Gunfighter books centre on the archetypal figure of the gunfighter—a skilled, lone individual adept with firearms, navigating the rugged landscapes of the American Old West. This genre emerged prominently in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, capturing the imagination of audiences with its tales of frontier justice, moral ambiguity, and rugged individualism.
Gunfighters in fiction are typically depicted as solitary figures, often with a mysterious or troubled past. They embody a code of honour, balancing on the fine line between law and outlaw. These characters often engage in dramatic showdowns, where skill, speed, and precision with a revolver determine survival and justice. Classic examples include characters like Shane from Jack Schaefer’s novel and the Man with No Name in Sergio Leone’s spaghetti Westerns.
The genre explores themes of vengeance, redemption, and the harsh realities of frontier life. It reflects the broader American ethos of independence and self-reliance, while also critiquing the mythologized violence and lawlessness of the West. The gunfighter genre remains influential, shaping modern portrayals of heroism and anti-heroism in literature.
Here are twenty of the finest gunslinger novels in order of publicaiton, some written by giants of Western literature:
The Virginian by Owen Wister (1902)
“The Virginian” tells the story of an unnamed cowboy known simply as the Virginian, who works on a cattle ranch in Wyoming. The plot revolves around his romantic relationship with schoolteacher Molly Stark Wood and his rivalry with the outlaw Trampas. The Virginian’s sense of justice and courage culminate in a classic Western showdown with Trampas. Wister’s novel is considered one of the first modern Westerns, establishing many conventions of the genre, including the stoic hero, the frontier setting, and the themes of honour and justice. Its influence on subsequent Western literature and film is profound and enduring.
Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey (1912)
“Riders of the Purple Sage” is set in the Utah borderlands and tells the story of Jane Withersteen, a Mormon rancher who faces persecution from her own community. She finds allies in the mysterious gunfighter Lassiter and a young cowboy named Venters. Together, they battle against the oppressive forces threatening Jane’s land and freedom. Zane Grey’s novel is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the Western landscape and its pioneering portrayal of strong, independent female characters. This classic tale combines action, romance, and a critique of religious and social tyranny, solidifying its place as a seminal work in the genre.
The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie Jr. (1947)
“The Big Sky” chronicles the adventures of Boone Caudill, a young man who leaves his Kentucky home to explore the expansive and untamed American West in the early 19th century. Boone, along with his companions Jim Deakins and Dick Summers, experiences the brutal and beautiful life of fur trappers, encountering Native American tribes and the harsh realities of wilderness survival. Guthrie’s novel is notable for its rich historical detail and vivid portrayal of the natural landscape, providing a sweeping epic that captures the spirit of the early Western frontier. It’s a seminal work that helped define the Western genre with its focus on adventure and the clash of cultures.
Shane by Jack Schaefer (1949)
“Shane” tells the story of a mysterious gunslinger who rides into the lives of the Starrett family in Wyoming. The novel is narrated by young Bob Starrett, who idolizes Shane. Shane helps the family fight against the ruthless cattle baron, Fletcher, who is trying to force the homesteaders off their land. The story culminates in a dramatic showdown that cements Shane’s legacy. Notable for its exploration of heroism and sacrifice, “Shane” is a quintessential Western that portrays the complexities of frontier life and the sometimes ambiguous nature of good and evil.Â
Hondo by Louis L’Amour (1953)
“Hondo” centres on Hondo Lane, a half-Apache scout for the U.S. Cavalry, who stumbles upon Angie Lowe and her son, living alone on a ranch in Apache territory. Hondo becomes their protector against Apache warriors and helps them navigate the dangers of the frontier. As the story progresses, a romantic bond forms between Hondo and Angie. L’Amour’s novel is notable for its authentic portrayal of the harsh realities of frontier life and its strong, morally complex protagonist. “Hondo” is a quintessential Western that emphasizes themes of survival, honour, and the rugged individualism characteristic of the genre.Â
Last Stand at Papago Wells by Louis L’Amour (1957)
“Last Stand at Papago Wells” follows a diverse group of travellers who find themselves besieged by Apaches in a desert oasis. Led by a mysterious stranger named Logan Cates, they must work together to survive the relentless attacks and the harsh conditions. The novel is characterized by L’Amour’s signature action-packed storytelling and his detailed depiction of the Western landscape. Its themes of courage, leadership, and the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds highlight L’Amour’s ability to create gripping narratives that capture the essence of the Western frontier.
The Daybreakers by Louis L’Amour (1960)
“The Daybreakers” follows the adventures of brothers Tyrel and Orrin Sackett as they leave Tennessee and head west to New Mexico in search of a new beginning. The brothers face numerous challenges, including lawless outlaws and the rugged terrain, while striving to uphold their family’s honour and sense of justice. Tyrel becomes a lawman, while Orrin’s ambitions lead him into politics. L’Amour’s novel is notable for its emphasis on family loyalty and the pioneering spirit. It is a foundational work in the Sackett series, highlighting the values and struggles that define the Western genre.Â
Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams (1960)
“Butcher’s Crossing” follows the journey of William Andrews, a young man from Harvard who ventures to the frontier town of Butcher’s Crossing, Kansas, in the 1870s. He joins a buffalo hunting expedition led by the obsessive Miller, who believes there is an untouched herd in the Colorado Rockies. The gruelling expedition tests their endurance and sanity, exposing the brutal realities of nature and the futility of their quest. Williams’ novel is notable for its stark, realistic portrayal of the wilderness and its philosophical exploration of man’s relationship with nature and ambition.
Monte Walsh by Jack Schaefer (1963)
“Monte Walsh” chronicles the life of a cowboy named Monte Walsh, who witnesses the decline of the open range and the traditional cowboy way of life as the West becomes increasingly settled and industrialized. The novel follows Monte through various adventures and personal struggles, capturing his deep connection to the land and his resistance to change. Schaefer’s portrayal of Walsh is deeply human and reflective, highlighting the cowboy’s resilience and adaptability. The novel is notable for its elegiac tone and its exploration of the inevitability of progress, making it a poignant commentary on the end of an era in the American West.
True Grit by Charles Portis (1968)
“True Grit” follows fourteen-year-old Mattie Ross as she seeks to avenge her father’s murder by the outlaw Tom Chaney. She enlists the help of the tough, one-eyed U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn, and a gunslinger named LaBoeuf joins them in their quest. The trio’s journey is filled with danger and reveals the depth of their determination and moral fibre. Portis’s novel is distinguished by its strong, memorable characters and its blend of humour and stark realism, making it a standout in the Western genre.Â
The Time It Never Rained by Elmer Kelton (1973)
“The Time It Never Rained” is set in Texas during a prolonged drought in the 1950s, focusing on rancher Charlie Flagg’s struggle to keep his land and livestock alive. The novel portrays Flagg’s resilience, ingenuity, and determination as he confronts not only the natural elements but also bureaucratic obstacles and the changing economic landscape. Kelton’s narrative is grounded in realism and provides a poignant look at the challenges faced by ranchers. This novel is distinguished by its deep understanding of the land and its people, making it a powerful and authentic representation of the Western way of life.
The Quick and the Dead by Louis L’Amour (1973)
“The Quick and the Dead” tells the story of Duncan McKaskel, his wife Susanna, and their son Tom, who are traveling west to start a new life when they encounter a gang of outlaws led by the ruthless Curly. The family is aided by a mysterious gunfighter named Con Vallian, who becomes their protector. The novel is a classic L’Amour tale, featuring fast-paced action, vivid descriptions of the Western landscape, and strong, morally complex characters. Its exploration of the themes of survival, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit make it a standout example of the Western genre, highlighting L’Amour’s ability to blend adventure with deeper moral questions.
The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout (1975)
In “The Shootist,” the aging gunfighter John Bernard Books learns he has terminal cancer and decides to spend his final days in Carson City, Nevada. Books is determined to die with dignity, but as news of his illness spreads, various adversaries seek to confront him for their own gain. The novel culminates in a final, tragic showdown that underscores the inevitability of change and the end of an era. Swarthout’s work is notable for its poignant exploration of aging and legacy, set against the backdrop of the fading Old West.Â
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1985)
“Lonesome Dove” tells the epic tale of retired Texas Rangers Woodrow F. Call and Augustus “Gus” McCrae, who embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The journey is fraught with challenges, including encounters with hostile Native American tribes, treacherous terrain, and personal conflicts. McMurtry’s richly detailed narrative and complex characters bring depth to this saga of friendship, ambition, and survival. The novel’s expansive scope and emotional resonance have made it a modern classic, winning the Pulitzer Prize and solidifying its status as a landmark in Western literature.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy (1985)
“Blood Meridian” follows “the Kid,” a teenage runaway who becomes embroiled in a violent and chaotic journey with the Glanton gang, a group of Indian-hunters in the mid-19th century American Southwest and Mexico. The novel is renowned for its stark, poetic prose and unflinching depiction of brutality and nihilism. McCarthy’s portrayal of the enigmatic and sinister Judge Holden, one of literature’s most memorable antagonists, adds a profound philosophical layer to the narrative. “Blood Meridian” stands out for its exploration of violence and human nature, challenging traditional Western tropes with its bleak and haunting vision.
The Sons of Texas by Elmer Kelton (1989)
“The Sons of Texas” is the first book in a trilogy that follows the Lewis brothers—Michael, Andrew, and James—as they leave Tennessee and settle in the Mexican province of Texas in the early 19th century. The novel details their struggles against both the natural environment and the political turbulence of the region, including conflicts with Mexican authorities and Native American tribes. Kelton’s storytelling is rich in historical detail and character development, making the novel a vivid and engaging portrayal of the pioneering spirit. It stands out for its emphasis on family, survival, and the complex relationships between different cultures in the early Texas frontier.
All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy (1992)
“All the Pretty Horses” follows John Grady Cole, a young Texan, as he journeys to Mexico with his friend Lacey Rawlins in search of a better life after losing his family ranch. The novel explores their adventures, including John Grady’s passionate romance with Alejandra and their run-ins with Mexican law. McCarthy’s lyrical prose and philosophical undertones elevate the story beyond a simple Western, examining themes of fate, loss, and the quest for identity. The novel’s deep character study and poetic depiction of the landscape distinguish it as a modern classic, contributing significantly to contemporary Western literature.
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy (2005)
“No Country for Old Men” centres on Llewelyn Moss, who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong in the Texas desert and takes off with a suitcase of cash. His actions set off a violent chain of events, as he is pursued by the relentless hit man Anton Chigurh and the aging sheriff Ed Tom Bell. The novel is marked by its stark, minimalist prose and existential themes, examining the nature of evil and the decline of traditional moral values. McCarthy’s intense, fast-paced narrative and complex characters make it a gripping and thought-provoking contribution to modern Western literature.Â
Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker (2005)
“Appaloosa” follows the story of lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch, hired to bring order to the troubled town of Appaloosa, dominated by the ruthless rancher Randall Bragg. As Cole and Hitch attempt to enforce justice, their efforts are complicated by the arrival of the enigmatic widow, Allison French, who becomes romantically involved with Cole. The novel features Parker’s signature crisp dialogue and explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the moral ambiguities of frontier justice. “Appaloosa” stands out for its strong characterizations and its modern take on the traditional Western narrative.
The Outcasts by Kathleen Kent (2013)
“The Outcasts” tells the story of Lucinda Carter, a former prostitute on the run, and Nate Cannon, a young Texas policeman, whose paths converge in the search for a dangerous outlaw. Set in post-Civil War Texas, the novel weaves their narratives together against a backdrop of lawlessness and frontier justice. Kent’s richly detailed writing and strong, multifaceted characters distinguish the book, adding depth to its suspenseful plot. The novel’s exploration of redemption, survival, and the harsh realities of life in the West make it a compelling and unique addition to the genre.
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And that’s our list of 20 of the best gunfighter books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any gunfighter novels not on this list that you feel should make the cut?