Over the past century, the western has fluctuated in popularity. By 2010 it has come to stand, to the dismay of many, at one of its lowest points. Beginning with 1929 and the advent of talkies (In Old Arizona), the author discusses the cultural and industry trends, the directors, producers, studios and especially the stars, and looks at the ways in which their personalities (and financial ups and downs) affected the way westerns were shot. The improvements in technology through the years, the trick horses, the fistfight choreography, the evolution of plotlines--these are fascinating indicators of the way Americans themselves were changing.

In " The Trail to Ogallala", stampedes, dangerous river crossings, demanding Indians, and struggles for leadership blend to create one of the best Westerns ever written about the harsh realities of a cattle drive.

“An excellent study that should interest film buffs, academics, and non-academics alike” (Journal of the West). Hollywood’s West examines popular perceptions of the frontier as a defining feature of American identity and history. Seventeen essays by prominent film scholars illuminate the allure of life on the edge of civilization and analyze how this region has been represented on big and small screens. Differing characterizations of the frontier in modern popular culture reveal numerous truths about American consciousness and provide insights into many classic Western films and television programs, from RKO’s 1931 classic Cimarron to Turner Network Television’s recent made-for-TV movies. Covering topics such as the portrayal of race, women, myth, and nostalgia, Hollywood’s West makes a significant contribution to the understanding of how Westerns have shaped our nation’s opinions and beliefs—often using the frontier as metaphor for contemporary issues.

The Sagebrush Trail is a history of Western movies but also a history of twentieth-century America. Richard Aquila’s fast-paced narrative covers both the silent and sound eras, and includes classic westerns such as Stagecoach, A Fistful of Dollars, and Unforgiven, as well as B-Westerns that starred film cowboys like Tom Mix, Gene Autry, and Hopalong Cassidy. The book is divided into three parts. Part 1 traces the birth and growth of Westerns from 1900 through the end of World War II. Part 2 focuses on a transitional period in Western movie history during the two decades following World War II. Finally, part 3 shows how Western movies reflected the rapid political, social, and cultural changes that transformed America in the 1960s and the last decades of the twentieth century. The Sagebrush Trail explains how Westerns evolved throughout the twentieth century in response to changing times, and it provides new evidence and fresh interpretations about both Westerns and American history. These films offer perspectives on the past that historians might otherwise miss. They reveal how Americans reacted to political and social movements, war, and cultural change. The result is the definitive story of Western movies, which contributes to our understanding of not just movie history but also the mythic West and American history. Because of its subject matter and unique approach that blends movies and history, The Sagebrush Trail should appeal to anyone interested in Western movies, pop culture, the American West, and recent American history and culture. The mythic West beckons but eludes. Yet glimpses of its utopian potential can always be found, even if just for a few hours in the realm of Western movies. There on the silver screen, the mythic West continues to ride tall in the saddle along a “sagebrush trail” that reveals valuable clues about American life and thought.

50 Westerns The Best Cowboy Adventures, Rider Trails, Stories of Outlaws & Battles with Indians represents an unparalleled compilation that traverses the length and breadth of the Western genre. This anthology highlights the rich tapestry of the American frontier, encapsulated through gripping tales of adventure, conflict, and the human spirit. The collection's diversity is not only reflected in the array of narratives that span from intimate personal journeys to epic battles but also in the literary styles that range from classic prose to innovative storytelling techniques. The assembled works, including tales of high-stakes standoffs, nuanced depictions of native cultures, and explorations of the moral compass of the rugged landscape, underscore the anthologys thematic depth and the genres capacity to interrogate the American mythos. The contributors to this collection, including luminaries like Zane Grey, Bret Harte, and Willa Cather, among others, bring a rich mosaic of backgrounds, perspectives, and literary achievements. Their collective oeuvre not only aligned with but also propelled several movements within the Western genre, enriching its narrative complexity and thematic breadth. From the romanticized tales of daring outlaws to the nuanced portrayals of frontier life, this anthology captures a pivotal era in American literature, offering insights into the socio-cultural fabric of the time. The diversity among the authors ensures a multi-faceted exploration of themes such as justice, freedom, and survival, set against the backdrop of the untamed American West. 50 Westerns invites readers on a journey through the rugged landscapes and turbulent times of the American frontier. For enthusiasts and scholars alike, this anthology presents a unique opportunity to engage with the foundational narratives that have shaped the Western genre. Through its wide-ranging selection, the collection fosters a dialogue between different voices and perspectives, enriching the readers understanding of the complexities and contradictions of the American West. This anthology is a doorway to an extensive, immersive experience of the Western literary tradition, promised to captivate, educate, and inspire reflections on the enduring themes of a bygone era.