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The Brave Cowboy: An Old Tale in a New Time
Jack Burnes is a loner at odds with modern civilization. A man out of time, he rides a feisty chestnut mare across the New West; a once beautiful land smothered beneanth airstrips and superhighways. And he lives by a personal code of ethics that sets him on a collision course with the keepers of law and order. Now he has stepped over the line by breaking one too many of society's rules. The hounds of justice are hot in his trail. But Burnes would rather die than spend even a single night behind bars. And they have to catch him first.
297 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
241 people are currently reading
1904 people want to read
About the author
Edward Abbey
77 books2,075 followersEdward Paul Abbey (1927–1989) was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views.
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.
His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.
Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.
His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.
Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
March 5, 2020
Unquestionably Edward Abbey is a "literary genius" as many have referenced. His language is both exquisite and poetic; however, I would have been happy with a little less of this descriptive prose so as to "get on with the chase." This story was an intensely suspenseful one which I was totally engrossed in and felt very much a loss when it was over.
September 27, 2019
5 stars because:
Because of the horse, and the sheriff.
Because of friendship.
Because this is a story I won't forget.
Because Jack Burns is a man I won't forget.
But mostly, because we will always need cowboys.
Because of the horse, and the sheriff.
Because of friendship.
Because this is a story I won't forget.
Because Jack Burns is a man I won't forget.
But mostly, because we will always need cowboys.
June 15, 2018
I'm stunned.
I have seen the movie at least a dozen times since I was 15 but I lived through this book.
There is a majestic poetry throughout this book.
The descriptions of the New Mexico landscape give the desert, the mountains, the rocks and sand a sanctity not afforded human beings.
Abbey has a reverence for the parts of America remote and untainted by the touch of man.
"The Cowboy" - John W. Burns or "Jack" to his friends - is too noble for this world. An anachronism, living life as a cowboy during a time when there are few ranches still owned by individuals as opposed to corporations.
The law and the square johns view "The Cowboy" as an anarchist. A commie. A "Red". A danger to the American society of the 1950s, when this book was written and first published.
When he comes down from the mountains where he's been working as a sheep-herder, because where else can a man find a ranch to cowboy in modern America? - it's to check on the welfare of the wife ("Jerry") and child ("Seth") of a long-time friend who's been imprisoned for refusing to sign up for the draft.
He discovers that his friend is being held in the county jail near his home before being transferred to a federal prison when there is available space. "The Cowboy's" friend, "Paul", is a professor and self-professed anarchist -in political thought only. He's a dreamy-eyed philosopher with lofty notions, physically incapable of committing one act of actual anarchy.
"The Cowboy" decides that he has to break into the jail in order to free his friend "Paul". So he goes to a bar, gets drunk, and gets into a brawl with a one-armed man.
To reveal much more would spoil the joys to be found in this fast paced, action-filled novel.
This was a haunting read for me.
Long a fan of the superb film based on this novel, much was lost in the adaptation.
This is one of the greatest novels I'll ever read.
Highest possible recommendation.
I have seen the movie at least a dozen times since I was 15 but I lived through this book.
There is a majestic poetry throughout this book.
The descriptions of the New Mexico landscape give the desert, the mountains, the rocks and sand a sanctity not afforded human beings.
Abbey has a reverence for the parts of America remote and untainted by the touch of man.
"The Cowboy" - John W. Burns or "Jack" to his friends - is too noble for this world. An anachronism, living life as a cowboy during a time when there are few ranches still owned by individuals as opposed to corporations.
The law and the square johns view "The Cowboy" as an anarchist. A commie. A "Red". A danger to the American society of the 1950s, when this book was written and first published.
When he comes down from the mountains where he's been working as a sheep-herder, because where else can a man find a ranch to cowboy in modern America? - it's to check on the welfare of the wife ("Jerry") and child ("Seth") of a long-time friend who's been imprisoned for refusing to sign up for the draft.
He discovers that his friend is being held in the county jail near his home before being transferred to a federal prison when there is available space. "The Cowboy's" friend, "Paul", is a professor and self-professed anarchist -in political thought only. He's a dreamy-eyed philosopher with lofty notions, physically incapable of committing one act of actual anarchy.
"The Cowboy" decides that he has to break into the jail in order to free his friend "Paul". So he goes to a bar, gets drunk, and gets into a brawl with a one-armed man.
To reveal much more would spoil the joys to be found in this fast paced, action-filled novel.
This was a haunting read for me.
Long a fan of the superb film based on this novel, much was lost in the adaptation.
This is one of the greatest novels I'll ever read.
Highest possible recommendation.
September 26, 2019
Planes, trains and automobiles . . . Gas stations, supermarkets and parking meters. What’s a cowboy to do? Stay true to who he is and what he does, for starters. The year is 1949. The setting is Duke City, New Mexico. 29-year-old Jack Burns rides his ornery chestnut mare named Whisky into town and eventually across all four lanes of Route 85 (yes, on horseback, in 1949) to reach the home of his friend Paul Bondi. Jack has read that Paul was sentenced to two years in prison for refusing to register for the draft under the Selective Service Act of 1948, so he leaves his sheep herding job in the mountains some fifty miles away and comes to help his friend.
The byline of this book is perfect: “An Old Tale In A New Time.” Jet planes fly overhead. 40-ton 18-wheelers whiz down the highways. TVs blare and telephones ring. But Jack remains unchanged: black slouch hat, jingling spurs, a bedroll, saddle, rifle and guitar. Try as he might though, Jack can’t stop time. And despite his simple and good intentions, things get complicated in Duke City:
“For a moment he was troubled, not by fear, but by a sensation of utter desolation and rejection, as if he were alien not only to the cities of men but also to the rocks and trees and spirits of the wilderness.”
Two-thirds of this book were 5-star reading for me, the parts where Abbey’s vast knowledge and deep affection for the American Southwest and its people really shine. But Part II (“The Prisoner”) was tedious with dialogue, overly philosophical, and claustrophobic. I was itching to get back to the arroyos and canyons and rivers. That is where the magic happened for me. 4+ stars and the addition of ‘Desert Solitaire’ to my To-Read list. This Southern “city-girl” needs more of Abbey’s spectacular western landscape writing. And who knows? Maybe I’ll meet another cowboy like Jack.
The byline of this book is perfect: “An Old Tale In A New Time.” Jet planes fly overhead. 40-ton 18-wheelers whiz down the highways. TVs blare and telephones ring. But Jack remains unchanged: black slouch hat, jingling spurs, a bedroll, saddle, rifle and guitar. Try as he might though, Jack can’t stop time. And despite his simple and good intentions, things get complicated in Duke City:
“For a moment he was troubled, not by fear, but by a sensation of utter desolation and rejection, as if he were alien not only to the cities of men but also to the rocks and trees and spirits of the wilderness.”
Two-thirds of this book were 5-star reading for me, the parts where Abbey’s vast knowledge and deep affection for the American Southwest and its people really shine. But Part II (“The Prisoner”) was tedious with dialogue, overly philosophical, and claustrophobic. I was itching to get back to the arroyos and canyons and rivers. That is where the magic happened for me. 4+ stars and the addition of ‘Desert Solitaire’ to my To-Read list. This Southern “city-girl” needs more of Abbey’s spectacular western landscape writing. And who knows? Maybe I’ll meet another cowboy like Jack.
January 11, 2022
I really like Edward Abbey, for both his environmental politics and his formidable writing on the American West, fiction and nonfiction alike. The Brave Cowboy is perhaps my favorite Abbey novel (The Monkey Wrench Gang is right up there and a few others are close). It’s the story, as its subtitle (“An Old Tale in a New Time”) suggests, of a cowboy’s (mis)adventures in the modern world, a world in which he is terribly out of place. Put more generally, it’s the novel of the clash between the Old West and the New West, of the West’s cultural imaginary of fierce independence and individualism versus the corporate greed and power that has transformed the region.
The hero of the novel is Jack Burns, an itinerant cowboy, who rides into the city to help an old friend, Paul Bondi, who has been jailed for refusing to register for the draft. Jack’s plan is to get himself arrested so he and Paul can then escape together. Things don’t go quite as planned, as once in jail Jack finds Paul resistant to following him; as they wrangle about the escape, they engage in an extensive dialogue on the nature of freedom, the authority of law, and the power of government to control lives. Some might find their discussions a bit tedious; I found them invigorating and challenging. A central matter of dispute emerges: which is more important, one’s ideals or one’s loved ones? Which deserves one's highest priority and commitment?
Once the escape goes awry (that’s all I’ll say about it), the novel becomes one of escape, with Jack and his horse pursued, and pursued with a vengeance, by a whole slew of authorities, including the military zooming in in helicopters armed with automatic weapons. It’s David vs. Goliath, the lone anarchist vs. the overwhelming powers of the State. It’s breathtakingly exciting.
Abbey’s prose, as always, is clean and crisp, and he’s particularly effective at capturing the stark beauty of the Western landscape as well as at invoking the psychological pull we all have felt toward pursuing less complex lives defined by easily recognized virtues, such as independence, honor, and loyalty.
The hero of the novel is Jack Burns, an itinerant cowboy, who rides into the city to help an old friend, Paul Bondi, who has been jailed for refusing to register for the draft. Jack’s plan is to get himself arrested so he and Paul can then escape together. Things don’t go quite as planned, as once in jail Jack finds Paul resistant to following him; as they wrangle about the escape, they engage in an extensive dialogue on the nature of freedom, the authority of law, and the power of government to control lives. Some might find their discussions a bit tedious; I found them invigorating and challenging. A central matter of dispute emerges: which is more important, one’s ideals or one’s loved ones? Which deserves one's highest priority and commitment?
Once the escape goes awry (that’s all I’ll say about it), the novel becomes one of escape, with Jack and his horse pursued, and pursued with a vengeance, by a whole slew of authorities, including the military zooming in in helicopters armed with automatic weapons. It’s David vs. Goliath, the lone anarchist vs. the overwhelming powers of the State. It’s breathtakingly exciting.
Abbey’s prose, as always, is clean and crisp, and he’s particularly effective at capturing the stark beauty of the Western landscape as well as at invoking the psychological pull we all have felt toward pursuing less complex lives defined by easily recognized virtues, such as independence, honor, and loyalty.
October 1, 2019
I knew after reading a little bit about the author that the descriptions of the landscape would be beautiful. Most of this book is heavy and serious but Abbey gives us a little breathing room with the introduction of the Sheriff. He gives us suspense where it’s hard for the reader to set the book aside. My first Abbey but I plan to read more of his works in the future.
Note:found this book when reading World, Chase me Down. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
Note:found this book when reading World, Chase me Down. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/b...
November 11, 2024
REREAD: September, 2024
Edward Abbey was an environmentalist – and strict nonconformist -- who wrote more nonfiction than fiction, but when he turned his attention to fiction he wrote several good novels, nearly always expounding his notions of the natural world and how humankind was destroying it.
However, my favorite Abbey novel does not directly deal with that subject. Its protagonist is a nonconformist modern-day cowboy named Jack Burns. The book is "The Brave Cowboy: An Old Tale in a New Time" (1952).
Hollywood came knocking and the book is the only Abbey novel to be adapted for the movies. (One novel, 'Fire on the Mountain,' was made into a TV movie.)
The actor Kirk Douglas was a great fan of the book and he purchased the screen rights. He produced and starred in the film, but changed the title to "Lonely are the Brave," which is an improvement over the original title.
Kirk Douglas is on record as saying that his portrayal of Jack Burns was his favorite role and I would add that it was his best performance.
The character Jack Burns was a bona fide nonconformist, but he was a fictional character and, furthermore, he could not compete with his creator.
On Abbey’s profile page on Goodreads one can read the following:
"Edward Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag – no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona."
He was a nonconformist to the very end – and beyond.
April 23, 2021
truly classic shit, a lament for the death of wild west america and the rise of the superhighway
reading abbey is the next best thing to going outside
reading abbey is the next best thing to going outside
July 31, 2023
Jack Burns is a cowboy in post WWII New Mexico who refuses to join modern society. His friend Bondi is in jail waiting to be transferred to federal prison to serve a two year sentence for refusing to register for the draft. Jack decides to break him out.
The author does a good job of having the reader get to know Jack as well as the leader of the manhunt, Sheriff Johnson. I really liked the contrast between the two.
Jack, riding his horse everywhere, represents the old west, freedom, and individualism in a changing world. Johnson, sitting in his office or driving his jeep, represents the modern world and all the rules that come with it. As the story progresses Johnson becomes a more nuanced and more likable character, especially compared with the some of the other members of the manhunt.
I liked the themes, the writing, the use of vocabulary and the descriptions of the land. On the other hand there were too many places where the slow pace of the story kept me from liking it more.
After finishing the book I watched the 1962 film adaptation, Lonely Are the Brave starring Kirk Douglas and Walter Matthau. Douglas called this his favorite film. It follows the book very closely with some minor changes which I thought worked. I also thought the film was better paced.
I liked the book, but I loved the movie, and it was interesting to compare the two.
The author does a good job of having the reader get to know Jack as well as the leader of the manhunt, Sheriff Johnson. I really liked the contrast between the two.
Jack, riding his horse everywhere, represents the old west, freedom, and individualism in a changing world. Johnson, sitting in his office or driving his jeep, represents the modern world and all the rules that come with it. As the story progresses Johnson becomes a more nuanced and more likable character, especially compared with the some of the other members of the manhunt.
I liked the themes, the writing, the use of vocabulary and the descriptions of the land. On the other hand there were too many places where the slow pace of the story kept me from liking it more.
After finishing the book I watched the 1962 film adaptation, Lonely Are the Brave starring Kirk Douglas and Walter Matthau. Douglas called this his favorite film. It follows the book very closely with some minor changes which I thought worked. I also thought the film was better paced.
I liked the book, but I loved the movie, and it was interesting to compare the two.
June 26, 2022
You see a used book store as you drive home, pass it by, but something tells you to turn around. You walk in, greeted by a woman with a revolver at her side and books in her eyes. You tell her you don't know why you stopped by. You don't read paper books, and you don't know what you're doing there.
The armed woman sizes you up and tells you to wait. You wait, think she forgot about you, and decide to leave. She stops you on your way out and hands you a book. She spent 10 minutes looking for it because she knew, she just knew, this book was for you. You look at the old tattered western, pay her 2 dollars for it, and leave.
You open the book on an airplane, and you see through the eyes of Jack Burns, and now you understand what she knew.
A man and his horse, traveling without a plan. A man who sees apartments building as large graveyards. A man who prefers to walk on dirt over concrete. A man who relishes the taste of hunger. A man who struggles to understand what everyone else does. And a society that cannot fathom that one can deprogram themselves from the rest of the masses by choice.
Not for every reader, but great storytelling.
The armed woman sizes you up and tells you to wait. You wait, think she forgot about you, and decide to leave. She stops you on your way out and hands you a book. She spent 10 minutes looking for it because she knew, she just knew, this book was for you. You look at the old tattered western, pay her 2 dollars for it, and leave.
You open the book on an airplane, and you see through the eyes of Jack Burns, and now you understand what she knew.
A man and his horse, traveling without a plan. A man who sees apartments building as large graveyards. A man who prefers to walk on dirt over concrete. A man who relishes the taste of hunger. A man who struggles to understand what everyone else does. And a society that cannot fathom that one can deprogram themselves from the rest of the masses by choice.
Not for every reader, but great storytelling.
May 4, 2012
Never doubt the universality of the basic premise here--there is inescapable tension between the needs of the individual and the requirements of living in relationship.
The plot elements are well-conceived; it's a great story. The setting is spectacular, colorful, rich, a character all its own, described in detail.
Unhappily, Abbey has a greater feel for the character of the place than he has for the character of the people. The story bogs down because the focus constantly shifts away from the human element, into the physical world or into the philosophic world.
These shortcomings were overcome and put in clear relief with the coming of a writer and film production team that understood the need for keeping the focus on people. Lonely Are the Brave is far the superior presentation of Abbey's ideas.
This having been said, if the reader can be patient, willing to skip ahead through wordy passage of description, this is a rewarding read. The power of the story and of its ending lingers long after the book is closed.
The plot elements are well-conceived; it's a great story. The setting is spectacular, colorful, rich, a character all its own, described in detail.
Unhappily, Abbey has a greater feel for the character of the place than he has for the character of the people. The story bogs down because the focus constantly shifts away from the human element, into the physical world or into the philosophic world.
These shortcomings were overcome and put in clear relief with the coming of a writer and film production team that understood the need for keeping the focus on people. Lonely Are the Brave is far the superior presentation of Abbey's ideas.
This having been said, if the reader can be patient, willing to skip ahead through wordy passage of description, this is a rewarding read. The power of the story and of its ending lingers long after the book is closed.
June 26, 2024
Remarkably good read from Edward Abbey that was available from Audible. I thought that the descriptive prose would help me drift off to sleep, but instead drew me completely into the story – no sleep for me! The chase at the tail end was absolutely riveting. The ending – heartbreaking.
With a little research I learned a great deal about Kirk Douglas and the making of the movie Lonely Are the Brave. Dalton Trumbo was recruited to write the screenplay. I’m sure I’ve seen the movie over the years, probably more than once – it’s a cult favorite I understand.
Abbey has a remarkable gift for writing – in describing the beauty of the desert, developing wonderful characters and in creating heart-stopping suspense.
With a little research I learned a great deal about Kirk Douglas and the making of the movie Lonely Are the Brave. Dalton Trumbo was recruited to write the screenplay. I’m sure I’ve seen the movie over the years, probably more than once – it’s a cult favorite I understand.
Abbey has a remarkable gift for writing – in describing the beauty of the desert, developing wonderful characters and in creating heart-stopping suspense.
September 24, 2023
Abbey is a damn good writer and this story might be my favorite of his. The title of the book and the cover art do not do this book justice at all.
May 13, 2021
The only reason I am not overcome by rage at the horrific ending of this near-marvelously- told tale is because I borrowed the book for free (Prime).
That’s no way to start a review. Let me try again.
Was this a good book worth reading? Yes – provided that the reader skips the Hinton trucker chapters (served no purpose whatsoever, in my mind) and – this is especially critical – provided that the reader does not read Chapter 20! Just stop at 19, and this will be one terrific cowboy story! Just don’t – whatever you do – venture past Chapter 19. Let it end there. I wish someone had given ME that advice. Oh, if I could only take back those awful, horrid moments when I read Chapter 20…dear, dear, dear me ~ whatever was Abbey thinking?
This was my first experience reading Edward Abbey. His descriptions of the mountains and terrain are exceptional in their detail, and his passionate love for the open wilderness is felt and deeply appreciated each step of the way.
And such a cowboy ~ Jack Burns. Loved this guy! Could not believe the harrowing “gunfight” battle at the end of the book! I came close to looking up the ending several times because I could barely stand the tension of it all. And that scene was done to perfection. It was so, so good. If only I had stopped there…sigh ~
Even the Sheriff was done well. No disappointments in there.
Admittedly, the stark contrast between the rough outdoors and the “civilized” areas confused me. It almost felt like a post-apocalyptic era. The special attention paid to counting out money gave the book a different feel as far as time periods go. I re-started the book a couple of times because it took a minute for me to grasp Abbey’s writing style. But then I was in! And his writing is heart-stirringly beautiful.
I kept thinking Hinton was going to unleash some catastrophic bomb or something. So much build-up regarding him only to have him fall flat in Chapter 20.
Can’t really classify this book as a western. In attempting to describe the hero cowboy, I would say that Jack Burns is what I would envision Jack Reacher looking like if he were in a cowboy hat and Stetson boots, sporting a six-shooter on his hip.
If you’re looking for a good western to read, be sure to add Jack Schaefer’s Shane to your list. It’s a short but powerful read. Schaefer captures the inner thoughts of his characters with a delicate honesty that endears each one of them to his readers. And the gunfighting scene in there is unbelievably good. I see why Schaefer’s book still ranks so highly on Western reading book lists.
Read Abbey’s tale but steer clear of Chapter 20! 😊 Consider yourself warned!
That’s no way to start a review. Let me try again.
Was this a good book worth reading? Yes – provided that the reader skips the Hinton trucker chapters (served no purpose whatsoever, in my mind) and – this is especially critical – provided that the reader does not read Chapter 20! Just stop at 19, and this will be one terrific cowboy story! Just don’t – whatever you do – venture past Chapter 19. Let it end there. I wish someone had given ME that advice. Oh, if I could only take back those awful, horrid moments when I read Chapter 20…dear, dear, dear me ~ whatever was Abbey thinking?
This was my first experience reading Edward Abbey. His descriptions of the mountains and terrain are exceptional in their detail, and his passionate love for the open wilderness is felt and deeply appreciated each step of the way.
And such a cowboy ~ Jack Burns. Loved this guy! Could not believe the harrowing “gunfight” battle at the end of the book! I came close to looking up the ending several times because I could barely stand the tension of it all. And that scene was done to perfection. It was so, so good. If only I had stopped there…sigh ~
Even the Sheriff was done well. No disappointments in there.
Admittedly, the stark contrast between the rough outdoors and the “civilized” areas confused me. It almost felt like a post-apocalyptic era. The special attention paid to counting out money gave the book a different feel as far as time periods go. I re-started the book a couple of times because it took a minute for me to grasp Abbey’s writing style. But then I was in! And his writing is heart-stirringly beautiful.
I kept thinking Hinton was going to unleash some catastrophic bomb or something. So much build-up regarding him only to have him fall flat in Chapter 20.
Can’t really classify this book as a western. In attempting to describe the hero cowboy, I would say that Jack Burns is what I would envision Jack Reacher looking like if he were in a cowboy hat and Stetson boots, sporting a six-shooter on his hip.
If you’re looking for a good western to read, be sure to add Jack Schaefer’s Shane to your list. It’s a short but powerful read. Schaefer captures the inner thoughts of his characters with a delicate honesty that endears each one of them to his readers. And the gunfighting scene in there is unbelievably good. I see why Schaefer’s book still ranks so highly on Western reading book lists.
Read Abbey’s tale but steer clear of Chapter 20! 😊 Consider yourself warned!
June 4, 2025
A big thanks to Howard whose review recommended this. This tale was a beautiful piece of work—an ode to the natural beauty of the American Southwest, and to vanishing breeds of Western natives, in which I include this type of loner cowboy, who are/were the real free and brave Americans. (Not those made for television fake-ass personalities, paying lip service to false gods and boastful vanities, some of whom now serve in the current administrations Cabinet!)
The character of the sheriff in charge of the manhunt was also top shelf. Best I have read.
I am looking forward to reading The Monkey Wrench Gang, also by this author.
Thanks, Howard!
The character of the sheriff in charge of the manhunt was also top shelf. Best I have read.
I am looking forward to reading The Monkey Wrench Gang, also by this author.
Thanks, Howard!
October 4, 2019
I have always loved cowboys, this one the most.
November 21, 2023
Tiene mucho mérito escribir 300 páginas para no contar nada sobran 290, es aburrido a más no poder.
February 23, 2021
This novel takes place in the 1950s, when the threat of the Draft hung over the head of every male in the USA who was not in the military. The protagonist is a cowboy, who served in WWII, went to college briefly and went back to life on a horse which is how he grew up on his grandfather's ranch near Socorro NM. He discovers that his best friend, who both veterans served in WWII has been arrested and jailed for refusing to register for the draft (Selective Service Act of 1948) which was and still is required of every male between 18 and 26.
Both of them served their patriotic duty in WWII and won't constrict their freedom and register. His friend is an academic with a wife and child. She struggles financially as her husband sits in the Bernal (Bernalillo) County jail. Cowboy friend decides he will break into the jail and rescue his best friend, who is resolved to serve his two years in Leavenworth on principle and doesn't want to break out.
Cowboy breaks out on his own, along with 2 Navajos sentenced to 6 months in jail for talking to a White woman. Cowboy breaks out, gets on his horse and takes the Sheriff, Air Force and State Troopers on a wild chase through the Sandia mountains.
A peculiar thing I note about his novels is not directly saying the correct name of the location he writes about. In one book he calls Globe AZ "Glob," in this one he calls Albuquerque Duke City and Bernalillo County Bernal County. Not sure why, as his knowledge of the actual subject areas is accurate.
This is not a crusading book, just a good novel. This, like most of Abbey's writings show his deeply libertarian side. Some directly, such as the Monkey Wrench Gang show that "mind-your own business and keep the government of of mine" streak. Other of his books incorporate it into his nature observations of a more biographical nature. Much of his life was spent working on Forest Service lookout towers across the West, giving his writing a real geographic perspective.
I hope Abbey's writings are not forgotten, because they are great 20th Century literature and should be read by anyone with a love of nature and an independent spirit. This book is a keeper. If you like this one, try Desert Solitaire, or Abbey's Road and dig deeper into his interesting personality. Abbey is an American Treasure.
Both of them served their patriotic duty in WWII and won't constrict their freedom and register. His friend is an academic with a wife and child. She struggles financially as her husband sits in the Bernal (Bernalillo) County jail. Cowboy friend decides he will break into the jail and rescue his best friend, who is resolved to serve his two years in Leavenworth on principle and doesn't want to break out.
Cowboy breaks out on his own, along with 2 Navajos sentenced to 6 months in jail for talking to a White woman. Cowboy breaks out, gets on his horse and takes the Sheriff, Air Force and State Troopers on a wild chase through the Sandia mountains.
A peculiar thing I note about his novels is not directly saying the correct name of the location he writes about. In one book he calls Globe AZ "Glob," in this one he calls Albuquerque Duke City and Bernalillo County Bernal County. Not sure why, as his knowledge of the actual subject areas is accurate.
This is not a crusading book, just a good novel. This, like most of Abbey's writings show his deeply libertarian side. Some directly, such as the Monkey Wrench Gang show that "mind-your own business and keep the government of of mine" streak. Other of his books incorporate it into his nature observations of a more biographical nature. Much of his life was spent working on Forest Service lookout towers across the West, giving his writing a real geographic perspective.
I hope Abbey's writings are not forgotten, because they are great 20th Century literature and should be read by anyone with a love of nature and an independent spirit. This book is a keeper. If you like this one, try Desert Solitaire, or Abbey's Road and dig deeper into his interesting personality. Abbey is an American Treasure.
July 31, 2021
This is a story about a draft-resisting-anarchist-outlaw-cowboy and his struggle against the established order and the powers that want to confine him. A sort of prequel to The Monkey Wrench Gang, as the lead protagonist mysteriously appears in that novel.
This must've been pretty pungent stuff for 1956, as resisting registering for Selective Service drives the story at its core. (I was unaware that WWII-era veterans had to register for the draft again in the 1950's.) How Edward Abbey didn't end up sitting before HUAC, or get blacklisted in some way, is a shock. How this was made into a movie, is even more of a surprise.
This book also helps me place Abbey in the pantheon of counterculture and Beat writers. This is definitely *not* a book meant for the mainstream.
Aside from the politics, Abbey flexes his muscles as a brilliantly gifted writer. He obviously had a deep knowledge of the flora, fauna, geography, and natural history of the Southwest, which he writes about lyrically, reverently, and poetically. It's writing like this that made me fall in love with the Southwest when I first read The Monkey Wrench Gang as an adolescent, even though it would be several years til I got there.
Pretty incredible novel. I liked the ending of the film better - and I wonder if that last scene with Matthau inspired Abbey to put Jack Burns in The Monkey Wrench Gang.
Great book. Recommended for rugged anarchic individualists, lovers of the West, and those who want to read an archetypal Outlaw story.
This must've been pretty pungent stuff for 1956, as resisting registering for Selective Service drives the story at its core. (I was unaware that WWII-era veterans had to register for the draft again in the 1950's.) How Edward Abbey didn't end up sitting before HUAC, or get blacklisted in some way, is a shock. How this was made into a movie, is even more of a surprise.
This book also helps me place Abbey in the pantheon of counterculture and Beat writers. This is definitely *not* a book meant for the mainstream.
Aside from the politics, Abbey flexes his muscles as a brilliantly gifted writer. He obviously had a deep knowledge of the flora, fauna, geography, and natural history of the Southwest, which he writes about lyrically, reverently, and poetically. It's writing like this that made me fall in love with the Southwest when I first read The Monkey Wrench Gang as an adolescent, even though it would be several years til I got there.
Pretty incredible novel. I liked the ending of the film better - and I wonder if that last scene with Matthau inspired Abbey to put Jack Burns in The Monkey Wrench Gang.
Great book. Recommended for rugged anarchic individualists, lovers of the West, and those who want to read an archetypal Outlaw story.
April 5, 2013
I saw the B&W film "Lonely Are the Brave" more than a decade before I heard the name Edward Abbey. Kirk Douglas wrote that this was his favorite film, ever. If one needs a comparison name it's Cowboys meet the Modern World. The film started not only Douglas but Bill Bixby (My Favorite Martian), Walter Mattheu, George Kennedy, Gena Rowlands, Carroll O'Connor (Archie Bunker) as the truck driver with an ending the only Ed could write and one Ed Abbey as a police man/deputy, oh and the Sandia Mountains and the city of Albuquerque (renamed Duke City). Some cowboys rebel, other cowboys, like the sheriff, reluctantly blended in.
This story is not for every one, especially city folk.
Both the film and the book have characters who spent time in Abbey's other books. Unlike many writings and sequels, the characters evolved (e.g., the General appears as a Colonel in an earlier story). Does John W. Burns reappear? The Hayduke fans certainly think so. I don't want to spoil it by revealing all the character names.
Read the book and see the movie.
This story is not for every one, especially city folk.
Both the film and the book have characters who spent time in Abbey's other books. Unlike many writings and sequels, the characters evolved (e.g., the General appears as a Colonel in an earlier story). Does John W. Burns reappear? The Hayduke fans certainly think so. I don't want to spoil it by revealing all the character names.
Read the book and see the movie.
December 15, 2016
I grabbed this new edition when I learned it was written by Edward Abbey. I read The Monkeywrench Gang decades ago when I was a rebellious teen who had friends working for Greenpeace. The plot and characters were quite engaging.
Jack Burns is equally interesting, if not more so. Here is the last cowboy, doing his damndest to live off the grid and maintain a lifestyle and worldview that only exists in Western movies and books. He lives by the "Code"--meaning an internal moral and ethical integrity that is solid as rock. This does not translate into "legal" or "law abiding" when his code comes into conflict with the latter. It has been years since I saw the movie based on the book, "Lonely are the Brave" with Kirk Douglas. I have since learned that this was Kirk Douglas's favorite film. With this book, Abbey reminds me a bit of Ken Kesey and Ernest Hemingway. It also demonstrates to me that Abbey was more than a little bit of a "friendly anarchist."
Jack Burns is equally interesting, if not more so. Here is the last cowboy, doing his damndest to live off the grid and maintain a lifestyle and worldview that only exists in Western movies and books. He lives by the "Code"--meaning an internal moral and ethical integrity that is solid as rock. This does not translate into "legal" or "law abiding" when his code comes into conflict with the latter. It has been years since I saw the movie based on the book, "Lonely are the Brave" with Kirk Douglas. I have since learned that this was Kirk Douglas's favorite film. With this book, Abbey reminds me a bit of Ken Kesey and Ernest Hemingway. It also demonstrates to me that Abbey was more than a little bit of a "friendly anarchist."
May 5, 2021
I was graciously expecting a revised Wild West epic. One about an anarchist cowboy fighting a new kind of politically charged range war on his homestead over the encroachment of urban sprawl and a vanishing western frontier. I’m going to blame the blurb for the confusement. Jack Burns was not an anarchist. He was a recluse living his sovereign life on the fringes of society as a lonesome cowboy. No problem! The book is still fantastic. But I really wished it explored more about the concept around the “pavement of the west;” A quote I’ve taken from Isaac Brock (Modest Mouse) who wrote a conceptual album on the matter. Isaac Brock also conjured a fictional character named Cowboy Dan who couldn’t adapt to modern America and resorted to desolated behaviour...something else that I wish was explored more completely. I can’t help but compare, and it makes to wonder if he’s read this book and was inspired by Edward Abbey.
May 27, 2010
Edward Abbey writes a fine story about the cowboy Edward Burns and his loathing of government and the restrictions that law places on man's free will. Taking place in the New Mexican desert, the tale follows Burns' purposeful arrest, his attempt to spring his companion from the clink, his own subsequent escape and the chase that the law gives him into the mountains, where he eventually evades his pursuers and...well, you're just going to have to read to find out. 4 stars because, even though I love all things Abbey, the ending really pissed me off (cue Cartman).
April 28, 2013
Abbey wrote his MA thesis on the topic of justifications of violence in the anarchist movement. The philosophy department at University of New Mexico awarded him the MA in 1956. Abbey spent the rest of his life working on the theme of his thesis. The theme of independent men trying to live in a world being undermined by corporate greed and dim-witted governance appears in this novel no less than in "Fire on the Mountain" and "The Monkey Wrench Gang." As in all his writing, the vivid descriptions of New Mexican terrain make this novel as beautifully poetic as it is politically astute.
August 25, 2021
The frontier myth persists, even in our modern world, because it touches on the values that define the American Dream, namely personal freedom, independence, and a love and respect for the natural world. Though few are able to live out these ideals with such conviction without being classified as “preppers” or “off the grid,” with self-sufficiency apparently having the implication of eccentricity not conducive to suburban conformity, it's a nice sentiment to fall back on when we want to glowingly reminisce on America's history.
With great aplomb, Abbey upends the classic Western novel by creating a modern cowboy figure who doesn't answer to society's demands because he exists on the fringes of that civilization; roaming through the mountains of New Mexico on a horse, he carries no ID, no credit card, is not registered for the Selective Service (this is set in the 1960s). The story revolves around a college friend who is sentenced to several years in prison as a conscientious objector; the cowboy hatches a plan to break him out, living as a fugitive. Abbey paints a picture of the Western landscape that is both bleak and hauntingly beautiful. I happen to have an affinity for the West myself, so I throughly enjoyed the multi-page descriptiveness of arroyos, canyons, sunsets, and people that populate the greater Albequerque area, but some people may lose patience with his tendency to get mired in the chaparral, distracting from the plot. Fear not, for the plot itself is action packed, at least in the latter half of the novel, and will leave you guessing as to the eventual outcome.
If Abbey was this critical of modern society's progress in the '60s, I can only imagine his abject horror if he was alive in 2021 to see the ravages of climate change firsthand. Ultimately, I think Abbey's intent was not to romanticize the West in this novel, but, rather, to warn us to the dangers of untempered expansion and infringement on our fragile environment. He was ahead of his time. Too bad no one listened.
With great aplomb, Abbey upends the classic Western novel by creating a modern cowboy figure who doesn't answer to society's demands because he exists on the fringes of that civilization; roaming through the mountains of New Mexico on a horse, he carries no ID, no credit card, is not registered for the Selective Service (this is set in the 1960s). The story revolves around a college friend who is sentenced to several years in prison as a conscientious objector; the cowboy hatches a plan to break him out, living as a fugitive. Abbey paints a picture of the Western landscape that is both bleak and hauntingly beautiful. I happen to have an affinity for the West myself, so I throughly enjoyed the multi-page descriptiveness of arroyos, canyons, sunsets, and people that populate the greater Albequerque area, but some people may lose patience with his tendency to get mired in the chaparral, distracting from the plot. Fear not, for the plot itself is action packed, at least in the latter half of the novel, and will leave you guessing as to the eventual outcome.
If Abbey was this critical of modern society's progress in the '60s, I can only imagine his abject horror if he was alive in 2021 to see the ravages of climate change firsthand. Ultimately, I think Abbey's intent was not to romanticize the West in this novel, but, rather, to warn us to the dangers of untempered expansion and infringement on our fragile environment. He was ahead of his time. Too bad no one listened.
December 7, 2021
A cowboy who does not understand his professor friend. Cowboy versus modernity. A cowboy on the run with a horse versus police cars and helicopter. The conflict in this well-written, casually paced modern western story is between an individual who is essentially off the grid as a 19th Century cowboy and his place in New Mexico during the early part of the Cold War.
Abby's story structure provides four perspectives on the prison escape plot. This structure develops the personality of Jack Burns, the central character, and his personal code of ethics, and adds complexity to the story with engaging supporting characters.
Abby takes his time in telling the story. There is a leisurely pace to this story that speeds up and becomes more tense in the latter part when Jack is pursued by the police, FBI, and the military. I was surprised by the ending, but looking back on the story, Abby gave a hint to what will be the basis for the climax.
Abby's writing is very descriptive of the Southwest, and it gets more descriptive during the chase. The dialogue between characters is lively & interesting, and aids in moving the story along.
Abby's story structure provides four perspectives on the prison escape plot. This structure develops the personality of Jack Burns, the central character, and his personal code of ethics, and adds complexity to the story with engaging supporting characters.
Abby takes his time in telling the story. There is a leisurely pace to this story that speeds up and becomes more tense in the latter part when Jack is pursued by the police, FBI, and the military. I was surprised by the ending, but looking back on the story, Abby gave a hint to what will be the basis for the climax.
Abby's writing is very descriptive of the Southwest, and it gets more descriptive during the chase. The dialogue between characters is lively & interesting, and aids in moving the story along.
January 7, 2024
Good story about an anarchist not wanting to be part of society. There were a few slurs in this book that I don’t feel were necessary. This was also definitely before Edward Abbey really developed a lot of his signature writing style and humor
June 20, 2019
Abbey really knows how to convey a strong sense of place. Truly a modern classic of the clash of the old and new west.
January 29, 2020
Love the book and also the Kirk Douglas movie, Lonely are the Brave, which is based on the book.
July 30, 2020
A beautiful homage to the "Cowboy Way" and all it represents. The Brave Cowboy presents a juxtaposition between the romantic past and the modern industrial present with Edward Abbey's intoxicating prose.
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