Book Review: Branded West

Book Review: Branded West edited by Don Ward The Western Writers of America were founded in 1953 to promote literature related to the American West. It started with primarily traditional Western fiction, but also promotes historical and non-fiction works and even songs. It has an annual prize called the Spur Awards. But this collection published… Continue reading Book Review: Branded West

Movie Review: Vengeance Valley

Owen and Lee consult the bartender for local news.

Movie Review: Vengeance Valley (1951) directed by Richard Thorpe Owen Daybright (Burt Lancaster) is the foster son of rancher Arch Strobie (Ray Collins), and foreman of the ranch. Along with his foster brother Lee Strobie (Robert Walker), he’s been out riding the winter range for several months. They stop in to the saloon to get their… Continue reading Movie Review: Vengeance Valley

Book Review: The Heritage of the Desert

Book Review: The Heritage of the Desert by Zane Grey John “Jack” Hare may be dying, but he can’t stop noticing how beautiful the sky is here in the Utah Territory desert. Jack’s a “lunger,” sent out West for his health. It helped a bit, but his money ran out and he needed a job.… Continue reading Book Review: The Heritage of the Desert

Book Review: Popular Book of Western Stories

Book Review: Popular Book of Western Stories edited by Leo Margulies The title of this 1948 paperback may seem a trifle misleading (“if it’s so popular, why have I never heard of it?”) but makes more sense when you learn that it came out from the publishing company Popular Library. Leo Margulies, a long-time pulp… Continue reading Book Review: Popular Book of Western Stories

Book Review: The Naturalist

Book Review: The Naturalist by Darrin Lunde Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), 26th President of the United States of America, was big on nature.  Specifically, he had a strong interest in natural history, and wanted to become/be known as a naturalist.  This new biography focuses on that part of Roosevelt’s life, from his boyhood collection of stuffed… Continue reading Book Review: The Naturalist