Out of the Wilderness: A Western Story

by Max Brand

[Read by Barry Press]

A work from the pen of renowned Western author Max Brand. - - Peter Dunstan is a big rancher who wants to become bigger, to control more land. So when he buys Dr. Henry Morgan's ranchland that has been unsuccessfully converted to farming, it is his intention to return it to open range. The only stipulation the doctor makes is that Dunstan must retain Sandy Sweyn, who has more or less been Dr. Morgan's ward. Though the man is of age, he is generally considered a half-wit, even by the doctor. Still, Sandy has a fabulous he can communicate with animals. The most refractory and savage bronco will yield to his subtly persuasive methods even when expert horse breakers have failed. - - After Sandy gentles the totally recalcitrant gelding that Dunstan has been trying to break to the reins, he claims that his mare, Cleo, though used only for drudgery, could easily outrun the gelding in a race. Dunstan is so contemptuous of this boast that he bets $5,000 and ownership of the gelding if he loses the race. As it turns out, Cleo readily wins. - - Rather than indulging his anger, Dunstan decides to use Sandy's gifts to his advantage by getting him seemingly impossible tasks. The problem is that after each of these incredible tasks is accomplished, some personal misfortune befalls Dunstan. Finally Dunstan drives Sandy into the mountain wilderness, where his prowess eventually becomes legendary. But banishment is no solution for Dunstan when he comes to need Sandy more than ever, and his only way of getting him back is to resort to trickery.

Genres: Westerns

1 pages, MP3 CD

First published July 1, 2014

About the author

Frederick Schiller Faust (see also Frederick Faust), aka Frank Austin, George Owen Baxter, Walter C. Butler, George Challis, Evin Evan, Evan Evans, Frederick Faust, John Frederick, Frederick Frost, David Manning, Peter Henry Morland, Lee Bolt, Peter Dawson, Martin Dexter, Dennis Lawson, M.B., Hugh Owen, Nicholas Silver

Max Brand, one of America's most popular and prolific novelists and author of such enduring works as Destry Rides Again and the Doctor Kildare stories, died on the Italian front in 1944.

Reviews

[Lisa N · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different kind of western than I’ve read before with a bit of a mythological flair. It’s also written in an unusual way with old fashion sentence structure. The main character is considered to be simple minded but he can communicate with animals and has almost Herculean strength. Much to the surprise of his enemies he is able to outwit and overcome all those that come against him. Even though this was a bit unusual I liked Sandy and his connection with the animals and rooted for him against each enemy.

[Adrian Iswariah]

Loved this book. Slightly more modern time setting (telephones are mentioned more than once) and people are not quite so quick to the draw. But still very wild and a sense of the fantastical about it all.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable but a bit unbelievable for a western.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autobook
This book got me my sweet spot!
A special dog, Irish Setter, a special horse, a cowboy with special feelings for nature,agirl.
.so i am a 86 yo romantic. Lived it

[RJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy Swain, regarded as a half-wit, was a simple man, a gentle man who had a way with animals. His boss and caretaker Dr. Henry Morgan was heading back east and sold the ranch to Peter Dunston, the biggest rancher in the territory. Dr. Morgan made one caveat to the sale that Dunston retains Swain and takes care of him. Dunston was a hard man, a harsh, overbearing, and egotistical man. He didn’t want to be saddled with a half-wit like Swain but he gave Dr. Morgan his word. Swain did indeed have a way with animals as he easily managed animals that no cowboy could handle or get close to. Slowly Dunston changed his mind and realized the valuable skills Swain possessed. The tale takes an abrupt turn introducing Elana Blanca, a small white mare ridden by Catalina Murandos, the cruel, spoiled brat of a wealthy landowner. Elana escapes from her owner and Catalina promises to marry whoever returns Elana Blanca. Dunston of course puts Swain on the job. The story continues on this new plotline. It’s an interesting and somewhat heart-warming tale. The effect Sandy Swain has on people, as well as animals, shows that he is not the half-wit most people take him for. I like the story although the ending seems a bit rushed.

[Jim Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seldom read westerns. Drawn by curiosity about the author. Amazing guy wrote 30 million words till he was killed in action in Italy in 1944. Prose is almost quaint but he always tells a great story.
Very impressive
He output was so prolific he is printed or reprinted every 4 months almost 70 years after his death

[Alyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this wasn't your atypical western novels. But then again I say that about most of Max Brand's novels.
It was a fresh and thorough story that had humor without being cheesy.

[Wendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised. Good story--very well read by Barry Press.