Arizona Ames

by Zane Grey

(1875-1939) Escritor estadounidense. Nació en Zanesville (Ohio). Se graduó en el año 1896 en la Universidad de Pensilvania como dentista, profesión que ejerció en Nueva York entre 1898 y 1904, época en que empezó a escribir. Autor de cerca de sesenta libros, la mayoría de ellos de aventuras ambientadas en el Oeste, de los que vendió más de 15 millones de ejemplares en vida, llegando a ser el escritor de Estados Unidos más famoso en los años posteriores a la I Guerra Mundial. Falleció el 28 de octubre de 1939.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction, Romance, Classics

310 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2014

About the author

Pearl Zane Grey was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the rugged Old West. As of June 2007, the Internet Movie Database credits Grey with 110 films, one TV episode, and a series, Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theater based loosely on his novels and short stories.

Reviews

[Daniel Villines · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s not much here that would satisfy a love for creative and insightful writing. Zane Grey writes Westerns for those that want their stories filled with manly men doing manly things with horses, cattle, or guns. Women are treated respectfully, but are depicted as creatures of comfort in a world filled with hardships for men. Plots may be curvy, not twisty, and characters must be either good or evil. Arizona Ames satisfies all of these objectives.

The only outstanding element of Arizona Ames, and Zane Grey novels in general, is Grey’s descriptions of western landscapes. Grey paints landscapes with words and his descriptions of forest, mountains, deserts, animals, and skies are always beautifully crafted. Reading Grey’s descriptions while driving through Arizona over this last weekend helped to enhance the desert scenery.

Throughout the novel, however, the reader receives a large dose of racism. A white complexion, blond hair, and blue eyes are used to promote Arizona Ames’ wholesome goodness. While not all the bad guys are black, the one that defines Arizona Ames as the good-guy-with-a-gun is most certainly black. He is described with a variety of racial slurs that suggest that his skin color alone explains his need for redemption by death.

While I’ve come to expect novels of the early 20th Century to incorporate racists elements that reflect social attitudes of the time, Arizona Ames seems to relish the opportunity. Racism is present in Arizona Ames not only as a byproduct of society, but also as a belief that must have been fully and enthusiastically embraced by Zane Grey.

[Szplug · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prolific Mr. Zane Grey, that flinty patrician who wrote somewhere in the neighborhood of a zillion westerns that were eaten-up by readers from every part of the world, from all walks of life. Was he a furtherer of that distorted, romantic, self-sufficient-hero mythology of the American western frontier that went such a long ways to muddying the waters of what the historic actuality was? Were those violent passions—love, lust, hate, revenge, jealousy—given their free, horse-bound rein to propel along plots that were but dime-store pulps set amidst sagebrush and cattle ranches? I suppose that's what his critics would say, to which I might answer: yep, but damn, they were the kind of stories that grip a kid right in gut and hurl him into a dry and dusty wilderness where everything happens with a sudden violence and firm-jawed coolness and clear-cut righteousness and true-love-seeking desire that, by the book's conclusion, makes everything fall right into place like a satisfying and fun jigsaw puzzle that took a few hours to put together and was well worth every second spent. All I can remember about this first Grey is the bad guy at the start, Skunk Tate (and what a great handle that is) who messes with Arizona Ames' beautiful (natch) sister, to the degree that Ames opens a serious can of whoop-ass upon Skunk and his equally verminous brothers. Now Ames has to make like a log and split—but, before the end, the reluctant, chisel-jawed, handsome-like-a-fine-bottle-of-whisky cowpoke will win the heart of the beautiful (natch) daughter of his employer whilst, when finally pushed so far that his back is against the wall and all is about to be lost, donning those locked-away and shiny six-shooters and going lethal Lucky Luke on those bastard troublemakers until they's all dead, and Ames and the gal are making out like a pair of flushed and heated teenagers in the back seat at a drive-in.

This book actually inspired me to write my first real story: twenty-five pages of clichéd and utterly ridiculous dreck that featured an Ames knockoff—Barton Quade, can you fucking believe it?—and his trusty young sidekick called, after a consternating bout of (kid)writer's block, only by his rather obvious nickname—wait for it—the Two-Gun Kid which caused even my blessed mother to raise an eyebrow and struggle to suppress her laughter when she dutifully performed her maternal duty and read the entire oops!-liquid-papered-and-typed-over mess. Lots of shooting, only a bit of killing (I'm Canadian, after all) and, in furtherance of the information imparted in the last set of parentheses, featuring a cast of cowpokes and villains and ladies all far too polite, really, to have actually existed anywhere but, say, in the Palliser's Triangle region of Alberta or the Cariboo Country of British Columbia. What the hell did I know about New Mexico as a bowl-cut string bean in southeastern Ontario? I might have been in awe and thrall to the great J.R.R.T., but it was Zane Grey who gave me that first inspiration to grab the dusty old typewriter and bang out a tale. I'll bet he can claim credit for a legion of young 'uns who did exactly as I, trying to be him: which, when you think on it, is about as great a legacy that an author can leave behind as anything.

[Liam Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zane, I can't believe I wasted time with this book. Here's why it's terrible and you should feel embarrassed:

1) Hey, Zane, I've got a tip for you. This is not a real sentence, and it is copied verbatim:

"That worthy ejaculated, 'Lord!'"

Get an editor.

2) Here's another sentence that is terrible and representative of the book as a whole:

"'I reckon not,' rejoined Tanner, gloomily, yet he thrilled in his gloom."

Good God, Zane. I don't even know where to start. First of all, why can't anyone ever just say something? Why do they always have to rejoin it or ejaculate it or drawl it? Doesn't anyone just talk in your world?

Next, adverbs are the bastard children of grammar. If you're using too many adverbs, it's because you're not using your dialogue right. I should know that someone is saying something gloomily because of the goddamn context.

Finally, what in the hell does "he thrilled in his gloom" even mean? He was happy to be gloomy? He enjoyed the gloom? He had a nervous tremor? If it's the last option, which I think you meant it to be, why do you say "yet," like "in spite of himself, he was nervous"? You make me sick.

3) Look, I understand that 1930 was a different time. I get that. But Zane, you edit out all the curse words with lines but leave the N-word in. Not only that, but you use it as punctuation on the worst insults. Take this quote from a Southern belle talking about her awful husband:

"A beast who paws me - tears my clothes off! Beats me! A dog! A n----r!"

Jesus Christ, Zane. Just... Jesus Christ.

4) You introduce piles of characters, spend a long time in the beginning setting up every last person, then abandon them all right afterwards. Then you introduce another pile of characters, then you get bored with them too and move on. You're like a spoiled child with too many toys. Just pick some characters and make them interesting.

5) How did Arizona Ames get so good at shooting? We're introduced to this guy, and he's just a normal guy. We don't even spend any time with him for the first 20 pages of your frigging book. Then he's introduced, then he kills a room full of people including a sheriff after about 60 pages out of nowhere? After that he's the fastest gun in the West? It's like... you don't understand how to create characters. Do you? Do you really?

In conclusion, I can't believe people made you rich by reading your worthless tripe. You owe me for the time I wasted reading your book.

And once again... seriously? "Ejaculated?" Didn't that mean anything else in the 30's? Were there no medical textbooks? God.

[Heather Ashington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't rightly know what to say about this book, published in 1932. It took me a while to get into the language of the dialogue. I nearly ditched it, as it seemed so contrived. But then I began to get flashes of the old Western series that used to play before the main movie back in the 1960's when we were taken to the drive-in by my parents. That's exactly how the actors used to talk - so I relaxed into it and enjoyed the ride!

[Jarred Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable western with multiple interesting plots. The first section was my favorite, and provided a very interesting depth to the main character for the rest of the book

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way Grey describes the environment and people throughout is beautiful, I was in awe at some of the language used. The protagonist, Ames, is someone you continually root for, as he shows incredible depth and we learn that he does not settle for anything unless it is right. This is most evident in his choice (or lack of) in women, which so much of the book was centred around. The gunslinging and ranching is still there as you'd expect, but always comes as a result of romance, in one way or another. Yet because Ames is so compelling this never gets boring; you become invested in his life and seeing how his story unfolds leaves you satisfied. A must read!

[Richard Koerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book and was in heaven. It is well written and I immediately sensed from the first page that I was going to like it. I immediately went into the next book by Zane Gray: The Riders of Purple Sage. I like the character descriptions, I loved the depiction of the life in the west, and I was a bit surprised and loved the way in which you could actually hear how the people talked by the spelling of the words. The heros were idealists and careful to not settle for just anyone as a life partner.

[Debby · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Zane Grey western. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I read a very old copy checked out of the library which had obviously been read many times. The blanks where the curse words should be made me laugh at first but I don't enjoy ugly language so I appreciated it. My heart calls the mountain west home. The picture the author paints with words brings the area to life.
Yes it is a stereo typical western novel with bad guys, good guys, pretty girls, horses and cows but I enjoyed it tremendously. It takes you back to a time when life was tough in a growing country.

[Tj Paulson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have been a Zane Grey fan since I was a kid. He has always been my favorite Western author. I make many trips to his cabin in Arizona and buy any ZG book I can get my hands on.

With all that said, this book was hard for me to get through. This has never happened to me before while reading Zane Grey and I am very sad about it. I didn't enjoy the disjointed storytelling in this book and found it distracting.

I simply didn't enjoy this book. If this was your first ZG book and you didn't love it, give another one a try because most are incredible.

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a few chapters to get into the 1930’s-style dialect in written form, but wow this was a solid Western. Just the right amount of fighting, and an unusually strong representation of women. It’s no surprise that so many of Grey’s works have been adapted for film- the novel’s descriptions were already cinematic. At one point I stopped after reading two paragraphs of description just to marvel at the workmanship.

[Richard Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Classic Zane Grey Western

I was raised on novels by Mulford , Raine, Brand and others who wrote of the West from a mere twenty or thirty years ago perspective. Later I devoured L’Amour, Lane and the other writers of the late 20th century. I never really could get into the flowery style of Zane Grey but after visiting the Southwest and high plains I understand his need to paint this country in words.

[Captivated Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I read it as a blind date with a book and it wasn’t something I would normally pick but I loved the story. The language was difficult to get past at first but other than the plot was well developed and the characters completely original!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Zane Grey novels that involve Arizona. They are amazing to read, even in 2019. The only dislike I have is they are too short. I pick one up and read it in an evening. I truly want the story to continue.

[Russell G Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cowboys cowboy, a friend to all decent folks and a bit shy

around the ladies, but the day comes when the time is right and he must protect a family, one a lady with which he has fallen madly in love.

[Roger Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

They don't make them anymore.

Oh, the beauty of Zane Grey's writing. The adjectives he uses can put you right in the middle with the characters in the book. We don't see that much anymore.

[Michael D. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invisible Hero!

I believe in our ancestors of the old west! Hardy, strong, honorable, adventuresome, seeking the fastest to create an environment of peace, goodwill no matter the cost! That is the true test of how the West was won!

[Robert Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic Zane Grey

I have been.a Zane Grey fan for more than 80 years, returning to favorites to read again and again. Each time is like a new read. Each book is like an old friend revisited.

[Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zane Grey is ok, but, I've never REALLY liked them a lot. I will read them, but,....
This book was better than others of his that I have read.

[Martha Stiltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked this a lot.

[Lawrence Kopecky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

Typical Zane Grey
You cannot put it down. Wonderful story about a real cowboy in the real old west. Fabulous

[Kurt H. Cushwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gun Smoke

Interesting insight into the original western novel. It reads like a collection of old Gun Smoke TV episodes. I enjoyed it, but one of these books is enough.

[Bill Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

The type of western that made many people like westerns. Some language I did not like, but was consistent with the style of time frame it was written.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Read

Typical Zane Grey. Enjoyable to read. Gets a little verbose in his descriptions but a fun book. Light and entertaining.

[Richard Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read a Zane Gray novel for 50 or 60
Years. I have to admit I loved it. The sentences may have offended some people but as most of the students in school can not read, I rest my case
I enjoyed reading a book that does not have numerable sex scenes, killings etc. And even a decent plot and a nice ending.

[Jack Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zane grey is always good read.

Thoughful, no bad language and leaves you feeling good at the end. Enjoy all his books even his young adult ones.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to read a Zane Grey western again. It has been a while. This one had some good plot twists. He got the girl in the end but it took awhile.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually, it's been a while since I read it. We live in the Southwest during the winter and Zane Grey really makes it come alive. Plus, he spins a great tale -- and improves my vocabulary.

[Stefaniab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This late-period Zane Grey is not the best of his novels by far. However, Rich (Arizona) Ames is one of his most likeable gunslingers. After the bad guys try to "ruin" his twin sister Nesta, Ames grabs his pistols and the bloody gunfight follows. Unfortunately, his criminal actions forces him to flee from his beloved Nesta and his happy Tonto Rim home, pursued by the law and vengeful family members

Typical Western fare, especially for the 1930s. What piqued my interest and kept me reading was Ames' indefatigable tendency to repeat his hero-gunslinger actions all over the map of the West. Whenever there is a bad guy threatening a girl, a nasty foreman swindling his cowboys, or rustlers threatening farmers, Ames shows up with his guns and saves the day. He's a walkin', talkin', deus ex machina cowboy.

I really do enjoy Zane Grey. Yes, a lot of his characters and plots are stereotypes. But consider this, many of Western literature stereotypes were originated in Zane Grey's novels and movies. Is the original still the greatest? In many cases, yes.

[Hawthorn Mineart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of his 60+ westerns, Arizona Ames was one of 13 that are set in the Tonto Basin/Mogollon Rim area where Zane Grey kept a hunting cabin. This also happened to be where I was visiting when I picked a copy of the book to read, which was a nice way to visualize the landscape that he lovingly detailed. I was surprised that so much of the book is based on romance and whether Arizona Ames is ever gonna get the girl -- it's like chick-lit for boys, with some horse-ridin', gun-fightin' and cattle-rustlin' thrown it to keep it from getting too girly. It was written in 1954, so none of the female characters have any power or responsibility, and all need to be rescued, which is about what you'd expect from the era.

[Benjamin Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of Westerns over the years, mostly the big names like Louis L'Amour, Larry McMurtry, Matt Braun, William Johnstone, Max Brand, etc. But until now I had never read the grandaddy of them all, Zane Grey.

This was pretty much what I expected: a good yarn but hampered by the typical cardboard characters of the day and the writing style of 1930's era pulp fiction. In other words, there was way too much dialogue depicted in an almost funny western drawl. It really slowed me down trying to make my way through all of the "plum figgered 'at out" sort of dialog. But as I said, I expected that. I'm not sure I would ordinarily seek out more of Zane Grey's novels but since I inherited about 40 of them from my dad, I'm sure I'll be moseyin' down that there trail agin' right soon.