex interactions among characters, the exploration of unfulfilled dreams, and the introduction of new characters like Hugh Edwards, who strays into their lives and adds to the discourse about the human experience within this picturesque yet harsh landscape.
Recently surfaced classics