Subject
Ranchers -- Fiction Books
Best books
E. S. (Ethel Smith) Dorrance
Lonesome Town
"Lonesome Town" by E. S. Dorrance and James French Dorrance is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Peter "Why-Not" Pape, a cowboy from Montana, as he navigates the lively yet alien world of New York City after arriving in search of new experiences. The book explores themes of aspiration, identity, and the contrasts between the simplicity of the Western frontier and the complexity of urban life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Peter Pape, who takes a moment to catch his breath after riding through a gorge. Despite his rugged exterior and cheerful demeanor, he wrestles with deep-seated disappointments. As he moves through Central Park on his quirky horse, Polkadot, tensions arise when a police officer confronts him for straying off the designated horse paths, leading to a humorous exchange that highlights Pape's bewilderment at city life. This initial scene sets the stage for Pape's journey of self-discovery and his yearning for connection and fulfillment in the bustling metropolis.
Marah Ellis Ryan
The Treasure Trail: A Romance of the Land of Gold and Sunshine
"The Treasure Trail: A Romance of the Land of Gold and Sunshine" by Marah Ellis Ryan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the adventures of K. Rhodes, a young man from California who navigates the complexities of ranch life in Arizona just before the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution. The narrative intertwines themes of romance, danger, and the quest for lost treasure, notably involving a mysterious legend of red gold that has captivated many explorers. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Kit Rhodes, the new American range boss at Granados ranch. He engages in flirtatious banter with a mysterious girl from a nearby adobe, who delights him with her spirited personality and playful demeanor. As he settles into his new role, Rhodes begins to uncover tensions surrounding the ranch, particularly involving the manipulative manager, Conrad. The opening sets the stage for intrigue as Rhodes becomes embroiled in a backdrop of political tension and potential betrayal, all while his connection with the girl deepens, hinting at the impending adventures awaiting them both amidst the enticing landscape of the border region.
B. M. Bower
Rowdy of the Cross L
"Rowdy of the Cross L" by B. M. Bower is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book follows the adventures of Rowdy Vaughan, a cowboy navigating the challenges and dangers of the American West, including a fierce blizzard and tumultuous personal relationships as he seeks shelter and finds himself entangled with the intriguing Jessie Conroy, the sister of a man he has a complicated history with. The opening of the story finds Rowdy Vaughan lost in a blizzard, battling the elements and his own inner turmoil. Seeking shelter, he encounters Jessie Conroy, a woman also caught in the storm. Together, they face the harsh weather as Rowdy assists Jessie in staying warm, highlighting his chivalry and the budding connection between them. As they navigate their way through the blizzard, Rowdy grapples with his impressions of Jessie and her brother Harry, who he has a personal feud with. Their journey leads to a seemingly simple quest for safety, but it sets the stage for the complex relationships and tensions that will unfold as Rowdy’s connection with Jessie deepens in the unforgiving landscape of the West.
Walt Coburn
Paid off
"Paid Off" by Walt Coburn is a fictional novelette written during the early 20th century. The story follows two cowpunchers, Shorty Carroway and Tad Ladd, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of Montana after a skirmish in a saloon leads them to unforeseen troubles with the local law and a sinister cattle baron named Luther Fox. The main characters, Shorty and Tad, exhibit a mix of humor, bravery, and resourcefulness as they find themselves embroiled in a larger conflict involving cattle rustling and personal vendettas. At the start of the tale, Shorty Carroway engages in a gritty fistfight with a larger man in a saloon, a confrontation that draws the attention of the sheriff and the local crowd. The arrival of the sheriff abruptly halts the tussle, but not before the both cowboys find themselves arrested. Shortly after, they meet Luther Fox, who offers them a choice between prison or working for him to collect a debt from Hank Basset, a rancher under pressure. As the plot unfolds, the two cowpuncters quickly realize that the stakes are higher than they initially thought, especially with the tensions rising against Luther Fox. This intriguing blend of action, humor, and moral decisions sets the stage for a compelling narrative filled with the challenges and camaraderie typical of Western adventures.
Francis William Sullivan
The Free Range
"The Free Range" by Elwell Lawrence is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Bud Larkin, a determined sheep rancher trying to navigate the challenges posed by the cattle ranchers, particularly the influential Beef Bissell, who resists Larkin’s plan to bring his sheep to the northern range. The novel hints at themes of survival, ambition, and the territorial disputes between different ranching factions in the American West. At the start of the book, Bud Larkin confronts Beef Bissell at the Bar T ranch regarding his right to graze his sheep on open range land. The tension between cattlemen and sheepmen quickly emerges as an issue, with Larkin asserting his legal claim against Bissell's determined opposition. Bud's character is depicted as calm and resolute even in the face of hostility, setting the stage for ongoing conflicts. As Larkin seeks out support in his endeavor, he unexpectedly reunites with Juliet Bissell, the daughter of Beef Bissell, bringing emotional complexity to the external struggles he faces. The opening not only establishes the main conflict but introduces significant characters whose relationships will likely influence the unfolding of the plot.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The Dead-Line
"The Dead-Line" by W. C. Tuttle is a novel written in the early 20th century that delves into the tensions between cattlemen and sheep herders in a rugged American frontier setting. The story centers around Jack Hartwell, a conflicted cowboy who grapples with his loyalty to his cattleman roots while being married to Molly, the daughter of a prominent sheepman. As hostilities escalate between the factions, Jack finds himself in the midst of a brewing conflict that threatens both his marriage and his life. The opening of "The Dead-Line" introduces the reader to the harsh realities of life in Lo Lo Valley, highlighting the precarious existence of the Hartwell family and the societal pressures they face. Jack returns home to share unsettling news of escalating hostilities and a newly drawn "dead-line," while conversations with Molly reveal a deep-seated conflict fueled by familial and romantic ties that complicate their situation. The narrative hints at past grievances and secrets that shape their tumultuous relationship, setting the stage for the inevitable clash between the competing interests in the valley. As Jack wrestles with his place within this divided community, the reader is drawn into a gripping tale of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of conflict.
Andy Adams
Reed Anthony, Cowman: An Autobiography
"Reed Anthony, Cowman: An Autobiography" by Andy Adams is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book details the life of Reed Anthony, an experienced cattleman, reflecting on his experiences in the cattle industry, from his childhood in Virginia to his adventures in Texas during a transformative era for the American West. The opening of the book introduces Reed Anthony as a man whose life has been distinctly intertwined with cattle, beginning with his upbringing in the Shenandoah Valley and his service in the Confederate army. As he narrates his boyhood experiences driving cattle to market and his subsequent longing for a life in the West, readers gain insight into the challenges and dreams of a pioneer in the rapidly changing landscape of 19th-century America. Anthony recounts vivid memories of family and farming, mingled with the harsh realities of war, and sets the stage for his journey across the frontier, where he realizes his aspirations amidst the ruggedness of cowboy life.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
The Devil's Dooryard
"The Devil's Dooryard" by W. C. Tuttle is a complete novelette written in the early 20th century. This work of fiction centers around cowboys in a rugged, lawless frontier town, exploring themes of rivalry, romance, and the dangers of life in the American West. The main characters include two cowboys named Hashknife Hartley and Sleepy Stevens, who find themselves embroiled in a feud between rival ranches while navigating friendships, gunfights, and the complexities of love and honor. The opening of the novelette introduces readers to a hectic scene in Sundown City, where Hashknife and Sleepy engage in witty banter about the lack of romance in their lives as a gunfight erupts around them. We meet other characters such as Windy Woods, who shares the history of their ranch and its troubled past with the Bar 20 outfit. Amidst the chaos of bullets flying and the introductions of various punchers, the narrative hints at deeper tensions in the ranching community, a potential romance, and introduces the figure of Mary Jane Haley, suggesting her importance to the unfolding drama. The story sets the stage for adventure and conflict as the characters grapple with their destinies in the shadow of the larger feuds swirling around them.
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.
B. M. Bower
The Range Dwellers
"The Range Dwellers" by B. M. Bower is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Ellis Carleton, the son of a wealthy rancher, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and growth after his father sends him to work at the family's ranch in Montana. Ellis initially struggles with the transition from his privileged life to the demanding world of ranching amidst feuds and uncharted territories. At the start of the novel, we meet Ellis on his 25th birthday when his father confronts him about his reckless lifestyle and presents him with a ticket to Montana, where he must take on ranch work. As Ellis travels to his new life, he grapples with feelings of resentment towards his father's choices and the unfamiliarity of the rugged landscape. Upon arriving in Montana, Ellis learns about the long-standing feud between his father and a rival rancher, King. The opening chapters introduce key elements such as family legacy, the challenges of ranch life, and the budding conflict that will unfold, especially as Ellis encounters Beryl King, the rancher's daughter, setting the stage for a complex relationship that intertwines with the overarching themes of identity and reconciliation.
Ridgwell Cullum
The Forfeit
"The Forfeit" by Ridgwell Cullum is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book centers around ranchers Jeffrey Masters and Bud Tristram, who are contemplating a significant business deal that could elevate their ranching operations in Montana. Their partnership is tested by external conflicts and personal dynamics, especially involving a mysterious past and deeper emotional connections between the characters, including the arrival of Bud's daughter, Nan. The opening of "The Forfeit" introduces readers to Jeffrey Masters, who is engrossed in planning a major investment in land and livestock, while his companion Bud Tristram appears more relaxed and trusting. Their conversation reveals not only their business ambitions but also hints at a deeper bond of friendship. The mood shifts with the entrance of Nan, whose presence initiates reflections on family and responsibility. Shortly thereafter, Jeffrey receives a letter from his estranged twin brother, Ronald, prompting concerns about their connection. As the plot unfolds, themes of love, duty, and the harsh realities of ranch life emerge, setting the stage for both personal and larger conflicts to follow.
Austin Hall
Where the West begins
"Where the West Begins" by Austin Hall is a novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around themes of ownership, ambition, and the classic Western spirit, capturing the struggles and endeavors of individuals living in the American West. The narrative addresses the socio-economic tensions between homesteaders and cattle barons, encapsulating a moment in time when the frontier was still significantly shaped by such conflicts. The plot follows Billy Magee, a cowboy with a yearning for independence, who stakes a claim on a homestead that is coveted by the wealthy cattle king, Holman. Despite Holman's attempts to intimidate him into relinquishing his claim, Billy refuses to back down, embodying the tenacity of the frontier spirit. As the story unfolds, Billy discovers a new element in his life when he meets Jennie Ross, a spirited young woman who has also claimed a homestead nearby. The connection they forge serves as both a personal awakening for Billy and a pivot point in his struggle against Holman's oppressive grasp. Ultimately, their journey reflects a larger narrative of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of one's dreams in an ever-changing landscape.
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