In 'A Texas Ranger,' William MacLeod Raine explores the wild and rugged terrain of the American West through the eyes of a Texas Ranger named Jim Hawkins. Set against the backdrop of lawlessness and violence, the novel follows Hawkins as he navigates the challenges of upholding justice in a land where outlaws reign supreme. Raine's writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions of the frontier, creating a sense of danger and adventure that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This Western classic is a gripping tale of courage, honor, and the pursuit of justice in a lawless land that will captivate fans of the genre. Raine's attention to detail and authentic portrayal of life in the American West make 'A Texas Ranger' a must-read for any lover of historical fiction. William MacLeod Raine's own experiences growing up in the West and his fascination with the frontier likely inspired him to pen this thrilling tale of the legendary Texas Rangers. His intimate knowledge of the landscape and his deep respect for the values of the Rangers shine through in his portrayal of Jim Hawkins and his fellow lawmen. As a classic of Western literature, 'A Texas Ranger' is a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages, offering a glimpse into the rugged and untamed world of the Old West.

Relates the adventures of Bigfoot Wallace as he travels to Texas, participates in battles against Mexico, serves time as a hostage, and pioneers in the American West.

“Durham’s account is modest and straightforward . . . has many lessons for anyone interested in the history of the Old West, leadership or law enforcement.” —American West Review Only an extraordinary Texas Ranger could have cleaned up bandit-plagued Southwest Texas, between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande, in the years following the Civil War. Thousands of raiders on horseback, some of them Anglo-Americans, regularly crossed the river from Mexico to pillage, murder, and rape. Their main objective? To steal cattle, which they herded back across the Rio Grande to sell. Honest citizens found it almost impossible to live in the Nueces Strip. In desperation, the governor of Texas called on an extraordinary man, Captain Leander M. McNelly, to take command of a Ranger company and stop these border bandits. One of McNelly’s recruits for this task was George Durham, a Georgia farm boy in his teens when he joined the “Little McNellys,” as the Captain’s band called themselves. More than half a century later, it was George Durham, the last surviving “McNelly Ranger,” who recounted the exciting tale of taming the Nueces Strip to San Antonio writer Clyde Wantland. In Durham’s account, those long-ago days are brought vividly back to life. Once again the daring McNelly leads his courageous band across Southwest Texas to victories against incredible odds. With a boldness that overcame their dismayingly small number, the McNellys succeeded in bringing law and order to the untamed Nueces Strip—succeeded so well that they antagonized certain “upright” citizens who had been pocketing surreptitious dollars from the bandits’ operations. “The reader seems to smell the acrid gunsmoke and to hear the creak of saddle leather.” —Southwestern Historical Quarterly

G.W. Braddock was raised to be a Texas Ranger and never wanted anything else. But when he's stripped of his badge through no fault of his own and a corrupt system turns the vicious killer Tull Coleman loose on the people of the Lone Star State, Braddock has to decide if he's going to follow the law-or carry out the job he was born to do, even if it means becoming an outlaw himself! Never before published, OUTLAW RANGER is the first book in an exciting new Western series by best-selling author and legendary storyteller James Reasoner. Based on actual incidents, this action-packed novel is the stirring tale of a little-known era in Old West history. Rough Edges Press is proud to present this compelling saga of a man haunted by the past and fighting to make a place for himself in the violent world of the Texas frontier.

#1 New York Times bestseller “An epic and a legend” —Washington Post “Quite simply, an American masterpiece.” —Boston Globe “The dialogue in True Grit is exquisite.” —David Mamet “Charles Portis had a wonderful talent—original, quirky, exciting.” —Larry McMurtry Charles Portis has long been acclaimed as one of America’s most enduring and incomparable literary voices, and his novels have left an indelible mark on the American canon. True Grit, his most famous novel, was first published in 1968, and has garnered critical acclaim as well as enthusiastic praise from countless passionate fans for more than fifty years. This story of danger and adventure in the old west became the basis for two award-winning films, the first starring John Wayne, in his only Oscar-winning role, as Marshall Rooster Cogburn, and the widely praised remake by the Coen brothers, starring Jeff Bridges. True Grit tells the story of Mattie Ross, who is just fourteen when the coward Tom Chaney shoots her father in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and robs him of his life, his horse, and $150 cash. Filled with an unwavering urge to avenge her father’s blood, Mattie finds and, after some tenacious finagling, enlists one-eyed Rooster Cogburn, the meanest available US Marshal, as her partner in pursuit, and they head off into Indian Territory after the killer. True Grit is essential reading. Not just a classic Western, but an undeniable classic of American literature as eccentric, cool, funny, and unflinching as Mattie Ross herself. For fans of either the John Wayne classic or the more recent Coen brothers’ movie, it’s a chance to relive the story of Mattie and Rooster and experience their story as it was originally told. For fans of taut, funny storytelling, it will be a joy to experience in its original form. This edition includes an afterword by bestselling author Donna Tartt (The Secret History and The Goldfinch) and a reading group guide.

150 Western Classics presents an unparalleled assembly of stories that weave the rich tapestry of the American West, capturing its vast landscapes, its tumultuous history, and its indomitable spirit. This anthology showcases a diversity of literary styles, ranging from the rugged realism of frontier life to the romanticized myths that have come to define the genre. The collection embodies the essence of Western literature, featuring narratives that explore the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of the American frontier. Standout pieces within the anthology include tales of high adventure, stoic courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice, all of which contribute to the reimagining and preservation of the American West in the literary canon. The contributing authors and editors of 150 Western Classics bring together a remarkable range of backgrounds, from celebrated novelists like Mark Twain and Willa Cather to pioneering Western storytellers such as Zane Grey and Owen Wister. This collective reflects a myriad of historical, cultural, and literary movements, from the realism and romanticism that defined early American literature to the naturalism that informed the later works. Together, these voices create a multidimensional portrait of the American West, offering readers an expansive perspective on its legends, hardships, and triumphs. 150 Western Classics is an essential volume for anyone interested in exploring the depth and diversity of the American West through its literature. This anthology provides a unique opportunity to engage with the works of some of the genre's most influential figures, offering a comprehensive view that spans the classic to the contemporary. Readers are invited to immerse themselves in this collection for its educational value, its breadth of insights, and the ongoing dialogue it fosters between the myriad authors' works. It is a testament to the enduring allure of the West and its capacity to inspire storytelling that resonates across generations.