The pony man comes at midnight to take the children for a ride to Mr. Moon's front door.

Owen Wister's WESTERN CLASSICS COLLECTION covers a wide array of themes and characters within the Western genre, showcasing his mastery of portraying the American frontier with vivid detail and compelling narratives. Wister's literary style resonates with authenticity and historical accuracy, setting the stage for iconic cowboy archetypes and thrilling adventures. The collection not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the societal dynamics and cultural clashes of the Old West, making it a must-read for fans of Western literature seeking a deeper understanding of this genre. The inclusion of classic titles like The Virginian and Red Man and White highlights Wister's influence and contribution to shaping Western literature as we know it today.

Big Bill Otter was one member of the early American working class not preoccupied with republican principles or the heritage of the Revolution. Big Bill Otter—apprentice, journeyman, master plasterer—was a thug. Otter's autobiography, first published in 1835, provides a rare and fascinating counterpoint to romantic notions of virtuous, respectable craftsmen in the early republic. His Life and Adventures offer an inside account of the brawling racism common in the early nineteenth century and sharply detail the rowdy male subculture of the times. Born in England and conscripted into the British Navy during the Napoleonic wars, Otter jumped ship and came to New York City in 1801. He apprenticed as a plasterer and joined an urban gang; later he was a master plasterer, tavernkeeper, slavecatcher, "Jackson man," bigot, town bully, notorious practical joker, borderline psychopath, mayoral candidate, and all-round "jolly fellow." History of My Own Times is one of the few first-person accounts of a rural artisan in pre-genteel America. The book depicts the ambiguities of race relations in the early nineteenth century, sheds light on its definition of manhood, and conveys a sense of humor very different from today's. Richard B. Stott's introduction an,d commentary place Otter in the context of his times and explore the significance of his autobiography in understanding the social and cultural history of the early American republic.

Our relationship and fascination with horses have been evident in every civilization and throughout recorded history. No better proof can be found than in literature, in the stories and poetry that capture the endless variety of partnerships between horses and riders. Horse Tales is a compilation of the best of these works and include tales penned by: Mark Twain H. H. Munro Nathaniel Hawthorne Washington Irving Winston Churchill Enid Bagnold Leo Tolstoy Bret Harte Zane Grey and many, many others.