Subject
Cowboys -- 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.
Bud La Mar
Buckin' the air
No description available.
Eleanor Gates
Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher
"Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher" by Eleanor Gates is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Cupid Lloyd, a lovable and somewhat mischievous character who enjoys playing matchmaker among the romantic entanglements of the people in Briggs City. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the novel explores themes of love, rivalry, and the colorful dynamics of a small-town community. The opening of "Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher" introduces us to Cupid Lloyd and his friend Hairoil Johnson, who are pondering the complexities of love and marriage while lounging together at a railroad depot. Cupid is passionate about helping his friend Billy Trowbridge win the heart of Rose Andrews, but soon finds himself tangled in a rivalry with the wealthy and charming Doctor Simpson, who has also set his sights on Rose. The narrative is laced with humor and vivid descriptions of the everyday lives of its characters, setting the stage for further romantic adventures and conflicts in the unfolding story.
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.
B. M. Bower
The Lure of the Dim Trails
"The Lure of the Dim Trails" by B. M. Bower is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The book explores the intriguing journey of Philip Thurston, a young man seeking to reconnect with his Western roots and find inspiration for his writing career amid the wild landscapes and adventures of the American frontier. The opening of the story introduces Thurston's internal conflict about his identity and aspirations as he converses with his friend Reeve-Howard. Feeling the pressure of writing to fit public demand, Thurston decides to travel West to gather local color and experience life on the plains. He embarks on a journey filled with a nostalgic longing for a past he barely remembers, driven by a desire to reconnect with the adventurous heritage of his father. As the narrative unfolds, we witness his initial encounter with the harsh realities of Western life, including a dramatic train robbery, which serves as a pivotal moment in his transformation from a city dweller to someone deeply entwined with the rugged, vibrant world he aimed to depict in his writing. This beginning sets the stage for Thurston's evolving relationship with the land, its people, and the challenges they face.
Alfred Henry Lewis
Faro Nell and Her Friends: Wolfville Stories
"Faro Nell and Her Friends: Wolfville Stories" by Alfred Henry Lewis is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. This work is set in the American West, primarily focusing on the bustling town of Wolfville and its colorful characters, including the central figure, Faro Nell, who seems to embody both charm and strength. The stories delve into the daily lives, adventures, and interactions of the townsfolk, creating a vivid picture of life in this frontier community. The opening of "Faro Nell and Her Friends" introduces us to Dead Shot Baker, a gunman with a soft spot for his wife, who is characterized as both beautiful and haughty. As Dead Shot navigates his relationships with fellow townspeople, including Faro Nell, we see a blend of camaraderie and rivalry. His affection for his wife reveals vulnerabilities that contrast sharply with his tough exterior. The dialogue-rich narrative sets the tone for the book, establishing themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal in a frontier society where personal relationships are often as volatile as the Wild West itself.
Alfred Henry Lewis
Sandburrs
"Sandburrs" by Alfred Henry Lewis is a collection of sketches written in the late 19th century. The work features various characters and vignettes that capture the life and strife of individuals in a gritty urban environment, particularly focusing on the struggles of those in the lower social strata, along with elements of humor and tragedy. The opening of "Sandburrs" introduces readers to Martin, a barkeeper who is associated with the world of dog fighting. As Martin prepares to pit his bull terrier, Spot, against another dog named Pincher, the narrative vividly depicts the anticipation of the fight and the peculiar camaraderie between Martin and his dog. The prose showcases a blend of excitement and brutality inherent in the dog-fighting scene, emphasizing the deep connections between the characters and their circumstances. The sketches set the tone for exploring complex human emotions and societal challenges through a series of gripping, sometimes darkly humorous tales.
Andy Adams
The Log of a Cowboy: A Narrative of the Old Trail Days
"The Log of a Cowboy: A Narrative of the Old Trail Days" by Andy Adams is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative recounts the life and experiences of cowboys during the cattle drives of the Old West, particularly focusing on the journey of a young cowboy named Thomas Moore as he embarks on a trail drive from Texas to Montana. At the start of the book, the narrator reflects on his roots and family background, detailing events from his early childhood in Georgia during the Civil War. The narrative provides insight into the harsh realities of life as a cowboy, as Moore recounts his family's arduous move to Texas, the challenges of starting a new life after the war, and the motivations behind his eventual desire to join a cattle drive. Key themes introduced in the opening include the relationships among family members, the struggles of living in a war-torn society, and the thrill of adventure along the cattle trails. The detailed descriptions offer readers a vivid picture of life on the frontier, preparing them for the journeys and tales to come in the subsequent chapters.
Alfred Henry Lewis
Wolfville
"Wolfville" by Alfred Henry Lewis is a novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds in the small, rough-and-tumble mining town of Wolfville, Arizona, focusing on the colorful lives and adventures of its eclectic residents, particularly the Old Cattleman, who serves as the storyteller. Central themes include frontier justice, camaraderie, and the quirks of life on the American frontier, with the characters navigating challenges and peculiar social customs. The opening of the book introduces the Old Cattleman, who reflects on Wolfville's first funeral, a lively and humorous event that captures the essence of life and death in a frontier town. Led by Doc Peets, the funeral serves as both a spectacle and a bonding experience for the residents. With Jack King's demise provide a catalyst for the gatherings of locals, the Cattleman details the camp's preparations for the funeral, their attempts to honor King's life, and their deep-rooted camaraderie amidst the spirits of the Wild West. As they gather for this unique ceremony, the community spirit and the oddity of their customs come to the fore, setting the tone for the intertwining tales that will follow.
B. M. Bower
The Flying U Ranch
"The Flying U Ranch" by B. M. Bower is a novel likely written during the early 20th century. The story introduces a group of cowpunchers known as the Happy Family who live and work at the Flying U Ranch, exploring themes of camaraderie, rural life, and the conflict between different kinds of ranchers. At the heart of the narrative is Miguel Rapponi, a newcomer with a flamboyant personality and wardrobe, whose arrival stirs both intrigue and resentment among the established ranch hands, setting the stage for a clash of cultures. The opening of "The Flying U Ranch" establishes the setting and main characters as they react to the arrival of Miguel, a young man from San Francisco with an extravagant appearance that the Happy Family finds both amusing and irksome. Amid idle gossip and critical evaluations of Miguel’s clothing and demeanor, tensions arise as the ranch hands often ridicule him for his perceived pretentiousness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters exhibit a blend of curiosity, disdain, and reluctant acceptance, hinting at the potential for conflict and camaraderie as they navigate their interactions with one another in the rugged ranch environment. The beginning sets the tone for humorous and light-hearted storytelling interspersed with deeper themes of identity and acceptance within the close-knit community of a ranch.
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.
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