20 Best Books About American West (2023 Update)

This is a very well written, easy to read book on a little (truly) understood historical figure. I was recommended to read it by my Navajo guide up through Canyon de Chelly, and she was right, I learned a lot. Especially if you live in, or are interested in, the history of the West, this is an A-1 read. Highly recommended.blpack

History can be dull but this man's life and lifetime were very interesting. It surprised me how much is known of Kit Carson's role in the period. Book arrived in pleasantly great shape, too.stuffthatlasts

Very well written. The book was able to keep several storylines running concurrently with out losing the thread on any of them.PAUL

This paperback's covet is in very good shape, and its pages are yellowed with age yet without odor, markings, creases or tears.Stephanie F.

We used this book in law school as text for water law class. It is expertly written and well researched. The accompanying video set (4) is also well-done, LaDuemarcladue

I bought this book because it very well explains water issues. The water history in the book is incredible. Anyone wanting to understand water issues should purchase this book. Wonderful book!!!!pdbubela

However, reading the earlier McGarrity books written prior ot the trilogy neither detract nor add from the enjoyment of the Last Ranch and the two earlier books. In other words, rading the triology read in order stands alone whether you have read any of his earlier books or not.22tansu

As good or better than the Kevin Kerney series. The story moves along quickly, and because it covers history in the southwest, known historical characters and events, rings genuine. Bought this trilogy for my husband and he is enjoying it immensely. Ill be reading them myself, and look forward to it.maidenhair

The last book in a trilogy. Great historical novel series based on the south area of New Mexico centered in Tularosa. Excellent! BAM has the book in the western/cowboy section. It should be placed to attract all who like a great adventure and a good read.Karen

I bought the book for my mother-in-law. She really likes the book. Very excited over the book. Its on believable she is 102 years old. She reads every day and says this book is well written. What more can I say.jamebalke_0

This book is an easy and enjoyable read. Chapters are short, text is light, succint, witty, moves fast. If you've ever read anything about Fred Harvey, or his diners and hotels, or the Harvey Girls, anything you've read before is just sketches. You'll know more than you ever thought possible about FH, inside and out, his business, his ethics, his family, his challenges and opposition, plus what was happening in America at the time the Harvey system was in its prime. Author has done a quite complete job of documenting the life and times of Fred Harvey, the man, his family and associates, the Fred Harvey system of dining rooms and hotels, and his ups and downs with the Santa Fe Railroad.pfennigstag

This book is huge and absolutely gorgeous, just what I was looking for for my entry way table. We loved flipping through the photos, even my husband supported my $100 purchase of these two books, lol.PerfectFit

After passing by this book at a Nashville boutique I regretted not purchasing – luckily Walmart had even better prices and delivered to our home! We are so pleased with this book – the pages are thick and textured. The photography ranges from pages that are minimal to detailed images that cause you to pause and lean in close for a “better look.” Will be buying again for Father’s Day gifts.LHD91011

After coming to love historical novels, I discovered a large gap in my knowledge of the development of the United States. The historical fiction series The Daughters of the Mayflower began the journey raising so many interesting questions and giving me a snapshot of what really transpired at the close of each novel. Dreams of El Dorado by H.W. Brands is the continuation of that journey for me and it’s been a great education! “Any work of history must have a beginning and an end. This one commences with the Louisiana Purchase at the start of the nineteenth century, when the United States first gained a foothold—a very large one—beyond the Mississippi. It ends in the early twentieth century, when the West had become enough like the East to make the Western experience most comprehensible as a piece of the American whole rather than as a place apart. Western dreams didn’t die; Hollywood and Silicon Valley would be built on such dreams. But the dreams were no longer as distinctively Western as they once had been.” – Dreams of El Dorado by H.W. Brands And this book does exactly that! Brutally honest (I read with my eyes closed over some of the carnage left by the wars fought during this period), the author doesn’t flinch from sharing what took place during this land-grabbing mania. I knew anecdotally what happened in major movements such as the Californian Gold Rush but, without context, it didn’t have any meaning to me. Walking through this history, the sequence of events which lead to the end of the “wild” west, was fascinating and tragic! “The destruction of the Tonquin dealt a heavy blow to the Astor project; it also revealed the simple but ineluctable theme of violence in the history of the American West: of humans killing one another in the struggle for control of Western resources. As time would prove, violence would be the defining characteristic of the West. When the violence diminished to the background level of the rest of the country, the West would no longer be the West but simply another part of America.” – Dreams of El Dorado by H.W. Brands Living in South Africa, land claims is a sensitive subject and I found it interesting to reflect on how land was handled just a century and a half earlier in the Americas! I had no idea the Mexicans and Spanish were in Texas so late into the 1800s nor how the Chinese were essential to the building of the railroad nor the way cowboys calmed thousands of longhorn cattle by circling them as they crossed the plains…All these nuggets of fascinating happenings! This book is jam-packed full of them and yet the narrative thread is so strong, it pulls the reader through intrigued to know how the politics will unfurl! In fairness, this may partly be due to my ignorance and those more familiar with the history may find it less astonishing but the reviews I’ve read suggest H.W. Brands really has written something quite exceptional! If history interests you, this is one to pick up and relish! Whilst I flew towards the end, I was relieved to be reaching the end of this bloody period of time, I was sad to see the end of this book and I’ll be looking for more form H.W. Brands! Carefully researched, beautifully compiled and compellingly written, I highly recommend it! It’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.Moonglotexas

After coming to love historical novels, I discovered a large gap in my knowledge of the development of the United States. The historical fiction series The Daughters of the Mayflower began the journey raising so many interesting questions and giving me a snapshot of what really transpired at the close of each novel. Dreams of El Dorado by H.W. Brands is the continuation of that journey for me and it's been a great education! "Any work of history must have a beginning and an end. This one commences with the Louisiana Purchase at the start of the nineteenth century, when the United States first gained a foothold-a very large one-beyond the Mississippi. It ends in the early twentieth century, when the West had become enough like the East to make the Western experience most comprehensible as a piece of the American whole rather than as a place apart. Western dreams didn't die; Hollywood and Silicon Valley would be built on such dreams. But the dreams were no longer as distinctively Western as they once had been." – Dreams of El Dorado by H.W. Brands And this book does exactly that! Brutally honest (I read with my eyes closed over some of the carnage left by the wars fought during this period), the author doesn't flinch from sharing what took place during this land-grabbing mania. I knew anecdotally what happened in major movements such as the Californian Gold Rush but, without context, it didn't have any meaning to me. Walking through this history, the sequence of events which lead to the end of the "wild" west, was fascinating and tragic! "The destruction of the Tonquin dealt a heavy blow to the Astor project; it also revealed the simple but ineluctable theme of violence in the history of the American West: of humans killing one another in the struggle for control of Western resources. As time would prove, violence would be the defining characteristic of the West. When the violence diminished to the background level of the rest of the country, the West would no longMoonglotexas

I am well aware of the criticism that has hovered over Ambrose's work, but I still love to read him, and Undaunted Courage is one of my favorites. I also own a standard hardback, which is my reading copy, and am thrilled to have this signed Easton Press edition. What I like the most about the book is that it succeeded in transporting me in my mind to the actual adventure. I am still amazed that Lewis and Clark made it there and back alive. I am about to start reading it again once I get my reading copy back from the last person I loaned it to.theoldbookman58

I had read the journals of Lewis & Clark, I found them difficult at best to read. A friend told me about Undaunted Courage an I purchased it on ebay. The book by Stephen E. Ambrose actually detailed much of the trip in better terms than the L&C journals. I would certainly encourage reading this historical documentation of one of the most important eras of our history. The price on ebay was much better than anywhere else that I looked in trying to find the book. I encourage everyone to consider using and utilize ebay when possible on any of their purchases. Thank you.drawoh2754

Had an old paperback but this was worthy of owning this book in hardback. Has to be one of the best books I have ever read, and I have read many. Includes information on what went into the expedition, the many obstacles and interactions with the many Indian tribes along their amazing journey.harr1937

It's just what I was looking for !! To read and find out a little about the History …. I just like to read all most anything about History….and by the way I had to order the book and it was here very quickly ….Elaine

I have been researching the Frontier and the American West in the late 1800's for my own personal agenda. After reading a couple books about the first Transcontinental railroad I decided that I wanted to know more about the conflicts with the Natives during that time period and location. This book is the most current and accurate portrail of the war of the American West, and was exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't be more pleased. Such a great read!joshufrie-2

McGarrity writes well and compels the reader to keep going at a rapid clip. The trilogy is the prequel to the Kevin Kerney novels beginning with "Tularosa" and all are well worth the read.smor2464

Great follow-up to Hard Country…I was pleasantly surprised to get to follow the next generation of Kerneys after finishing Hard Country…McGarrity does a masterful job pulling you into the old southwest…I had never followed the genre, but now I'm hooked! highly recommended!jdub33

Book arrived today, ealier then expected. Book is like new condition at a amazing price. Looks like the picture and is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.alethepoye_0

This is a great collection of Western stories which is great for anyone who either likes Westerns or would like to find authors they might like. I like it for its assortment of authors thus keeping everything fresh.maximusklsm

Many books have been written about this influential ranch and this one is the best of the bunch! Well researched with an unbiased overview, Mr. Wallis provides us with not only the history of the fabulous 101, but insights to many of its famous personalities–Tom Mix, Lucille Mulhall, Bill Pickett, and more.collectors*eye

Many books have been written about this influential ranch and this one is the best of the bunch! Well researched with an unbiased overview, Mr. Wallis provides us with not only the history of the fabulous 101, but insights to many of its famous personalities–Tom Mix, Lucille Mulhall, Bill Pickett, and more.collectors*eye

This is a great collection of Western stories which is great for anyone who either likes Westerns or would like to find authors they might like. I like it for its assortment of authors thus keeping everything fresh.maximusklsm

This really is a great book but i still had to give it only a good rating because the beginning is quite dull. However after you get past those stories it is great!!!! Full of true information the book not only entertains but provides real reference material and can be very intense making you wish it would never end.maximusklsm