The Last Best Place: A Montana Anthology

by William Kittredge (Editor), Annick Smith (Editor)

This book is an anthology of some of the greatest stories and storytellers of the American West. Through eight chapters and over 800 pages, 150 writers present scores of myths, stories, poems, essays, and journals that document Montana's significant literary tradition. The selections range from pre-white Indian days to the present, and, taken as a whole, they offer a powerful microcosm of the entire western experience.

The chapters, each prefaced by an original essay, progress chronologically from myths and tales of the Indian people to accounts of exploration and the fur trade, followed by the mining and stockmen's frontiers, the agricultural and small town experience, as well as a special chapter on Butte―the richest hill on earth.

Contemporary chapters take up the emergence of the modern West in the middle years of the twentieth century as well as the renaissance of western literature in contemporary fiction and poetry. These chapters include many authors who have earned national reputations in fiction, poetry, and criticism, but they also include many younger writers whose careers are just beginning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Anthologies, Poetry, Literature, Short Stories

1160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

William Kittredge was born in 1932 in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[SmarterLilac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most depressing title ever. Explains why I've always wanted to visit Montana.

[Mountain Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweeping, epic, and VERY rich! I live in Montana and my book group chose to read this (!!). Our assignment was to skim the book and make note of a few essays/folklore tales/poems that particularly resonated with us. Then, we read the selections out loud during the gathering. It was a deep, dark snowy night and it was SO MUCH FUN!! I particularly liked the poetry by Wallace McRae, "Enter Ramona Laughing" by Wayne Ude, "Raising Goats" by Michael E. Moon, and the excerpts from "A Bride Goes West" by Nannie T. Alderson

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captures the essence of Native American, homesteader, pioneer, mining and other developing Montana cultures that natives and transplants to this region can all appreciate. My favorite is the diary of a Butte nurse working in the early 1900's in this infamous mining town! Also check out Dashiell Hammett's contribution.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping and comprehensive look at Montana through its literature. The Last Best Place is a book that I pick up time and again to discover stories ranging from Indian legends and journals of discovery to literature of modern Montana and contemporary fiction.

[Kristofer Petersen-Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sheer range of this project is remarkable. Here is a book that deserves a place on the shelf of anyone with a fondness for the literature and lore of the West. From Native American folk tales to contemporary poetry, this collection is a stunning accomplishment.

[Diana H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photography and the descriptions come close to what is wonderful about Montana.
Love it!!!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a book to dip into again and again, for a trip to Big Sky Country.

[Cindy Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sold this book before moving to Hawaii. Now I wish I'd kept it.