History of the American Western Novel

A good story is one that can transport the reader to a different place, another time period or both. American Westerns were written to depict life and adventures in the ‘Wild West.’ The writers often based the novels on real people, exaggerating hardships and violence to make the story more interesting.  The desert landscapes where…

The Wild West

During the second half of the 19th century, western USA (which was considered any area west of the Mississippi River) became a major center of growth for American colonizers. Cowboys and their cattle, horses and the small towns that revolved around them were the trademarks of the Wild West. This expansion led to the unification…

The Greatest Surviving Legends of the Old West

In spite of all the major changes which took place in Western America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, stories about outlaws seem to be the ones that we remember the most. The actions of these bandits have been the inspiration for many books and films, along with the relationships they had with…

The Weird West structure.

While many westerns maintain simple plots, which are boosted by the elevated levels of violence they contain, weird west novels, however, tend to be complex with lots of action, intrigue and adventure. This combination keeps readers on the edge of their seat, as well as the customary violence from the western influence. Lawless societies continue…

Wild West Outlaws – The Brave, the Bad and the Bold

The outlaws in the Wild West have been credited with incredible, heroic deeds, as well as brutal, unnecessary killings. Like everybody else during the era, many of them were trying to survive in the best way they knew how. A dangerous lifestyle often leads to a quick death, and leaving many loved ones behind. A…