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The Golden West
An unrivaled collection features stories from the most famous masters of Western fiction, including Louis L'Amour's The Trail to Crazy, which was the basis for the movie of the same name, and Max Brand's Jargan, which contains never-before-published material. Reprint.
- GenresWesternsShort Stories
303 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
783 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Louis L'Amour
997 books3,492 followersLouis Dearborn L'Amour was an American novelist and short story writer. His books consisted primarily of Western novels, though he called his work "frontier stories". His most widely known Western fiction works include Last of the Breed, Hondo, Shalako, and the Sackett series. L'Amour also wrote historical fiction (The Walking Drum), science fiction (The Haunted Mesa), non-fiction (Frontier), and poetry and short-story collections. Many of his stories were made into films. His books remain popular and most have gone through multiple printings. At the time of his death, almost all of his 105 existing works (89 novels, 14 short-story collections, and two full-length works of nonfiction) were still in print, and he was "one of the world's most popular writers".
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 16, 2021
I'm kind of new to reading westerns but I do love horses and I've always loved adventure stories, and well, westerns actually have both. The three tales in here were far more exciting than I had expected and truthfully I had a good time reading them. They also surprised me, a lot... especially how the second and third ones added a bit of mystery to the plot. They were almost like a murder mystery which was something I hadn't expected at all.
Tappan's Burro: this is without a doubt my favorite story in here! It's about an equine (ok, a burro but they do belong to the equine family - I'm not that fussy) called Jenet and her gold prospecting owner Tappan. I found this one very tense and I was literally holding my breath near the end, hoping that somehow poor Jenet would survive! I usually don't worry too much about people in stories but I sure do worry and fret for animals! The sense of danger in here is very high. It's a man versus nature story but also man versus man. Very excellent writing and wonderful descriptions that really bring the environment to life. This story has a very strong feeling of the Old West in my opinion. Five stars!
Jargon: At first this one really confused me. It didn't match any ideas of the Old West that I have in my head even though it's set in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It's about a very strange man named Jargon who lives at this hotel. He starts snooping about stuff and he realizes something very fishy is going on. The path this one took really surprised me. It's like a detective story really. Later on it had some horses in it and that I did appreciate (because I'm horse crazy). I would rate this four stars but I'm not sure if it's actually a western...? It is a well written mystery.
The Trail to Crazy Man: another five star story! This is also the longest one in the book and it takes up about half the pages. Luckily it's good. It's a very fast paced adventure story with guns, fist fights, galloping horses, swindling crooks, brave heroes, an Indian tribe, a pretty girl and lots more. And yes, it's a mystery too as the hero - Rafe Caradec - has to figure out why some crooked guys want a particular ranch for when there's tons of land available. Truly had fun reading this. The ending was a little abrupt I thought but otherwise ok. This one would fit the idea of the Old West very strongly.
The pages before each story tells a bit about the authors. I was surprised that they've written so much! This was also my first time reading these authors too.
Pretty cover image.
I'm going to recommend Tappan's Burro to my horsey friends.
Tappan's Burro: this is without a doubt my favorite story in here! It's about an equine (ok, a burro but they do belong to the equine family - I'm not that fussy) called Jenet and her gold prospecting owner Tappan. I found this one very tense and I was literally holding my breath near the end, hoping that somehow poor Jenet would survive! I usually don't worry too much about people in stories but I sure do worry and fret for animals! The sense of danger in here is very high. It's a man versus nature story but also man versus man. Very excellent writing and wonderful descriptions that really bring the environment to life. This story has a very strong feeling of the Old West in my opinion. Five stars!
Jargon: At first this one really confused me. It didn't match any ideas of the Old West that I have in my head even though it's set in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. It's about a very strange man named Jargon who lives at this hotel. He starts snooping about stuff and he realizes something very fishy is going on. The path this one took really surprised me. It's like a detective story really. Later on it had some horses in it and that I did appreciate (because I'm horse crazy). I would rate this four stars but I'm not sure if it's actually a western...? It is a well written mystery.
The Trail to Crazy Man: another five star story! This is also the longest one in the book and it takes up about half the pages. Luckily it's good. It's a very fast paced adventure story with guns, fist fights, galloping horses, swindling crooks, brave heroes, an Indian tribe, a pretty girl and lots more. And yes, it's a mystery too as the hero - Rafe Caradec - has to figure out why some crooked guys want a particular ranch for when there's tons of land available. Truly had fun reading this. The ending was a little abrupt I thought but otherwise ok. This one would fit the idea of the Old West very strongly.
The pages before each story tells a bit about the authors. I was surprised that they've written so much! This was also my first time reading these authors too.
Pretty cover image.
I'm going to recommend Tappan's Burro to my horsey friends.
November 19, 2019
A decent set of three westerns from the big three writers of the time: Max Brand, Zane Gray, and Louis L'Amour. Each story is a different sort of approach to the western, with each giving their signature stamp on the tale. The editor has some comments and analysis before each book telling some of the background of each author and thoughts on their story and general writing.
Its obvious that Jon Tuska either dislikes or is very jealous of Louis L'Amour because he spends most of the section on L'Amour criticizing and even mocking him while the other two authors he has nothing but the highest praise for.
Its obvious that Jon Tuska either dislikes or is very jealous of Louis L'Amour because he spends most of the section on L'Amour criticizing and even mocking him while the other two authors he has nothing but the highest praise for.
September 15, 2024
This paperback is actually titled "The Golden West" and includes three novels: a Louis L'Amour "The Trail to Crazy Man," a Zane Grey short novel called "Tappan's Burro," and a Max Brand story "Jargan." I'll give my thoughts on all three here:
In Louis L'Amour's "The Trail to Crazy Man," Rafe Caradec starts on board a sailing ship, having been shanghaied and pressed into service for a whole year now when his friend dies and passes him the deed to his Wyoming ranch, asking that his friend Rafe find his wife and daughter and give them the deed. Rafe finds the ranch along Crazy Man Creek (hence the title) and the girls have been pushed off it, taken over by a ruffian named Bruce Barkow and some of his sinister hands. There's an even tougher group of power-rustlers in town and Rafe has trouble convincing the daughter that this Barkow character is up to no good.
"Trail to Crazy Man" was written in 1948 and was later stretched into a longer novel and movie called "Crossfire Trail" which I haven't read yet. I'm probably ruining for myself a better read later but figure if I wait ten years before trying Crossfire I might forget the story and enjoy it as if with fresh eyes. I am getting quite old and forgetful, now that you mention it.
Verdict: If we needed any more proof that L'Amour is the best western writer ever, the editor of this collection Jon Tuska gives us more, setting L'Amour's storytelling next to two other classic western writers and L'Amour's is decidedly easier to read, better-paced, with more colorful characters and a more suspenseful tale. Reading the Grey and Brand stories first feels like an interestingly difficult and rewarding mountain climb before an easier but more scenic hike back down the hill with L'Amour.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
Tappan's Burro, Zane Grey (western)
A short 1923 novel by Zane Grey, "Tappan's Burro" is a point-of-view adventure with an independent loner gold miner named Tappan who has a loveable mule named Jenet. The two dodge claim-jumping bandits, search for a legendary gold mine, and deal with a brother and sister team who don't seem all they are pretending to be. It is fun because we see Tappan's relatable interactions with a loyal pet but also see that this pet is, well, a donkey, and its gonna be loyal but also kind of just do its own thing.
Verdict: Tappan's and Jenet's pursuit of gold in the Death Valley region of California has a number of interesting tense and humorous situations amidst an immersive tale - we feel like we're there with Tappan - making it a smart and grounded picture of the old west. A short one.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
Jargan, Max Brand (western)
This short old western stars "Jargan" as its point-of-view protagonist, a kind of drifting cowboy gambler who hovers around the same town all year long, essentially owning it in spirit but not dwelling there during the seasons when he is out playing cards. He is now returning to relax and notices an undercurrent of odd behavior by some tough-looking guys in town he hasn't seen before. He asks around and learns there has been an attack and robbery at an old Mexican's ranch. The Mexican foiled that attack with some quick knife work before being injured himself and then the whites who rescued and brought him to town to treat his injuries also owned the bank note for his ranch and evicted him.
An unexpected but interesting villain presents herself early in this one, the nurse with the "pinched-up eyes and a low forehead," "little, pig-like eyes" who has a pet black cat that she talks to, in charge of the old Mexican's nursing. Brand's writing style works in these descriptive sequences as we see the superstitious Jargan's viewpoint, all these strange surreal atmospheric descriptions of people and events while they happen so we're always just getting a weird-half of the whole story.
As for a cross-genre recommendation, if any of you folks reading my review here are fans of 1900's-1920's Stoker or du Maurier and are not big on westerns, maybe try a random short Max Brand novel and see if it works for you. There are dozens of them free or almost-free on the amazon/kindle store, however...
Verdict: ...despite my light praise for Brand's prose above, I'll admit "Jargan" is actually not that good a story after the first half. He's got much better stuff out there.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
In Louis L'Amour's "The Trail to Crazy Man," Rafe Caradec starts on board a sailing ship, having been shanghaied and pressed into service for a whole year now when his friend dies and passes him the deed to his Wyoming ranch, asking that his friend Rafe find his wife and daughter and give them the deed. Rafe finds the ranch along Crazy Man Creek (hence the title) and the girls have been pushed off it, taken over by a ruffian named Bruce Barkow and some of his sinister hands. There's an even tougher group of power-rustlers in town and Rafe has trouble convincing the daughter that this Barkow character is up to no good.
"Trail to Crazy Man" was written in 1948 and was later stretched into a longer novel and movie called "Crossfire Trail" which I haven't read yet. I'm probably ruining for myself a better read later but figure if I wait ten years before trying Crossfire I might forget the story and enjoy it as if with fresh eyes. I am getting quite old and forgetful, now that you mention it.
Verdict: If we needed any more proof that L'Amour is the best western writer ever, the editor of this collection Jon Tuska gives us more, setting L'Amour's storytelling next to two other classic western writers and L'Amour's is decidedly easier to read, better-paced, with more colorful characters and a more suspenseful tale. Reading the Grey and Brand stories first feels like an interestingly difficult and rewarding mountain climb before an easier but more scenic hike back down the hill with L'Amour.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
Tappan's Burro, Zane Grey (western)
A short 1923 novel by Zane Grey, "Tappan's Burro" is a point-of-view adventure with an independent loner gold miner named Tappan who has a loveable mule named Jenet. The two dodge claim-jumping bandits, search for a legendary gold mine, and deal with a brother and sister team who don't seem all they are pretending to be. It is fun because we see Tappan's relatable interactions with a loyal pet but also see that this pet is, well, a donkey, and its gonna be loyal but also kind of just do its own thing.
Verdict: Tappan's and Jenet's pursuit of gold in the Death Valley region of California has a number of interesting tense and humorous situations amidst an immersive tale - we feel like we're there with Tappan - making it a smart and grounded picture of the old west. A short one.
Jeff's Rating: 3 / 5 (Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
Jargan, Max Brand (western)
This short old western stars "Jargan" as its point-of-view protagonist, a kind of drifting cowboy gambler who hovers around the same town all year long, essentially owning it in spirit but not dwelling there during the seasons when he is out playing cards. He is now returning to relax and notices an undercurrent of odd behavior by some tough-looking guys in town he hasn't seen before. He asks around and learns there has been an attack and robbery at an old Mexican's ranch. The Mexican foiled that attack with some quick knife work before being injured himself and then the whites who rescued and brought him to town to treat his injuries also owned the bank note for his ranch and evicted him.
An unexpected but interesting villain presents herself early in this one, the nurse with the "pinched-up eyes and a low forehead," "little, pig-like eyes" who has a pet black cat that she talks to, in charge of the old Mexican's nursing. Brand's writing style works in these descriptive sequences as we see the superstitious Jargan's viewpoint, all these strange surreal atmospheric descriptions of people and events while they happen so we're always just getting a weird-half of the whole story.
As for a cross-genre recommendation, if any of you folks reading my review here are fans of 1900's-1920's Stoker or du Maurier and are not big on westerns, maybe try a random short Max Brand novel and see if it works for you. There are dozens of them free or almost-free on the amazon/kindle store, however...
Verdict: ...despite my light praise for Brand's prose above, I'll admit "Jargan" is actually not that good a story after the first half. He's got much better stuff out there.
Jeff's Rating: 2 / 5 (Okay)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG
November 11, 2023
A collection of three Western novellas, one each by Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour and Max Brand, perhaps the most prolific authors in the field. I'm not sure these tales represent the authors' best work, but it was really interesting to read them back to back and compare the authors' styles. Tappan's Burro, by Grey, wasn't my favorite story, but he seems to me by far the best writer of the three. L'Amour and Brand churned out stories, getting rich but not producing quality writing. The Trail to Crazy Man, by L'Amour, was the most exciting story, whereas Jargan, by Brand, was a rambling mess. I have to say, with all due respect to Grey, whose work I really like, that none of these authors' work stands up to the Western stories of Elmore Leonard. Leonard, best known for his crime novels, wrote wonderful Westerns, powerful and reasonably realistic. Don't miss them if you're interested in the genre.
September 6, 2017
There are three novellas in this collection (I have the hardback, large print edition).
I enjoyed Zane Grey's "Tappan's Burro" while, "Jargan" by Max Brand never caught my interest well enough to read it all.
Louis L'Amour's "The Trail to Crazy Man" thoroughly pleased me.
The editor, Jon Tuska, wrote useful bios on the authors. His note on Louis L'Amour made me laugh when he remarked that L'Amour had seven basic plots that he used in his vast output.
I enjoyed Zane Grey's "Tappan's Burro" while, "Jargan" by Max Brand never caught my interest well enough to read it all.
Louis L'Amour's "The Trail to Crazy Man" thoroughly pleased me.
The editor, Jon Tuska, wrote useful bios on the authors. His note on Louis L'Amour made me laugh when he remarked that L'Amour had seven basic plots that he used in his vast output.
May 23, 2022
Three Novellas By The Three Best Western Authors Todate
The first novella by Zane Grey is about a lonely gold prospector looking for his love. The second is by Max Brand about Jargan (a gambler) who gets curious about a man lighting a cigarette and something that happens at a window. The last is written about a group of sailors who desert after being shanghaied and go to a ranch in Wyoming.
The first novella by Zane Grey is about a lonely gold prospector looking for his love. The second is by Max Brand about Jargan (a gambler) who gets curious about a man lighting a cigarette and something that happens at a window. The last is written about a group of sailors who desert after being shanghaied and go to a ranch in Wyoming.
March 24, 2023
WOW! WOW!! WOW!!!
Reading these stories had me on the edge of my seat, unlike even watching wild westerns over the years on television. My first was "Betty Zane," and that has always been a favorite of mine since a teenager. I am definitely going to read more L'Amour, Grey and Brand books in the future. I appreciated the back stories on these authors as well.
Reviewed by J Matthews - March 24, 2023
Reading these stories had me on the edge of my seat, unlike even watching wild westerns over the years on television. My first was "Betty Zane," and that has always been a favorite of mine since a teenager. I am definitely going to read more L'Amour, Grey and Brand books in the future. I appreciated the back stories on these authors as well.
Reviewed by J Matthews - March 24, 2023
June 11, 2022
Classic western storyteling
When it comes to the western genre, these guys are the masters, Louis L'Amour being the best of the bunch. Guns, cattle, damsels in distress, saloons, injuns...all the elements are threaded together with sublime storytelling. My only reservation is the stories are too predictable.
When it comes to the western genre, these guys are the masters, Louis L'Amour being the best of the bunch. Guns, cattle, damsels in distress, saloons, injuns...all the elements are threaded together with sublime storytelling. My only reservation is the stories are too predictable.
March 14, 2023
1 out of 3 is great in baseball
Watching paint dry is akin to what I labored through for the first two books. Batting .333 is great in baseball. Lamour hit it out of the park with his entry in this trio. Too bad the film "Crossfire Trail" did not stay true to the story. Still one of my favorite western films.
Watching paint dry is akin to what I labored through for the first two books. Batting .333 is great in baseball. Lamour hit it out of the park with his entry in this trio. Too bad the film "Crossfire Trail" did not stay true to the story. Still one of my favorite western films.
December 17, 2019
The best of three great great western story authors in a verit
Veritable nutshell of excitement seldom excelled but never equaled. Written during the peak of their careers, each of these men had much to be proud of.
Veritable nutshell of excitement seldom excelled but never equaled. Written during the peak of their careers, each of these men had much to be proud of.
November 6, 2021
A western of true grit!This was a well written and exciting western, and of course one of many that LeMoure did.
There were times when it was a little drug out, like in the fight between Rafe and Shutes. It was one of those events that could be run in to boredom.
There were times when it was a little drug out, like in the fight between Rafe and Shutes. It was one of those events that could be run in to boredom.
October 12, 2022
the Golden West
These were good stories, but the endings kinda left you hanging. I’m not usually a western reader, but thought I’d give these a try. I’ll probably read more of their books sometime
These were good stories, but the endings kinda left you hanging. I’m not usually a western reader, but thought I’d give these a try. I’ll probably read more of their books sometime
March 1, 2023
Classic Western novels
With a few minor discrepancies ( like jeans not being invented until 20 years after the timeline) these are the stories that have formed our thoughts about how the West was won.
With a few minor discrepancies ( like jeans not being invented until 20 years after the timeline) these are the stories that have formed our thoughts about how the West was won.
July 4, 2024
Great Western Stories
These are very satisfying Western stories by master story tellers. There are the usual horses, guns, cowboys and Indians, some brutality, and some tenderness. I liked the friendships. I enjoyed the descriptions of the surroundings.
These are very satisfying Western stories by master story tellers. There are the usual horses, guns, cowboys and Indians, some brutality, and some tenderness. I liked the friendships. I enjoyed the descriptions of the surroundings.
January 5, 2022
Excellent reads
Excellent, rustic style of writing, with vivid description of the West. Keeps you engrossed all the time and wish for more.
Excellent, rustic style of writing, with vivid description of the West. Keeps you engrossed all the time and wish for more.
May 20, 2022
Excellent
Three will written western novels. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story lines are complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the conclusion 2020
Three will written western novels. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story lines are complicated with lots of misdirection leading to the conclusion 2020
June 1, 2022
Ties that bind
Three really good stories of commitment and dedication, but to me the one written by Louis L'Amour stands above the others by a large margin.
Three really good stories of commitment and dedication, but to me the one written by Louis L'Amour stands above the others by a large margin.
October 24, 2022
Unsure
Really don’t care about the condensed form of these three books. As a matter of fact didn’t read it all
Really don’t care about the condensed form of these three books. As a matter of fact didn’t read it all
January 8, 2023
Always love Louis L'Amour haven't read much of Max Brand before.
January 25, 2023
Fair read
Was to much fighting in the end then ended the book, left me stranded.Will try again wasn't totally bar. Thank you
Was to much fighting in the end then ended the book, left me stranded.Will try again wasn't totally bar. Thank you
March 16, 2023
I like a good western. This book is 3 short novels, 3 different authors. I enjoyed them all, but the Louis L'Amour was hands down my favorite.
August 14, 2023
The stories are entertaining and well-written. The use of bookmarks is necessary as chapters are not indexed.
January 17, 2024
Absolutely First Class.
Good read. I almost feel as if I was there, as I turned the pages. Great stuff from three of the best...
Good read. I almost feel as if I was there, as I turned the pages. Great stuff from three of the best...
June 4, 2024
Good cowboy stories.
September 28, 2025
The l'amour one was the only one worth reading. The Zane Grey was dull and plodding. The Max Brand dnf.
May 23, 2021
If you like reading westerns -- and if you have the opportunity to read one book. with stories by Zane Grey, Max Brand, and Louis L'Amour; well it just doesn't get much better than that! Three short stories, one by each of the three of the best writers about the Old West. I will gladly confess that may favorite was the one by Zane Grey, and it was a little bit on the unusual side, If you are the type, and if you are you know it -- you will love this book.
August 14, 2016
Nice short story western collection. Three stories by great western authors.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews