Spanning the vast, rugged canvas of the American West, '50 Westerns - The Best Adventures, Gunfight Duels, Battles, Rider Trails & Legendary Outlaws' brings together an impressive anthology that captures the essence and spirit of the frontier. This collection showcases an eclectic mix of styles, from the raw and gripping narratives to poignant, reflective tales that delve deep into the human and natural landscapes of the West. The wealth of genres within the anthology speaks to the diversity and complexity of the Western experience, featuring everything from intense gunfights and dramatic battles to the quiet, introspective journey of the lone rider. Notable for including both celebrated classics and lesser-known gems, this anthology highlights the rich tapestry of stories that have defined and expanded the boundaries of Western literature. The backgrounds of the authors in this collection are as diverse and storied as the tales they tell. Ranging from pioneering spirits like Bret Harte and Owen Wister, who shaped the early literary form of the Western genre, to the adventurous souls like Jack London and Robert E. Howard, whose works delve into the human condition against the backdrop of the untamed frontier. These authors, among others in the collection, provide a multifaceted view of the American West, reflecting the eras significant social, cultural, and historical shifts. Their collective works not only pay homage to the rugged beauty and perilous adventures of the West but also contribute to the ongoing dialogue about human resilience, the clash of cultures, and the relentless push towards the unknown. '50 Westerns - The Best Adventures, Gunfight Duels, Battles, Rider Trails & Legendary Outlaws' offers readers an unparalleled journey through the heart and soul of Western literature. It is a must-read anthology for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vast diversity of stories and perspectives that have shaped this enduring genre. Beyond entertainment, this collection serves as a comprehensive exploration of the Western spirit, offering valuable insights into the struggles, triumphs, and enduring myths of the American frontier. Whether you're a dedicated aficionado of Westerns or a curious newcomer, this anthology promises a rich and rewarding experience that celebrates the complexity and vibrancy of the Western narrative.

Originally published: New York: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

The New York Times bestseller! “Frank Hamer, last of the old breed of Texas Rangers, has not fared well in history or popular culture. John Boessenecker now restores this incredible Ranger to his proper place alongside such fabled lawmen as Wyatt Earp and Eliot Ness. Here is a grand adventure story, told with grace and authority by a master historian of American law enforcement. Frank Hamer can rest easy as readers will finally learn the truth behind his amazing career, spanning the end of the Wild West through the bloody days of the gangsters.” --Paul Andrew Hutton, author of The Apache Wars To most Americans, Frank Hamer is known only as the “villain” of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. Now, in Texas Ranger, historian John Boessenecker sets out to restore Hamer’s good name and prove that he was, in fact, a classic American hero. From the horseback days of the Old West through the gangster days of the 1930s, Hamer stood on the front lines of some of the most important and exciting periods in American history. He participated in the Bandit War of 1915, survived the climactic gunfight in the last blood feud of the Old West, battled the Mexican Revolution’s spillover across the border, protected African Americans from lynch mobs and the Ku Klux Klan, and ran down gangsters, bootleggers, and Communists. When at last his career came to an end, it was only when he ran up against another legendary Texan: Lyndon B. Johnson. Written by one of the most acclaimed historians of the Old West, Texas Ranger is the first biography to tell the full story of this near-mythic lawman.