Zane Grey's Wild West: A Study of 31 Novels

by Victor Carl Friesen

Overview

This is a literary discussion of one-half of Zane Grey's Westerns, selected to best show the broad scope of this popular author's interests in the West. The text explains how these novels "work," while pointing out Grey's ecological concern for the natural world—its vastness, color and beauty. Wild nature provides a powerful setting but is a determinant of action and of character too.

The range of subjects encompasses not only cowboys but also prospectors, foresters and other frontiersmen, from the end of the Revolutionary War to the flapper era of the 1920s. World War I veterans, including an American Indian, are portrayed in several books, and women are colorful main protagonists in others, all uniquely characterized. Grey's sure ear for dialogue is key to his vivid presentation of the ideals of the Old West.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786477791
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	12/04/2013
Pages:	236
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Retired teacher Victor Carl Friesen lives in Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface
The Novels
 1. Betty Zane: The First Western Frontier
 2. Riders of the Purple Sage: ­Mill-­Wheel of Place and Action
 3. Desert Gold: More Than Money
 4. Last of the Duanes: Undying Passion
 5. The Light of Western Stars: Living Western Style
 6. The Rainbow Trail: Love Story
 7. The Border Legion: Titanic Evil Forces
 8. Wildfire: The West Ablaze
 9. The U. P. Trail: Romance of a Railroad
10. The Man of the Forest: Mind and Instinct
11. The Desert of Wheat: I.W.W. and WWI
12. Wanderer of the Wasteland: Learning to Live
13. To the Last Man: A Feud Mentality
14. The Call of the Canyon: Going Home
15. The Vanishing American: A Thoreauvian Native
16. Tappan’s Burro: No Greater Love
17. Code of the West: Growing Up in the Twenties
18. The Thundering Herd: A Buffalo Saga
19. Wild Horse Mesa: One Grand Spectacle
20. Under the Tonto Rim: A Backwoods Tale
21. Forlorn River: Prolonged Drought and Money Madness
22. Valley of Wild Horses: A Cool Reckless Spirit
23. Nevada: Life of a Gunman
24. The Shepherd of Guadaloupe: Love and Malice
25. Rogue River Feud: Low Ebb and Recovery
26. Robbers’ Roost: Road to Regeneration
27. The Trail Driver: An Arduous Trek
28. Thunder Mountain: ­Gold-­Rush Cowboy
29. Knights of the Range: Western Chivalry
30. Woman of the Frontier: The Best Years
31. Western Union: A Great Achievement
Bibliography
Index