Subject
Cattle stealing -- Fiction Books
Best books
Owen Wister
The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains
"The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains" by Owen Wister is a novel published in 1902. Set in 1880s Wyoming Territory, it follows a mysterious ranch hand known only as the Virginian as he navigates life on a cattle ranch. He faces a dangerous enemy named Trampas, romances an Eastern schoolteacher unfamiliar with Western ways, and confronts difficult choices including the hanging of a close friend. This landmark work established the Western genre and introduced the iconic cowboy showdown to American literature.
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.
Unknown
The Cattle-Raid of Cualnge (Tain Bo Cualnge) : An Old Irish Prose-Epic
"The Cattle-Raid of Cualnge (Tain Bo Cualnge): An Old Irish Prose-Epic" is an epic from Irish mythology, often called "the Irish Iliad." Queen Medb of Connacht launches a war against Ulster to steal a legendary bull. Due to a curse, only the young demigod Cú Chulainn can defend his homeland. He wages a guerrilla campaign and faces champions in single combat at fords, aided and threatened by supernatural forces. The epic depicts months of heroic battles, divine interventions, and the ultimate confrontation with his foster-brother.
Bertrand W. Sinclair
Wild west
"Wild West" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. The story is set against the backdrop of the American West, focusing on characters immersed in the cattle industry and the challenges they face on the rugged frontier. The main character, Robin Tyler, is introduced as a young cowboy on a quest for a specific wild horse named Red Mike, highlighting his adventurous spirit and connection to the land. The beginning of the novel establishes the tone and setting of the Wild West through Robin's pursuit of the elusive horse and his keen observations of the environment around him. After successfully capturing Red Mike, Robin's conflict with cattle rustlers begins to take shape as he witnesses shady dealings involving illegal branding and theft of livestock. As he navigates this tense atmosphere, he also encounters Ivy Mayne, whom he has feelings for, as well as others whose intentions might not align with his values. Overall, the opening portion sets up a narrative filled with personal stakes, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of justice in a lawless land, laying the groundwork for the unfolding drama that is to come.
Vingie E. (Vingie Eve) Roe
Nameless River
"Nameless River" by Vingie E. Roe is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the rugged and wild backdrop of the American frontier, the story revolves around fierce heroines like Kate Cathrew, who rides and rules her ranch with authority, and Nance Allison, a determined young woman striving to maintain her family’s homestead amidst challenges and adversities. The narrative contrasts the struggles for land and dignity between these strong female figures, populated by a cast of men whose attitudes towards them range from admiration to hostility. The opening of "Nameless River" introduces readers to the stark beauty and challenges of life in the Deep Heart country. In a striking spring setting, we meet Kate Cathrew, an intrepid horsewoman, who harbors deep-seated resentment towards a rival homesteader, Nance Allison, whose land holds an allure that provokes her. As Kate grapples with her emotions, events unfold that indicate the growing tensions and societal complexities surrounding them, including mysterious threats to both women's livelihood, foreshadowing a conflict that will shape their destinies in this inhospitable yet beautiful landscape. Through vivid descriptions and powerful characterizations, the opening chapters set the stage for a compelling exploration of endurance, identity, and conflict in the wilderness.
Luke Allan
The Lone Trail
"The Lone Trail" by Luke Allan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story appears to be set in the Canadian West, focusing on the characters involved in cattle ranching and law enforcement, particularly the Royal North-West Mounted Police. The opening chapters introduce Inspector Barker and Corporal Faircloth, who become embroiled in a murder investigation amidst the backdrop of ranch life and local dynamics, hinting at themes of justice, camaraderie, and the complexities of frontier life. At the start of the novel, we meet Inspector Barker as he prepares his weekly report in Medicine Hat, a town frequented by the Calgary express. The narrative shifts rapidly when he receives news of a murder involving a local rancher, prompting an investigation filled with tension and urgency. The subsequent introduction of Morton Stamford, a tenderfoot editor, adds depth to the plot as he navigates his new surroundings and seeks to make sense of the violent events unfolding around him. The chapters detail the interactions among various characters, including the enigmatic ranch owner Cockney Aikens and other cowboys, setting the stage for a story rich in intrigue and dramatic relationships.
Arthur Chapman
Rustlers beware!
"Rustlers Beware!" by Arthur Chapman is a thrilling western novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with Milton Bertram, a young Texan who joins a group of rough cowpunchers under the dubious leadership of Asa Swingley, drawn by the prospect of adventure but wary of his companions, particularly the notorious Tom Hoog, known for his violent reputation. The narrative introduces themes of loyalty, morality, and the harsh realities of life in the American frontier, setting up an intense conflict between cattle rustlers and lawmen. At the start of the book, Bertram is drawn into a mysterious expedition disguised as a righteous cause to combat cattle rustling in Wyoming. As he prepares for the journey, he meets a young woman named Alma Caldwell, who expresses her concern over the dangerous character of the men he is about to join. Following a series of events where Bertram saves Alma from missing her train, he learns about the violent realities awaiting them. Tension builds as their party confronts a lone defender at a cabin, leading to a brutal conflict that compels Bertram to question his allegiance and ultimately pushes him towards seeking his own path, straddling the line between justice and vengeance amidst the chaos of the frontier.
Jos. E. (Joseph Edward) Badger
Redlaw, the half-breed; or, The tangled trail. A tale of the settlements
"Redlaw, the Half-Breed; or, The Tangled Trail. A Tale of the Settlements" by Jos. E. Badger, Jr. is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book delves into themes of justice, lawlessness, and societal prejudice in a frontier setting, featuring the central character, Clay Poynter, a man accused of being a counterfeiter and a murderer. As the story unfolds, it explores Poynter's struggle to clear his name while navigating the violent, chaotic world of vigilante justice. The opening of the novel introduces a gathering of local men led by Captain Neil McGuire, who discuss the growing problems of counterfeit money and the threat of thieves in their settlement. As they plan to form a vigilance committee to address these issues, tensions rise with the sudden entrance of a mysterious stranger, Clay Poynter, who claims he is interested in joining their cause. However, he is soon accused of various crimes, setting the stage for a dramatic conflict. The narrative establishes an atmosphere of suspicion and impending violence, highlighting Poynter's precarious position as he must defend his reputation amid growing hostility from the community while dealing with the complexities of his past.
Forbes Parkhill
The riddle of the rangeland
"The Riddle of the Rangeland" by Forbes Parkhill is a captivating novelette likely written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Wyoming mountains, the story intricately weaves elements of mystery and suspense surrounding the murder of a forest ranger named Joe Fyffe. The main character, Sheriff Lafe Ogden, along with his deputy and friend Otis Carr, are drawn into the investigation that reveals the complex interplay between cattlemen and government rangers. At the start of the story, Sheriff Ogden, armed and cautious, discovers the body of Joe Fyffe inside the Red Rock ranger station, raising questions about who could have murdered the quiet ranger. As the deputies examine the scene, they find a cryptic message scrawled on the floor attributing the crime to Otis Carr, who insists he is innocent and had been miles away at the time of the murder. The narrative unfolds with the characters grappling with the implications of the evidence against Otis, setting the stage for a quest to uncover the truth behind Fyffe's death while navigating the tensions of ranch life and the looming danger of cattle rustlers.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The valley of lost herds
"The Valley of Lost Herds" by W. C. Tuttle is a novel from the early 20th century that delves into the tumultuous life of ranchers in America’s West. The story revolves around themes of cattle rustling, rivalry, and the dynamics of power and family relationships within the harsh realities of ranch life. The book likely reflects the social and economic challenges of cattle ranching during the period, highlighting the struggles and conflicts that arise from such a competitive landscape. The narrative centers on Park Reber, a cattle baron who has built himself a vast empire within the Reber Valley, but faces constant threats from rustlers, particularly Buck Priest and Jack Silver. After an attempted assassination by Buck Priest, Reber finds himself recovering with the help of June Meline, a captivating violinist who also becomes a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama. As the plot thickens, it becomes clear that the conflicts run deeper than mere rivalry; they are intertwined with themes of betrayal and hidden lineage. The tension escalates to a showdown that not only reveals the true nature of loyalty and family but also leads to unexpected alliances. Ultimately, the story has a blend of action, suspense, and character development, leading to a dramatic resolution that reshapes the fates of those involved in the rugged, lawless world of cattle ranching.
Bertrand W. Sinclair
Easy money
"Easy Money" by Bertrand W. Sinclair is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story is set in the American West and revolves around the themes of cattle ranching, resilience, and the consequences of wrongdoing. It primarily focuses on the life of Charlie Shaw, a somewhat carefree cow-puncher who finds himself entangled in a serious situation involving cattle theft. The plot follows Charlie Shaw as he confronts adversity after being dismissed from his job at the Seventy-seven ranch due to a confrontation with his foreman, Elmer Duffy. With the backdrop of increasing cattle theft on the range, Charlie decides to take matters into his own hands and investigate the suspicious activities surrounding the local grading camps. His journey leads him to uncover a scheme involving stolen beef, where he ultimately finds himself in perilous situations. The story culminates with Charlie successfully apprehending the thieves, challenging his previous reputation as a mere "jokester," and restoring his sense of purpose and self-worth amidst the harsh realities of ranch life.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
Cowmen and Rustlers: A Story of the Wyoming Cattle Ranges
"Cowmen and Rustlers: A Story of the Wyoming Cattle Ranges" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This adventurous tale is set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, delving into the conflicts of cowmen and rustlers, highlighting both the thrill of the frontier and the dangers it harbors. The opening chapters introduce us to the Whitney family, particularly focusing on siblings Fred and Jennie, who engage in youthful escapades while also revealing the tensions of life on the cattle ranges, insinuating imminent peril as rustlers pose a threat to their peaceful existence. At the start of this story, we meet the Whitney household, bustling with joy on a winter evening as Fred returns home with a friend named Monteith Sterry. Their excitement culminates in a skating adventure, highlighting their camaraderie and the innocence of youth. However, lurking in the shadows are hints of future danger, as they soon encounter a black bear on their journey. This foreshadowing thickens the air, leading into unsettling developments when they hear wolves howling ominously, suggesting that their carefree joy may soon be disrupted by the harsh realities of the wilderness and potential threats posed by rustlers. The narrative sets up a thrilling adventure marked by youthful exuberance, the bond of friendship, and a looming sense of danger as they navigate their frosty surroundings.
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