Books matching: post civil war american west
8 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Bounty Hunters by Elmore Leonard is his first Western novel, set in the American West after the Civil War. The story follows Dave Flynn, a former cavalry officer, and Lt. Bowers as they venture into Mexico to capture the renegade Apache Soldado Viejo. Along the way, they encounter ruthless gunmen scalping Mexicans and Apaches for rewards, a corrupt Mexican soldier, themes of revenge and honor, and a touch of romance. Despite the gripping plot, some readers found that the abundance of material packed into the 300 pages led to a slight lack in character development compared to Leonard's later works.
The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of classic Western landscapes, its engaging plot that keeps readers hooked, and Leonard's already present talent for crafting authentic dialogue and scenes. While some readers noted that the story may have had some slow moments and familiar circumstances, others appreciated the historical accuracy of the setting and the promise of Leonard's future evolution as a writer.
Dave Flynn stretched his boots over the footrest and his body eased lower into the barber chair. It was hot beneath the striped cloth, but the long ride down from Fort Thomas had made him tired and he... - #2
Save:Breakheart Pass by Alistair MacLean is a fast-paced western thriller set in post Civil War American West. The plot revolves around a train journey to Fort Humboldt, filled with relief troops and supplies, as well as a captured Federal prisoner named John Deakin. As the train travels through Paiute Indian territory, it encounters murders, conspiracies, sabotage, ambushes, and Indians seeking revenge. The story is full of action, suspense, and plot twists, keeping the readers hooked from the beginning to the end. Despite the initial introduction of many characters without detailed descriptions, the book focuses on delivering non-stop action and suspense, making it a thrilling and engaging read.
The saloon bar of Reese City's grandiosely named Imperial Hotel had about it an air of defeat, of uncaring dilapidation, of the hauntingly sad nostalgia for the half-forgotten glories of days long gon... - #3
Save:'Sackett' by Louis L'Amour follows the story of William Tell Sackett, an older brother to Tyrel and Orrin Sackett. Tell stumbles upon a valley rich in gold and a young woman in need of rescue. As he navigates through challenges including bad guys seeking revenge, gold diggers, and a banker, Tell showcases his quiet heroism, strict code of honor, and determination to make a better life for himself. The plot unfolds with action-packed scenes of mining for gold, gun duels, and Tell's efforts to protect the newfound riches while facing various threats. The writing style of the book is described as straightforward, engaging, and typical of L'Amour's Western novels, focusing on themes of honor, literacy, love, and the challenges of the American West.
We Sacketts had begun carrying rifles as soon as we stood tall enough to keep both ends off the ground. When I was shy of nine I fetched my first cougar … caught him getting at our pigs. At thirteen I... 'Wild Bill: The True Story of the American Frontier's First Gunfighter' by Tom Clavin is a biography that delves into the life of James Wild Bill Hickok, providing a detailed account of his adventures and interactions with other prominent figures of the American West. The writing style of the book is described as thorough, detailed, and engaging, offering insights not only into Hickok's life but also into the historical background of the time, including the Civil War, famous personalities like Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill Cody, and the development of the American West.
Some accounts of Hickok’s life contend his family, at least on his father’s side, originated in Ireland. William Connelley, who bent over backward to romanticize Hickok, stated unequivocally in his 19...- #5
Save:In "Sing My Name" by Ellen O'Connell, the story follows the unlikely bond formed between Sarah Hammond, a sheltered daughter of a rich family from Boston, and Matt Slade, a survivor of war and wrongful accusations. As they journey across the unforgiving land, facing constant danger and separation, their relationship evolves from dependence to something deeper. The plot includes harrowing moments, conflicts with captors, and a unique marriage proposal, all set against the backdrop of the wild west and a range war that tests their love.
The stranger who had kicked Matt in the ribs shoved a gun in his face, and the man's triumphant shout reverberated in Matt's throbbing head. Behind the lethal menace of the gun barrel, black eyes set ... - #6
Save:'Paradise Sky' by Joe R. Lansdale is a Western novel that follows the life of Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick, a former slave turned cowboy. The story begins with Nat's escape from a lynch mob after a simple act leads to a series of bloody events, including soldiering, gunfighting, and accidental cannibalism. The narrative is filled with fast-paced adventure, violence, well-handled romance, and sharp, insightful dialogue that showcases Lansdale's sly wit.
The book delves into themes of race in the Old West, presenting African American characters in roles not often seen in Western stories. Lansdale weaves a textured and colorful story around Nat Love, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of individuals trying to make a living in a harsh and unforgiving frontier. The novel captures the essence of the Old West era while incorporating Lansdale's trademark regional dialogue and complex character development.
Now, in the living of my life, I’ve killed deadly men and dangerous animals and made love to four Chinese women, all of them on the same night and in the same wagon bed, and one of them with a wooden ... - #7
Save:"Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen" by Sarah Bird is a historical novel based on the extraordinary life of Cathy Williams, a Black woman who disguised herself as a man to join the legendary Buffalo Soldiers post Civil War. The story is told in a gripping first-person narrative, offering readers a new perspective on the time of the Civil War. The writing style surprises readers with witty dialogue and entertaining storytelling, rather than a serious historical drama, exposing the root of racism and showcasing the courage needed to survive then and now.
Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it. That’s right. Royal blood runs purple through my veins... - #8
Save:Journal of the Gun Years by Richard Matheson is a gripping western novel that delves into the life of Clay Halser, a gunfighter, lawman, and soldier post-Civil War. The story is narrated through excerpts from Clay's journal, chronicling his journey from a farmer to a notorious gunslinger. Matheson's writing style vividly portrays the bleak and realistic outlook on a gunslinger's lifestyle, drawing readers into the wild and violent world of the Old West.
The novel captures Clay's descent from a potentially great man overwhelmed by his own larger-than-life image to a lonely and frightened gunslinger with a sad demise awaiting him. Through the annotated journal entries, readers witness Clay's transformation from desperado to lawman and back, as he navigates through violent incidents and range wars, eventually becoming a legendary figure whose reputation is enhanced to mythic heights.
