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When a Man's a Man
Book Supply Company, 8/1916, burgundy cloth cover. The dust cover is missing on this copy.
" "When a Man's a Man" is a story of the real heart of the life of the unfenced land of ranch and range in Northern Arizona. The spirit and motive of the story is best expressed, perhaps, in the familiar lines of that plowboy poet so dear to the great heart of the world, "A man's a man for all that."
While the pages are crowded with the thrilling incidents that belong to the adventurous life depicted, one feels, always, beneath the surface of the stirring scenes the great primitive and enduring life forces that the men and women of this story portray, and we are made to feel and understand that there come to everyone those times when in spite of all, above all and at any cost, a man must be a man.
The illustrations and decorations-about fifty in all-are made by the author from sktches drawn on the scenes of the story."
--The Publisher
While the story is about the conflict between cattle men and rustler, on a more important level the story is about the conflict between the values and culture of eastern cities (or at least a caricature of those values) and the values and culture of western ranchers and farmers.
" "When a Man's a Man" is a story of the real heart of the life of the unfenced land of ranch and range in Northern Arizona. The spirit and motive of the story is best expressed, perhaps, in the familiar lines of that plowboy poet so dear to the great heart of the world, "A man's a man for all that."
While the pages are crowded with the thrilling incidents that belong to the adventurous life depicted, one feels, always, beneath the surface of the stirring scenes the great primitive and enduring life forces that the men and women of this story portray, and we are made to feel and understand that there come to everyone those times when in spite of all, above all and at any cost, a man must be a man.
The illustrations and decorations-about fifty in all-are made by the author from sktches drawn on the scenes of the story."
--The Publisher
While the story is about the conflict between cattle men and rustler, on a more important level the story is about the conflict between the values and culture of eastern cities (or at least a caricature of those values) and the values and culture of western ranchers and farmers.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1916
28 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Harold Bell Wright
79 books84 followersHarold Bell Wright was a best selling American author of the first part of the 20th century.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
Between 1903 and 1942, this minister-turned-author wrote nineteen books, several scripts for stage plays, and several magazine articles. At least fifteen movies were made from his novels. Seven of Wright's books appeared on the top ten best sellers lists, two of them twice, including a number one seller in 1914, a number two in 1916 and a third best seller three times.
He's best known for his work entitled The Shepherd of the Hills which was made into the well known, outdoor play, of the same name, performed in Branson, Mo.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 28, 2013
It is similar to The Virginian in many ways, it doesn't have the humor that The Virginian offers but it is a REALLY Good book! Similar and yet so different. It left me pondering, and it could be an interesting one to discuss. Some parts of the book left me a little confused, but it is such a good book. I think some of the things that are written in this small book are so profound. The last paragraph of chapter 13 really stood out to me. I'm going to quote it because I don't feel like it gives anything of the story away. "Gethsemane ain't no place, it's somethin' that happens. When ever a man goes up against himself, right there is where Gethsemane is. And right there, too is sure to be a fight. A man may not always know about it at the time; he may be too busy fightin' to understand just what it all means; but he'll know about it afterwards-- No matter which side of him wins, he'll know afterwards that it was the one big fight of his life."
November 11, 2014
I am still trying to decide whether I liked this book or not. A few things bothered me.
First, it was too message-driven. From the beginning the reader knows the premise: A man can only be a true man when he struggles against nature and wins. And I don’t mean human nature. In this story a wimpy, wealthy young man is rejected by the woman he loves because he has no character traits she can admire. So he goes out west to Arizona and becomes a cowboy. The great outdoors, the big-hearted ranch owner and harsh experiences transform him into a “real” man. I wouldn’t have minded this message if it had been more subtle, but Wright reminded the reader constantly that the cultured intellectuals of the big city were bloodless and soulless and only those in touch with their “earthy” side are in touch with their real selves. It got old after awhile.
Its second flaw was its verbosity. Patches (the developing hero) was described more than two dozen times as wearing a “mirthless, self-mocking smile”. I began to grit my teeth every time that worn-out phrase came up.
Lastly, although I don’t often read romances, I do like happy endings. This story leaves the hero alone and brooding at the end, and was unsatisfying.
A strange coincidence is that at the same time that I was reading this, I was listening to the story, Wanted: A Chaperone, which I believe was written about the same time as Wright’s book. In this story a young woman raised in simple farm-like surroundings is transplanted to the city. A wealthy young bachelor, who has given up hope of ever meeting a “real” woman, can’t believe his good luck in discovering her and marries her.
Ironically, a man can only be a man in country, but a woman can be a woman anywhere.
First, it was too message-driven. From the beginning the reader knows the premise: A man can only be a true man when he struggles against nature and wins. And I don’t mean human nature. In this story a wimpy, wealthy young man is rejected by the woman he loves because he has no character traits she can admire. So he goes out west to Arizona and becomes a cowboy. The great outdoors, the big-hearted ranch owner and harsh experiences transform him into a “real” man. I wouldn’t have minded this message if it had been more subtle, but Wright reminded the reader constantly that the cultured intellectuals of the big city were bloodless and soulless and only those in touch with their “earthy” side are in touch with their real selves. It got old after awhile.
Its second flaw was its verbosity. Patches (the developing hero) was described more than two dozen times as wearing a “mirthless, self-mocking smile”. I began to grit my teeth every time that worn-out phrase came up.
Lastly, although I don’t often read romances, I do like happy endings. This story leaves the hero alone and brooding at the end, and was unsatisfying.
A strange coincidence is that at the same time that I was reading this, I was listening to the story, Wanted: A Chaperone, which I believe was written about the same time as Wright’s book. In this story a young woman raised in simple farm-like surroundings is transplanted to the city. A wealthy young bachelor, who has given up hope of ever meeting a “real” woman, can’t believe his good luck in discovering her and marries her.
Ironically, a man can only be a man in country, but a woman can be a woman anywhere.
September 5, 2022
How does one summarize this high quality book? One day a stranger comes to Prescott, Arizona. Even though he has never worked on a ranch before he gets a job as a cowboy. The stranger reveals very little about himself and calls himself "Honorable Patches." At first he is a tenderfoot but it doesn't take to become a real cow puncher. This book is lesson on what it takes to be a real man. I believe this also applies to women as well. We all need to strive to be the best that God has created us to be.
December 6, 2023
A classic and best-selling book in it's time, this is a melodramatic story about happiness, pride in oneself, and success. There is the love of woman and man; the love of the land and place in Arizona. Just when the reader comes to the end, there is an unexpected twist the makes everything work out all right. Inspiration for a movie by the same name; the book is far better.
Locations/settings: [Arizona: Tucson, Prescott near Burnt Ranch, Cross Triangle Ranch, Williamson Valley, Granite Mountain, Camp Wood, Skull Valley, Big Chino Valley, Black Hills, Tailholt Mesa, Horse Wash Springs, Fair Oaks, Cherry Creek, Tonto/Tortilla Flat, Mint Wash, Yavapai County, Old Camp, Granite Basin]
Locations/settings: [Arizona: Tucson, Prescott near Burnt Ranch, Cross Triangle Ranch, Williamson Valley, Granite Mountain, Camp Wood, Skull Valley, Big Chino Valley, Black Hills, Tailholt Mesa, Horse Wash Springs, Fair Oaks, Cherry Creek, Tonto/Tortilla Flat, Mint Wash, Yavapai County, Old Camp, Granite Basin]
August 8, 2014
A stranger has come to Arizona. A stranger who will call himself Honorable Patches. He has come to this frontier land in search of manliness.
Helping him to find his manhood is the godlike cowboy, Phil Acton (as portrayed by Gene Autry).
Phil is wanting to win the hand of the only eligible bachelorette in the entire state: Kitty.
But Kitty wants to leave Arizona behind and live in the Big City.
Will Phil be able to talk Miss Kitty into giving up all her hopes and dreams and stay here in Podunk, Arizona and put him first?
Will Honorable Patches become the man he's always wanted to be?
Read the book to find out.
Helping him to find his manhood is the godlike cowboy, Phil Acton (as portrayed by Gene Autry).
Phil is wanting to win the hand of the only eligible bachelorette in the entire state: Kitty.
But Kitty wants to leave Arizona behind and live in the Big City.
Will Phil be able to talk Miss Kitty into giving up all her hopes and dreams and stay here in Podunk, Arizona and put him first?
Will Honorable Patches become the man he's always wanted to be?
Read the book to find out.
October 28, 2012
This book was published in 1916, so the language is a little different than if it had been written today. This book belonged to my husband's grandmother and he received it when his Mom passed away. The copy that he received was in disrepair, so I ordered on from Amazon to read. The story is set in Arizona. I wanted more when the book was finished. I did have a little bit of a hard time with all the flowery discriptive words in parts of the book. There is a love interest, a mystery element, and some cow wrestling all wrapped together in the story. All in all, I would recommend this book.
December 29, 2011
A quick, fiction read, this story is set in the Old West and extols the virtue of true manhood and womanhood. The context is a mysterious stranger who shows up to work at an Arizona ranch and continually leaves the more experienced hands astounded at his willingness to take on the most difficult exploits for the sake of proving his own character. The truth about his past and his real identity is gradually exposed, but not before he is forced to endure the hardest test of all – sacrificing his own reputation for the sake of those he aims to honor and protect.
October 22, 2012
One of my favorite fictional books of all the ones I read growing up. I enjoy Harold Bell Wright's style of writing and that his books are simply written from a Christian world view. Christianity is included in the background of the story, not artificially inserted like a lot of more modern Christian novels. Like most of his books, it challenges one to pursue virtue and making the right decisions wether they are what you want or not.
July 5, 2012
This is a book I have read many times over the years. Harold Bell Wright is a fantastic writer! This book takes place right here in the Prescott, AZ, area on a ranch up in Williamson Valley. It is a story of a man who comes west to find himself, and finally learns what it is that really makes a man a man. One of my favorite books.
February 3, 2008
This is one of my Dad's favorite books and I love it too. An old western story with love, adventure and hard work.
February 17, 2008
I love these old books! I have a bunch from my great-grandparents and they are like wise, comfortable, old friends.
February 22, 2012
A bit old fashioned for me, sort of like watching a film from the 1930s. But despite that, the characters ring true and the 'surprise' ending was worth waiting for.
October 20, 2013
Ranching and cowboying are good lifestyles to create and develop "real men. " I loved this book! A good old western.
December 29, 2023
We meet an unnamed man, walking out of Prescott, Arizona, and into the mountains. Phil Acton finds him and has a short, strange conversation with him. Phil points him in the direction of several farms that might be looking for help. The next day the young man arrives at the Cross Triangle ranch where Phil works. He is hired.
While out working in the fields a short time after his arrival, his horse gets away. But Kitty Reid brings the horse back.
Kitty grew up in the valley, but had been sent off east for an education, and now she finds herself bored and no longer interested in the simple life of ranchers.
Even Phil, her closest friend from childhood, is no longer of interest. “… She found herself hating the life, the land she loved…”
Patches has a run in with Nick Cambert and Yavapai Joe , a sad, beaten and lost young man. Nick pushes him around. Patches offers to help Joe, but Nick, intervenes and Patches punches him, knocking him out. Patches believes they are re-branding cattle to claim as their own.
Then a professor of aesthetics, Professor Parkhill, shows up in the area. Kitty spends a great deal of time with him. He would like to talk to Patches who makes out like he’s very stupid when he’s in front of the professor.
Phil has been depressed since he told Kitty he loved her but was rebuffed. He finally tells Patches what is on his mind. The Reids are selling their farm and will be leaving the valley. Patches seeks out Kitty and confirms her family’s plans. Kitty wishes to live in a place with more culture.
Patches tells her “The culture and the intellectual life that is dependent upon mere environment is a crippled culture and a sickly life. The mind that cannot find its food for thought wherever it may be planed will never hobble very far on crutches of superficial cults and societies.“ “You are leaving the substance, child, for the shadow. You are seeking the fads and fancies of shallow idlers and turning your back upon our eternal facts.”
Stanford Manning arrives with his wife Helen. Kitty and Helen had been friends when Kitty lived out east. They go to the rodeo. Helen recognizes Patches as her old flame, a man she describes as “worthless and useless.”
Stanford and Helen go off camping on their honeymoon. A wild bull charges their camp. It is being chased by Patches and almost kills Helen. He begs the two not to let anyone else know who he really is.
Professor Parkhill proposes marriage to Kitty Reid. She is horrified by the proposal. Her reaction is quite different than her reaction was to Phil’s announcement of love for her.
There is a shooting while Patches is off chasing rustlers, and a man is shot. That changes everything.
Some would say this is an anti-intellectual book. I would say, anti-Platonic, and that is not at all a bad thing. The slow pace and the ruminations of Patches gives it a cerebral feel, like an introduction or primer on stoicism or heroism. What is it to be a man? A favorite read of 2023.
While out working in the fields a short time after his arrival, his horse gets away. But Kitty Reid brings the horse back.
Kitty grew up in the valley, but had been sent off east for an education, and now she finds herself bored and no longer interested in the simple life of ranchers.
Even Phil, her closest friend from childhood, is no longer of interest. “… She found herself hating the life, the land she loved…”
Patches has a run in with Nick Cambert and Yavapai Joe , a sad, beaten and lost young man. Nick pushes him around. Patches offers to help Joe, but Nick, intervenes and Patches punches him, knocking him out. Patches believes they are re-branding cattle to claim as their own.
Then a professor of aesthetics, Professor Parkhill, shows up in the area. Kitty spends a great deal of time with him. He would like to talk to Patches who makes out like he’s very stupid when he’s in front of the professor.
Phil has been depressed since he told Kitty he loved her but was rebuffed. He finally tells Patches what is on his mind. The Reids are selling their farm and will be leaving the valley. Patches seeks out Kitty and confirms her family’s plans. Kitty wishes to live in a place with more culture.
Patches tells her “The culture and the intellectual life that is dependent upon mere environment is a crippled culture and a sickly life. The mind that cannot find its food for thought wherever it may be planed will never hobble very far on crutches of superficial cults and societies.“ “You are leaving the substance, child, for the shadow. You are seeking the fads and fancies of shallow idlers and turning your back upon our eternal facts.”
Stanford Manning arrives with his wife Helen. Kitty and Helen had been friends when Kitty lived out east. They go to the rodeo. Helen recognizes Patches as her old flame, a man she describes as “worthless and useless.”
Stanford and Helen go off camping on their honeymoon. A wild bull charges their camp. It is being chased by Patches and almost kills Helen. He begs the two not to let anyone else know who he really is.
Professor Parkhill proposes marriage to Kitty Reid. She is horrified by the proposal. Her reaction is quite different than her reaction was to Phil’s announcement of love for her.
There is a shooting while Patches is off chasing rustlers, and a man is shot. That changes everything.
Some would say this is an anti-intellectual book. I would say, anti-Platonic, and that is not at all a bad thing. The slow pace and the ruminations of Patches gives it a cerebral feel, like an introduction or primer on stoicism or heroism. What is it to be a man? A favorite read of 2023.
May 5, 2020
I love Harold Bell Wright's books, this is the second or third time I've read this one. It's interesting reading in the era of blue and red politics and the division between rural and urban since Mr. Wright's book is somewhat along the same lines. For him the divide is between the educated urban elite that look down on the rural "bumpkins." In this sense it reads quite contemporarily, although as one reads it, the book does reflect its own times.
I don't imagine woman reading it now will find much to like in his portrayal of women. The women in this book either don't matter, or act like the people needing to be rescued in those old black and white silent movies, helpless (but still able to ride a tough range horse) until the hero comes along to save them.
It's a rather more interesting book for men, since the book (not to mention the title), is basically answering the question, "what is it that makes a man a man?" According to Mr. Wright, definitely not the sissified, urban, educated elite, although if you are a "woke" elite, then that is okay, at least "woke" in the sense that you are humble enough to see that the rural bumpkin cowboys are tough as nails and can teach you a thing or two. I mean, cowboys are the same guys who looked at a 2000 pound brahma bull and said, "let's try to jump on that thing's back and ride it."
Perhaps Mr. Wright is correct after all.
I don't imagine woman reading it now will find much to like in his portrayal of women. The women in this book either don't matter, or act like the people needing to be rescued in those old black and white silent movies, helpless (but still able to ride a tough range horse) until the hero comes along to save them.
It's a rather more interesting book for men, since the book (not to mention the title), is basically answering the question, "what is it that makes a man a man?" According to Mr. Wright, definitely not the sissified, urban, educated elite, although if you are a "woke" elite, then that is okay, at least "woke" in the sense that you are humble enough to see that the rural bumpkin cowboys are tough as nails and can teach you a thing or two. I mean, cowboys are the same guys who looked at a 2000 pound brahma bull and said, "let's try to jump on that thing's back and ride it."
Perhaps Mr. Wright is correct after all.
March 3, 2015
That's the kind of hero I like: not afraid to try, not afraid of taking risks or looking bad. True to himself. Honourable.
One of my friends didn't like that he didn't get married in the end. But I say, how could it have been otherwise? He couldn't have married Kitty, not unless Phil died, and even then, it would have seemed corny and calloused. But I like it much better that Patches in the end is single, but content to see his friends happy, and he's skilled and living the life and making a difference.
One of my friends didn't like that he didn't get married in the end. But I say, how could it have been otherwise? He couldn't have married Kitty, not unless Phil died, and even then, it would have seemed corny and calloused. But I like it much better that Patches in the end is single, but content to see his friends happy, and he's skilled and living the life and making a difference.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
This is what a novel should be! Rich language, insights into human nature, solid characters with clear values, subtle rather than sordid with regard to romantic relations. This deserves a spot right next to The Virginian and should be read by every young man trying to understand the meaning of manhood. Loved everything about this book!
December 5, 2013
I found this antique-looking book at an arts market. It looked like it had a lot of character--worn yellowed pages and such, and so I tried it out. It's a bit quaint, but nonetheless enjoyable story of cowboys and character and rodeos and love. =)
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May 5, 2018When I first finished this book, I hated it. What’s the use of everything if the guy doesn’t get the girl in the end? But it made me think, and the more I thought, the more I loved it. Especially the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2010
awesome western, i want to be like the this guy.
November 15, 2014
Probably the last time I take a book recommendation from an 89 year old patient.
December 5, 2024
This is the first book of Harold Bell Wright that I have read. I must tell you that I found it in an antique shop where the owner did not consider this an "old book" so I got it for 25 cents. What a gem!!
A man loves a woman but the woman does not love him because he doesn't have manly characteristics, so she sets off to make him the man that she can love. He arrives in Prescott, AZ to work on a ranch as a cowboy, a job that he's never done before. Will the woman ever return his love?
A man loves a woman but the woman does not love him because he doesn't have manly characteristics, so she sets off to make him the man that she can love. He arrives in Prescott, AZ to work on a ranch as a cowboy, a job that he's never done before. Will the woman ever return his love?
December 12, 2021
The second book I have read by Harold Bell Wright. Both books were terrific. The language at the time may have been a bit different but it certainly does not distract you from the excellent writing and prose. I look forward to reading other works by the author.
April 9, 2021
Read by David Sharp. A mystery and a romance. Worth the read.
April 28, 2021
4 1/2 stars
February 1, 2025
There is so much emotional wreckage in this book that it is nauseating. I mean… bleccchhhh
November 3, 2025
Enjoyable read!
Honorable Patches kept my attention from start to finish and Harold Bell Wright taught me life lessons still applicable yet half forgotten. This was a keeper!
Honorable Patches kept my attention from start to finish and Harold Bell Wright taught me life lessons still applicable yet half forgotten. This was a keeper!
May 19, 2013
read this many times in my teenage years.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews