Subject
Wyoming -- 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.
Willis George Emerson
The Treasure of Hidden Valley
"The Treasure of Hidden Valley" by Willis George Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows Roderick Warfield, a young man recently home from New York, who faces financial struggles and the weight of familial expectations. The story delves into themes of adventure, ambition, and the allure of a hidden treasure, sparked by revelations from Roderick’s deceased father about a mysterious gold mine in Wyoming. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Roderick's return to his Iowa hometown, where he receives a cool reception from his wealthy uncle, Allen Miller. The tension between them is thick, rooted in differing values regarding wealth and ambition, especially as Roderick seeks financial backing for a speculative mining deal. After a fiery confrontation, he leaves home, buoyed by a letter from his father that reveals the location of a lost mine. This begins Roderick's journey toward adventure, with destiny calling him to the rugged landscapes of Wyoming, where he hopes to unearth both treasure and the secrets of his family legacy.
William MacLeod Raine
Wyoming: A Story of the Outdoor West
"Wyoming: A Story of the Outdoor West" by William MacLeod Raine is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The book introduces readers to the rugged landscapes and dramatic conflicts of the American West, primarily through the adventures of a young woman named Helen Messiter. Newly arrived at her uncle's ranch, she becomes embroiled in a life-or-death situation involving the notorious outlaw Ned Bannister, whose presence brings both fascination and danger into her life. At the start of the novel, the opening chapter vividly sets the scene as Helen, filled with excitement about her new Western life, stumbles upon a tense confrontation between Bannister and several armed men. Her instincts compel her to intervene, driving her automobile into the line of fire to save Bannister. The subsequent interaction between them reveals a tension between admiration and disapproval as Helen grapples with his outlaw reputation. As she establishes herself in the Wild West, the dynamics of her new life unfold, introducing themes of courage, morality, and the challenge of navigating a world where loyalty and lawlessness collide.
Zane Grey
The U. P. Trail
"The U. P. Trail" by Zane Grey is a novel set in the mid-19th century that intertwines themes of adventure, survival, and the struggles of human spirit against the backdrop of the American frontier. The story revolves around Bill Horn, a rugged caravan leader carrying a substantial fortune back East, and young Allie, the daughter of a woman fleeing from a dark past. Alongside these central figures, the book presents a diverse cast of characters grappling with the harsh realities of their time, including threats from hostile Sioux Indians and the challenges of traversing uncharted wilderness. At the start of the narrative, a breathtaking description of the trail from Missouri to the rugged lands of Wyoming sets the tone for this epic journey. As the characters embark on their treacherous trek, they encounter unexpected danger, notably in the form of Sioux warriors who pose a considerable threat to their caravan. The tension escalates when the caravan members, including the strong yet weary leader Horn and the frightened yet resilient young girl Allie, realize they are being tracked. In a burst of action, Slingerland, a trapper, warns them of the impending danger. The opening hints at intense conflict while exploring deeper themes of identity and survival, particularly as Allie learns shocking truths about her heritage. Overall, the beginning of "The U. P. Trail" captivates readers with its compelling characters and vivid landscapes, inviting them into a world rife with challenges and heart-wrenching dilemmas.
Owen Wister
Lin McLean
"Lin McLean" by Owen Wister is a novel set in the late 19th century that immerses readers in the American West, exploring the life of cow-punchers and their experiences. The narrative centers around the character Lin McLean, a young cowboy who dreams of adventure and variety beyond the confines of his ranching life. As he navigates his aspirations, the story delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of love and personal fulfillment against the rugged backdrop of the Western frontier. The opening of "Lin McLean" introduces us to the protagonist, a 22-year-old cow-puncher, awakening in a Wyoming cow camp during summer. Eager for a change and motivated by a desire for adventure, Lin decides to leave the camp, spurred by a sense of restlessness despite the camaraderie of the ranch work. He embarks on a journey towards Fort Washakie to collect his wages, meeting various characters along the way, including a group of cowboys and a foreman who reflect the humor and the hardships of frontier life. This opening sets the stage for Lin's exploration of romantic relationships and the broader world beyond the ranch as he grapples with his identity and aspirations.
Robert Alexander Wason
Friar Tuck Being the Chronicles of the Reverend John Carmichael, of Wyoming, U. S. A.
"Friar Tuck" by Robert Alexander Wason is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds around the character of the Reverend John Carmichael, affectionately known as Friar Tuck, and explores his adventures and encounters with various individuals in the American West. With a strong undercurrent of humor and a focus on themes of friendship, morality, and the ruggedness of frontier life, it promises an engaging journey through both the physical landscape and the complexities of human nature. The opening of the book introduces us to the narrative style and character dynamics that will shape the story. We meet Happy Hawkins, who is reminiscing about his past and his experiences with the charming but unconventional Friar Tuck. The narrative reveals a time when the West was still untamed and the characters grappled with their societal positions and expectations. The Friar's arrival becomes a pivotal moment, exemplified by his captivating singing voice and unique philosophy on life, which intrigues those around him while also drawing skepticism. As the story unfolds, the foundation is laid for Friar Tuck's adventures and his impact on the individuals he encounters, setting the stage for both action and introspection.
Owen Wister
Members of the Family
"Members of the Family" by Owen Wister is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work explores themes of Western life and identity through the experiences of its characters, particularly focusing on the humorous and insightful interactions among them in a frontier setting, bringing to life the essence of Western American culture. The opening features Scipio Le Moyne, a character who undergoes a comical and multifaceted journey, dealing with his own aspirations and mishaps in a world transitioning from the rugged individualism of the cowboy era. At the start of the novel, we meet Scipio Le Moyne, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a rodeo accident and is witfully musing over the complexities of communication and social interaction. His humorous conversations with a visiting friend known as the Virginian reveal his knack for storytelling and sharp observations about others, especially concerning a comical figure named Horacles. As Scipio recuperates, he wrestles with a mix of pride and insecurity about his place in this new and evolving Western society, all while building a tapestry of relationships that shape his journey. The engaging dynamics among characters provide a vivid window into life on the frontier, blending humor with underlying social commentary.
Mary Ellen Chase
Virginia of Elk Creek Valley
"Virginia of Elk Creek Valley" by Mary Ellen Chase is a novel written in the early 20th century. This fictional work explores the lives and adventures of a group of young women and men as they navigate the landscapes and challenges of the Big Horn Country in Wyoming during the pioneer days. The central character, Virginia, is characterized by her enthusiasm and emotional depth, particularly as she prepares for the arrival of her friends and family to her homestead. The opening of the novel introduces us to the breathtaking beauty of Elk Creek Valley on a mid-summer morning, where Virginia and her friend Donald are filled with excitement about their plans. Virginia expresses her joy and eagerness as she anticipates the arrival of her friends, envisioning the adventures they will have together. Through lively dialogue, we see Virginia's vibrant personality juxtaposed with her companion's more calm demeanor, hinting at the dynamics that will unfold among the group. As they travel toward the station to greet their friends, Virginia is portrayed as an eager, imaginative young woman, devoted to the natural wonders surrounding her and the connections with her peers. This sets the stage for a narrative rich in camaraderie, exploration, and growth in the new American landscape.
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.
Marie Manning
Judith of the Plains
"Judith of the Plains" by Marie Manning is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces us to Mary Carmichael, a young woman journeying across the rugged American West, who faces the challenges of an inhospitable environment and complex social dynamics in a predominantly male society. The novel explores themes of hardship, independence, and the realities of frontier life, focusing on the titular character, Judith Rodney, and her brother, embroiled in trouble and whispers of rustling amidst a community that swirls with both camaraderie and competition. The opening of the book sets the stage for Mary Carmichael's arrival in a desolate prairie town after a long train journey. She grapples with her homesickness and the oppressive atmosphere of her surroundings, while the town itself exhibits a mix of rough humor and rugged masculinity. Mary's initial encounter with the townsfolk reveals her outsider status, as she navigates a world filled with unrefined customs and tensions between sheepmen and cattlemen. News of her new acquaintance, Judith, and her brother's precarious situation begins to emerge, hinting at deeper narratives involving danger, loyalty, and survival in the harsh frontier landscape. The tone is both reflective and lively, showcasing the complexities of life in the West as Mary adjusts to her new life while forming vital connections.
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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