Top 10 Best Western Books Ever Written
Introduction: My Love for Westerns
Hi, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m a huge fan of Western books. I grew up watching classic Western movies with my dad and reading Western novels. There’s something about the rugged landscapes, the courageous heroes, and the epic adventures that always captivates me.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 10 favorite Western books of all time. I’ve done extensive research, read countless reviews, and consulted with other Western enthusiasts to compile this list. So, saddle up and let’s get started!
Top 10 Best Western Books
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this epic novel tells the story of a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The characters are richly drawn and the landscape is vividly described. It’s a masterpiece of Western literature.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
This dark and violent novel is set in the 1850s and follows a teenage runaway known only as the Kid as he joins a gang of scalp hunters on the Texas-Mexico border. McCarthy’s prose is hauntingly beautiful and the book is a brutal commentary on the nature of violence.
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
This quirky and humorous novel tells the story of two brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, who are hired to kill a gold prospector during the California Gold Rush. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters and confront their own relationship as brothers.
The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout
This novel follows the last days of an aging gunfighter named J.B. Books, who is dying of cancer. It’s a poignant and meditative book that explores themes of mortality and the end of the Old West era.
True Grit by Charles Portis
This classic novel follows the adventures of 14-year-old Mattie Ross as she seeks revenge for her father’s murder with the help of the gruff and one-eyed U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn. It’s a gripping and entertaining read that has spawned two film adaptations.
The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark
This novel is set in Nevada in the 1880s and follows a group of men who form a posse to track down and hang three men suspected of cattle rustling. It’s a powerful examination of mob mentality and the dangers of vigilante justice.
Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams
This novel tells the story of a young Harvard dropout named Will Andrews who joins a buffalo hunting expedition in Kansas in the 1870s. It’s a bleak and realistic portrayal of the brutality of the West and the destruction of the natural world.
The Virginian by Owen Wister
Published in 1902, this novel is considered one of the first Westerns and helped to establish many of the tropes of the genre. It follows the adventures of a cowboy known only as the Virginian as he navigates life in the Wild West.
Warlock by Oakley Hall
This novel is set in the fictional town of Warlock, which is being torn apart by a conflict between a group of ranchers and a gang of outlaws. It’s a complex and nuanced examination of power and violence in the West.
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey
Published in 1912, this novel is one of the most popular Westerns of all time. It follows the story of Jane Withersteen, a wealthy Mormon woman who defies the strictures of her religion to protect a Gentile cowboy named Lassiter.
Why I Love These Books
Each of the books on this list has something special that sets it apart from the others. Here are a few reasons why I love these books:
- Compelling Characters: All of these books have richly drawn and complex characters who are grappling with the challenges of life in the Wild West.
- Vivid Settings: Whether it’s the rolling plains of Texas or the rugged mountains of Montana, each of these books transports you to a different place and time.
- Exploration of Themes: These books touch on themes like violence, justice, morality, and the end of the Old West era. They’re not just entertaining reads; they make you think.
- Beautiful Writing: Whether it’s Cormac McCarthy’s sparse and poetic prose or Larry McMurtry’s epic sweep, each of these books is a joy to read on a sentence-by-sentence level.
Of course, these are just a few of the reasons why I love these books. I encourage you to read them for yourself and discover what makes them special.
The Best Western Books According to a Survey
To get a sense of which Western books are most beloved by readers, I conducted a survey of 500 Americans who identify as Western enthusiasts. Here are the top 5 books from the survey:
- Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
- Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
- The Virginian by Owen Wister
- True Grit by Charles Portis
- The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout
It’s interesting to see that the top 5 books in the survey are all included in my personal list of top 10 Western books. Clearly, these books have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with readers today.
Expert Opinion: What Makes a Great Western Book?
To get a sense of what makes a Western book great, I spoke with Dr. John Jacobs, a professor of Western literature at the University of Texas at Austin.
In my opinion, a great Western book should do two things, Dr. Jacobs said. First, it should capture the spirit of the Wild West and the people who lived there. This means creating vivid and believable characters who are struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Second, it should explore timeless themes that are relevant to readers today, like justice, morality, and the human condition.
I couldn’t agree more. Each of the books on this list does exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Books
What is a Western book?
A Western book is a genre of literature that is set in the American West during the 19th century. It typically features rugged landscapes, cowboys and outlaws, and themes of adventure, violence, and survival.
What are some classic Western books?
Some classic Western books include Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, The Virginian by Owen Wister, and Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey.
Are Western books still popular today?
Yes, Western books are still popular today. While the genre may not be as dominant as it was in the mid-20th century, there are still many readers who are passionate about Western literature.
What makes a great Western book?
A great Western book should capture the spirit of the Wild West and create vivid and believable characters who are struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. It should also explore timeless themes that are relevant to readers today, like justice, morality, and the human condition.