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Branded Man, The
Western novel.
- GenresWesterns
Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1936
23 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Luke Short
126 books36 followersLuke Short (real name Frederick Dilley Glidden) was a popular Western writer.
Born in Kewanee, Illinois Glidden attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for two and a half years and then transferred to the University of Missouri at Columbia to study journalism.
Following graduation in 1930 he worked for a number of newspapers before becoming a trapper in Canada then later moved to New Mexico to be an archeologist's assistant.
After reading Western pulp magazines and trying to escape unemployment he started writing Western fiction. He sold his first short story and novel in 1935 under the pen name of Luke Short (which was also the name of a famous gunslinger in the Old West, though it's unclear if he was aware of that when he assumed the pen name.)
After publishing over a dozen novels in the 1930s, he started writing for films in the 40s. In 1948 alone four Luke Short novels appeared as movies. Some of his memorable film credits includes Ramrod (1947) and Blood on the Moon (1948). He continued to write novels, despite increasing trouble with his eyes, until his death in 1975. His ashes are buried in Aspen, Colorado, his home at the time of his death.
Born in Kewanee, Illinois Glidden attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for two and a half years and then transferred to the University of Missouri at Columbia to study journalism.
Following graduation in 1930 he worked for a number of newspapers before becoming a trapper in Canada then later moved to New Mexico to be an archeologist's assistant.
After reading Western pulp magazines and trying to escape unemployment he started writing Western fiction. He sold his first short story and novel in 1935 under the pen name of Luke Short (which was also the name of a famous gunslinger in the Old West, though it's unclear if he was aware of that when he assumed the pen name.)
After publishing over a dozen novels in the 1930s, he started writing for films in the 40s. In 1948 alone four Luke Short novels appeared as movies. Some of his memorable film credits includes Ramrod (1947) and Blood on the Moon (1948). He continued to write novels, despite increasing trouble with his eyes, until his death in 1975. His ashes are buried in Aspen, Colorado, his home at the time of his death.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 12, 2011
When I decided to explore pulp writers, I expected to dislike some genres, especially Westerns. While not a fan, I am happy with the skill of some writers and their ability to find fresh plots in such an overworked field. This is one of the better Westerns I have read for both of those reasons. The story is fresh, economic, and very readable.
September 24, 2016
This author writes an enjoyable read. While it will not ever be a classic, it will continue to be a delightful read. For those that love Westerns, it is satisfying.
January 15, 2022
Closer to a 3.5. This is a solid western tale that was originally serialized in the 30s as Rustler's Range. Mark Flood was trail bossing a herd made up of several smaller outfits, when they decided to split the herd and the first half disappears, in which he is blamed. Mainly because of his name, since his brother was hanged as a rustler before. Flood leaves to find what happened and ends up in an area that was experiencing a range war. He signs up figuring one of the outfits was being ran by the guys he is looking for.
Recommended, havent read a bad Short novel yet.
Recommended, havent read a bad Short novel yet.
November 22, 2020
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Luke Short. A brand new author for me that I recently discovered on Book Bub. I’m glad I did. Zane Grey has always been my favorite in the Western category. But today, I think he will be added to that collection of writers. I love my westerns and now I can add to my collection. My thanks to this author for his body of work and so I can continue exploring the west of yesterday.
Luke Short. A brand new author for me that I recently discovered on Book Bub. I’m glad I did. Zane Grey has always been my favorite in the Western category. But today, I think he will be added to that collection of writers. I love my westerns and now I can add to my collection. My thanks to this author for his body of work and so I can continue exploring the west of yesterday.
February 8, 2019
Another great western novel !!!
This western was like a suspense novel with a lot of twists and turns to keep you reading to find how it ends. This show Like Short became a great western writer.
This western was like a suspense novel with a lot of twists and turns to keep you reading to find how it ends. This show Like Short became a great western writer.
July 21, 2018
A good western.
A well written western with a well thought out plot. An entertaining story. Those that like a good, old fashioned western. Should highly enjoy it.
A well written western with a well thought out plot. An entertaining story. Those that like a good, old fashioned western. Should highly enjoy it.
October 14, 2024
The Branded Man is the second of Luke Short's 50+ western novels. Mark Flood is leading a cattle drive. Since his crew is inexperienced, he divides his large herd into two smaller, more manageable groups. When the other herd disappears along with the crew driving them, Flood leaves to solve the mystery of their disappearance.
The story proceeds swiftly. Short doesn't waste words. He says what he needs to say and no more. Everything that happens advances the plot. There is the usual western violence, including a stampede or two in which at least one man is trampled to death. The Branded Man is quick and entertaining, with enough suspense to keep the reader engaged at all times. Recommended.
The story proceeds swiftly. Short doesn't waste words. He says what he needs to say and no more. Everything that happens advances the plot. There is the usual western violence, including a stampede or two in which at least one man is trampled to death. The Branded Man is quick and entertaining, with enough suspense to keep the reader engaged at all times. Recommended.
October 6, 2018
A Luke Short Western/Cattle Rustling/Murder/Hidden Canyons
LS has penned a western about a man who is the Trail Boss of a herd of cattle counting more than six thousand. The drive is normal until bad weather sets in and the decision is made to split the herd. One herd moves ahead and disappears. The back here arrived at the present meeting place and there are no cattle. The trail boss begins the search by himself and discovers more people are involved than met the eye.....DEHS
LS has penned a western about a man who is the Trail Boss of a herd of cattle counting more than six thousand. The drive is normal until bad weather sets in and the decision is made to split the herd. One herd moves ahead and disappears. The back here arrived at the present meeting place and there are no cattle. The trail boss begins the search by himself and discovers more people are involved than met the eye.....DEHS
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews