GRAVES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY                                                              "We Inspire, We Enrich, We Entertain!"

  601 N. 17th Street, Mayfield            Phone:  270-247-2911             Fax:  270-247-2991

 Library Hours & Info Policies   Library History Learn A Test Helpful Links               KY Virtual Library
KY Virtual University Home KY Dept. of Libraries Bookmobile Schedule Inter-Library Loan Story Hour

Westerns

Primarily set in the Western United States from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the 20th Century, Westerns feature the exploits of cowboys, scouts, Indians, gunslingers, and lawmen. The mythic feel of the West and those times, as well as the struggle to survive against myriad dangers, takes precedence over historical accuracy.

The typical Western hero is the loner who rides into town, cleans things up, and rides out again. In traditional Westerns, he's a mythic figure, a sort of medieval knight errant, while in more recent titles he may be portrayed more realistically. Historical figures and events may be featured, but accuracy is not as important as landscape and mood. Plots may be straightforward or complex but they place the hero in the midst of a morality play in which he brings justice and restores order to the community. Survival themes are often important, as is revenge. (NoveList)

Western authors include:

Elmore Leonard Ralph Compton Les Savage Johnny Boggs
Charles G. West Loren D. Estleman Bradford Scott Richard S. Wheeler
Frank Leslie John Fox, Jr. William M. Raine Max Brand
Jackson Cole Al Lacy Robert J. Conley James Crumley
Gary Paulsen Louis L'Amour Linda Lael Miller Don DeLillo
Randy Eickhoff Eli Colter Gene Hackman Beth Henderson
Robert J. Horton Hammond Innes Annabel Johnson Mercedes Lackey
Bennett Foster William R. Fox Matt Stuart Eugene Cunningham
Lewis B. Patton Chad Merriman Jack Curtis Leslie Ernenwein
Steve Frazee Michael Punke Larry McMurtry Jack Schaefer
Glendon Swarthout Elmer Kelton Ivan Doig  
       

Home                                                   Back to Read-A-Likes