Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Vintage L'Amour that keeps on pleasing, great read!, 16 Jul 1999
I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

A mold Breaker, 06 Jul 1999
This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...

Another treasure from L'Amour, 24 Jun 1999
I agree with the reviewers who have praised BEYOND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS. It is classic Louis L'Amour. I also agree with the reviewer who loved THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, a stunning new novel rich in the tradition of L'Amour at his best. He is loved so much because he is passionate about his writing and proclaims timeless themes of love, taking responsibility for oneself, and simple respect for others.

Classic L'Amour, 15 Jun 1999
Beyond the Great Snow Mountains is great reading, an enjoyable journey through a selection of tales. I received the book, along with the recent WWII novel, "The Triumph and the Glory", as birthday gifts, and greatly enjoyed them both. Each displays the style and grace of timeless writing, and themes that are so much more worthwhile than the hyped trash so many publishers offer us today.

Nice collection of short stories, 17 May 1999
This book contains about a dozen adventure, western, and sports (boxing) stories. It is fairly typical L'Amour, but I have always been impressed with his short stories and this one was no exception. He even has a few mysteries the collection that were also fun to read -- a bit of a change of pace.

Worthy of picking up.

Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Vintage L'Amour that keeps on pleasing, great read!, 16 Jul 1999
I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

A mold Breaker, 06 Jul 1999
This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...

Another treasure from L'Amour, 24 Jun 1999
I agree with the reviewers who have praised BEYOND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS. It is classic Louis L'Amour. I also agree with the reviewer who loved THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, a stunning new novel rich in the tradition of L'Amour at his best. He is loved so much because he is passionate about his writing and proclaims timeless themes of love, taking responsibility for oneself, and simple respect for others.

Classic L'Amour, 15 Jun 1999
Beyond the Great Snow Mountains is great reading, an enjoyable journey through a selection of tales. I received the book, along with the recent WWII novel, "The Triumph and the Glory", as birthday gifts, and greatly enjoyed them both. Each displays the style and grace of timeless writing, and themes that are so much more worthwhile than the hyped trash so many publishers offer us today.

Nice collection of short stories, 17 May 1999
This book contains about a dozen adventure, western, and sports (boxing) stories. It is fairly typical L'Amour, but I have always been impressed with his short stories and this one was no exception. He even has a few mysteries the collection that were also fun to read -- a bit of a change of pace.

Worthy of picking up.

Homer of the Hebrides, 14 Aug 2008
Imagine sitting back, and listening to a storyteller telling tales from the days of yore, one after another, until a mesmerising rhythm sets in and holds you spellbound. MacLellan is a storyteller of consummate ability and the tales he tells are almost flawless in their pitch. Most were recorded in South Uist, transcribed, then ably translated from the Gaelic by the Scot historian John Lorne Campbell. The best, without a doubt, is `The Three Questions and the Three Burdens', a clever tale with a sharp twist at the end, telling how a crofter's daughter first married, then outwitted her Laird--who never again crossed her. Others there are too, none dull--tales of ghosts, Scot legends, local fare, straight from the lips of master. The oral tradition has almost vanished: a few pockets remain in Eastern Europe, but readings are very few these days. The stories are best read to friends, over tumblers of whisky, next to a peat fire, in the dead of winter.

Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Vintage L'Amour that keeps on pleasing, great read!, 16 Jul 1999
I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

A mold Breaker, 06 Jul 1999
This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...

Another treasure from L'Amour, 24 Jun 1999
I agree with the reviewers who have praised BEYOND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS. It is classic Louis L'Amour. I also agree with the reviewer who loved THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, a stunning new novel rich in the tradition of L'Amour at his best. He is loved so much because he is passionate about his writing and proclaims timeless themes of love, taking responsibility for oneself, and simple respect for others.

Classic L'Amour, 15 Jun 1999
Beyond the Great Snow Mountains is great reading, an enjoyable journey through a selection of tales. I received the book, along with the recent WWII novel, "The Triumph and the Glory", as birthday gifts, and greatly enjoyed them both. Each displays the style and grace of timeless writing, and themes that are so much more worthwhile than the hyped trash so many publishers offer us today.

Nice collection of short stories, 17 May 1999
This book contains about a dozen adventure, western, and sports (boxing) stories. It is fairly typical L'Amour, but I have always been impressed with his short stories and this one was no exception. He even has a few mysteries the collection that were also fun to read -- a bit of a change of pace.

Worthy of picking up.

Homer of the Hebrides, 14 Aug 2008
Imagine sitting back, and listening to a storyteller telling tales from the days of yore, one after another, until a mesmerising rhythm sets in and holds you spellbound. MacLellan is a storyteller of consummate ability and the tales he tells are almost flawless in their pitch. Most were recorded in South Uist, transcribed, then ably translated from the Gaelic by the Scot historian John Lorne Campbell. The best, without a doubt, is `The Three Questions and the Three Burdens', a clever tale with a sharp twist at the end, telling how a crofter's daughter first married, then outwitted her Laird--who never again crossed her. Others there are too, none dull--tales of ghosts, Scot legends, local fare, straight from the lips of master. The oral tradition has almost vanished: a few pockets remain in Eastern Europe, but readings are very few these days. The stories are best read to friends, over tumblers of whisky, next to a peat fire, in the dead of winter.

The Virginian, Oh What a Man!, 22 Jul 2007
Wow, this was so good; I could not put it down. The Virginian is the most incredible, honest, honorable, handsome (sigh) hero to come along the pike in a long long time. And what a scamp, LOL at his plot to switch the babies (clothes and all) around, so that the parents took home the wrong kids, had to come back to the Judge's ranch, leaving Molly the new teacher alone for him to call on!

Lots of love, laughter and excitement as the Virginian falls for the new teacher from the East, rounds up cattle rustlers and vanquishes the bad guys. The author's prose was glorious, although rather dense (for lack of a better word); it reminded me of Nathaniel Hawthorne. You really have to pay attention and don't let your mind wander or you will end up backtracking so you don't miss any of the story. The author's descriptions of the Wyoming countryside, and most especially the Tetons, were wonderful and I felt like I was right there.

Truly one of the best yarns I have ever read, with a nail biting finish during the final showdown with the bad guy, as Molly has to reconcile herself as to what is more important, her east coast sense of righteousness or her love for her man. Highly recommended.

"The Virginian" established the fictional code of the West.,, 27 Aug 2005
Owen Wister's "The Virginian," first published in 1902, is considered by many to exemplify the American Western novel. Wister certainly established the code of the West, and the stereotypical figures of the tough but genteel and courageous cowboy, (the one wearing the white hat and riding the white horse), the spinster schoolmarm from back East, horse rustlers, and the corrupt villain beyond redemption. In fact, the novel contains a scene constituting the first known "shootout" in American literature. Our narrator is an easterner, a man who visits Judge Henry, the Virginian's employer, at his ranch on Sunk Creek fairly frequently. I came to think of him as Mr. Wister himself, who did travel to Wyoming and parts West extensively.

From my perspective, the Virginian, whose true name is never revealed, is anything but a stereotype, although many heroes have been modeled after him. Yes, he is tall dark and handsome. This description is not terribly distinctive or unusual. One could definitely call him the strong silent type, and he does have a marked sense of honor, loyalty and justice. However, born and raised in Virginia before the Civil War, it is realistic to assume he was instilled with the values of a southern gentleman. Although he was not to the manor born, his family was decent and hardworking, and one certainly does not need wealth to live by the Good Book. A war veteran and a longtime wanderer throughout the western territories, he had learned survival skills by his mid-twenties. Loose lips was not a desirable trait if one wanted to live a long and healthy life. I found the Virginian to be a credible character, flawed like all men, but with a clear and unwavering sense of right and wrong. He is a man suited to his environment and to his times, and personifies the rugged individual.

It is important to note the period in which this novel was written to fully enjoy it, just as it is crucial to understand the times and setting in which such authors as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and George Eliot wrote. In "The Virginian," Wister states: "It was through the Declaration of Independence that we Americans acknowledged the eternal equality of man. For by it we abolished a cut-and-dried aristocracy. We had seen little men artificially held up in high places, and great men artificially held down in low places, and our own justice-loving hearts abhorred this violence to human nature. Therefore, we decreed that every man should henceforth have equal liberty to find his own level. By this very decree we acknowledged and gave freedom to true aristocracy, saying, 'Let the best man win, whoever he is.' That is America's word. That is true democracy." Believing this so strongly, is it any wonder that the character of the Virginian was created?

As for Miss Mary Stark Wood of Bennington, Vermont, who calls herself spinster at age 20, she is a woman ahead of her time. Many have been created in Mary's image, but she is the original. Intelligent, independent, adventurous, full of pluck and, yes, pretty, she sets off to teach school in Bear Creek, Wyoming, to get away from family pressure to wed an unwanted suitor, and probably to see more of the world. An acquaintance and correspondent of Miss Wood's, Mrs. Balaam, a Bear Creek resident, wrote and told the young woman of the teaching position. Mary accepts, and as it happens, the Virginian is the first to meet her upon her arrival. He actually rescues her, as the primitive stagecoach she has been traveling in is mired-down in a creek - the driver drunk and quite irresponsible. She is later embarrassed, remembering how tightly she clung to the cowboy, in fright, not out of flirtatiousness. He, however, cannot get her out of his mind. This is so much more than a romance novel, although there is romance aplenty, of both the classical nature and the kind between a man courting a woman.

The Virginian's bete noir is an evil character named Trampas. The two clash throughout the tale until the final showdown. One of the books classic lines has our hero responding to Trampas after a nasty insult, "When you call me that, smile." He is also betrayed by a trusted friend who becomes corrupt out of greed and weakness. Law and order had not arrived in Wyoming Territory and it was up to individuals to maintain a civil society. Mary Wood calls this taking the law into one's own hands, or vigilantism. This issue becomes a bone of contention between herself and the Virginian.

Owen Wister imbues his characters, especially the Virginian and Mary, with a remarkable sense of depth. Their relationship, as well as his relationship with his old friend Steve, are depicted with particular poignancy. The initial reserve between Mary and her suitor is normal for the period. However, the sexual tension between them is palpable. Graphic love scenes are not necessary here. The author does more with a kiss and an embrace than many modern writers accomplish with all their erotica. There is some terrific humor also. I found Emily, the hen, to be one of the most original animals in fiction and absolutely hilarious. Wister's vivid passages describing the Wyoming wilderness are extraordinary, making it easy for one to visualize the gorgeous landscapes. The pace is somewhat slow at times. However, I did not find the narrative at all tedious. Time passed more slowly back then and things took longer to accomplish for obvious reasons. This difference is demonstrated in the way the tale is told.

"The Virginian" was voted by the Western American Writers in 1977 as the greatest western novel of all time. Whether it is or isn't is debatable, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.
JANA

Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Vintage L'Amour that keeps on pleasing, great read!, 16 Jul 1999
I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

A mold Breaker, 06 Jul 1999
This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...

Another treasure from L'Amour, 24 Jun 1999
I agree with the reviewers who have praised BEYOND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS. It is classic Louis L'Amour. I also agree with the reviewer who loved THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, a stunning new novel rich in the tradition of L'Amour at his best. He is loved so much because he is passionate about his writing and proclaims timeless themes of love, taking responsibility for oneself, and simple respect for others.

Classic L'Amour, 15 Jun 1999
Beyond the Great Snow Mountains is great reading, an enjoyable journey through a selection of tales. I received the book, along with the recent WWII novel, "The Triumph and the Glory", as birthday gifts, and greatly enjoyed them both. Each displays the style and grace of timeless writing, and themes that are so much more worthwhile than the hyped trash so many publishers offer us today.

Nice collection of short stories, 17 May 1999
This book contains about a dozen adventure, western, and sports (boxing) stories. It is fairly typical L'Amour, but I have always been impressed with his short stories and this one was no exception. He even has a few mysteries the collection that were also fun to read -- a bit of a change of pace.

Worthy of picking up.

Homer of the Hebrides, 14 Aug 2008
Imagine sitting back, and listening to a storyteller telling tales from the days of yore, one after another, until a mesmerising rhythm sets in and holds you spellbound. MacLellan is a storyteller of consummate ability and the tales he tells are almost flawless in their pitch. Most were recorded in South Uist, transcribed, then ably translated from the Gaelic by the Scot historian John Lorne Campbell. The best, without a doubt, is `The Three Questions and the Three Burdens', a clever tale with a sharp twist at the end, telling how a crofter's daughter first married, then outwitted her Laird--who never again crossed her. Others there are too, none dull--tales of ghosts, Scot legends, local fare, straight from the lips of master. The oral tradition has almost vanished: a few pockets remain in Eastern Europe, but readings are very few these days. The stories are best read to friends, over tumblers of whisky, next to a peat fire, in the dead of winter.

The Virginian, Oh What a Man!, 22 Jul 2007
Wow, this was so good; I could not put it down. The Virginian is the most incredible, honest, honorable, handsome (sigh) hero to come along the pike in a long long time. And what a scamp, LOL at his plot to switch the babies (clothes and all) around, so that the parents took home the wrong kids, had to come back to the Judge's ranch, leaving Molly the new teacher alone for him to call on!

Lots of love, laughter and excitement as the Virginian falls for the new teacher from the East, rounds up cattle rustlers and vanquishes the bad guys. The author's prose was glorious, although rather dense (for lack of a better word); it reminded me of Nathaniel Hawthorne. You really have to pay attention and don't let your mind wander or you will end up backtracking so you don't miss any of the story. The author's descriptions of the Wyoming countryside, and most especially the Tetons, were wonderful and I felt like I was right there.

Truly one of the best yarns I have ever read, with a nail biting finish during the final showdown with the bad guy, as Molly has to reconcile herself as to what is more important, her east coast sense of righteousness or her love for her man. Highly recommended.

"The Virginian" established the fictional code of the West.,, 27 Aug 2005
Owen Wister's "The Virginian," first published in 1902, is considered by many to exemplify the American Western novel. Wister certainly established the code of the West, and the stereotypical figures of the tough but genteel and courageous cowboy, (the one wearing the white hat and riding the white horse), the spinster schoolmarm from back East, horse rustlers, and the corrupt villain beyond redemption. In fact, the novel contains a scene constituting the first known "shootout" in American literature. Our narrator is an easterner, a man who visits Judge Henry, the Virginian's employer, at his ranch on Sunk Creek fairly frequently. I came to think of him as Mr. Wister himself, who did travel to Wyoming and parts West extensively.

From my perspective, the Virginian, whose true name is never revealed, is anything but a stereotype, although many heroes have been modeled after him. Yes, he is tall dark and handsome. This description is not terribly distinctive or unusual. One could definitely call him the strong silent type, and he does have a marked sense of honor, loyalty and justice. However, born and raised in Virginia before the Civil War, it is realistic to assume he was instilled with the values of a southern gentleman. Although he was not to the manor born, his family was decent and hardworking, and one certainly does not need wealth to live by the Good Book. A war veteran and a longtime wanderer throughout the western territories, he had learned survival skills by his mid-twenties. Loose lips was not a desirable trait if one wanted to live a long and healthy life. I found the Virginian to be a credible character, flawed like all men, but with a clear and unwavering sense of right and wrong. He is a man suited to his environment and to his times, and personifies the rugged individual.

It is important to note the period in which this novel was written to fully enjoy it, just as it is crucial to understand the times and setting in which such authors as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and George Eliot wrote. In "The Virginian," Wister states: "It was through the Declaration of Independence that we Americans acknowledged the eternal equality of man. For by it we abolished a cut-and-dried aristocracy. We had seen little men artificially held up in high places, and great men artificially held down in low places, and our own justice-loving hearts abhorred this violence to human nature. Therefore, we decreed that every man should henceforth have equal liberty to find his own level. By this very decree we acknowledged and gave freedom to true aristocracy, saying, 'Let the best man win, whoever he is.' That is America's word. That is true democracy." Believing this so strongly, is it any wonder that the character of the Virginian was created?

As for Miss Mary Stark Wood of Bennington, Vermont, who calls herself spinster at age 20, she is a woman ahead of her time. Many have been created in Mary's image, but she is the original. Intelligent, independent, adventurous, full of pluck and, yes, pretty, she sets off to teach school in Bear Creek, Wyoming, to get away from family pressure to wed an unwanted suitor, and probably to see more of the world. An acquaintance and correspondent of Miss Wood's, Mrs. Balaam, a Bear Creek resident, wrote and told the young woman of the teaching position. Mary accepts, and as it happens, the Virginian is the first to meet her upon her arrival. He actually rescues her, as the primitive stagecoach she has been traveling in is mired-down in a creek - the driver drunk and quite irresponsible. She is later embarrassed, remembering how tightly she clung to the cowboy, in fright, not out of flirtatiousness. He, however, cannot get her out of his mind. This is so much more than a romance novel, although there is romance aplenty, of both the classical nature and the kind between a man courting a woman.

The Virginian's bete noir is an evil character named Trampas. The two clash throughout the tale until the final showdown. One of the books classic lines has our hero responding to Trampas after a nasty insult, "When you call me that, smile." He is also betrayed by a trusted friend who becomes corrupt out of greed and weakness. Law and order had not arrived in Wyoming Territory and it was up to individuals to maintain a civil society. Mary Wood calls this taking the law into one's own hands, or vigilantism. This issue becomes a bone of contention between herself and the Virginian.

Owen Wister imbues his characters, especially the Virginian and Mary, with a remarkable sense of depth. Their relationship, as well as his relationship with his old friend Steve, are depicted with particular poignancy. The initial reserve between Mary and her suitor is normal for the period. However, the sexual tension between them is palpable. Graphic love scenes are not necessary here. The author does more with a kiss and an embrace than many modern writers accomplish with all their erotica. There is some terrific humor also. I found Emily, the hen, to be one of the most original animals in fiction and absolutely hilarious. Wister's vivid passages describing the Wyoming wilderness are extraordinary, making it easy for one to visualize the gorgeous landscapes. The pace is somewhat slow at times. However, I did not find the narrative at all tedious. Time passed more slowly back then and things took longer to accomplish for obvious reasons. This difference is demonstrated in the way the tale is told.

"The Virginian" was voted by the Western American Writers in 1977 as the greatest western novel of all time. Whether it is or isn't is debatable, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.
JANA

Vintage Louie Lamour, 10 Jul 1998
A most splendid collection of short stories from America's premier storyteller. Reading these newly discovered stories made me realize how sad it is that we will never again be rewarded with his true brand of genius. The novel at the end "Rustler Roundup" was superb. I truly hope his spirit and love of the Old West will forever live on

Wonderfull, 16 Jul 2007
This book is written by a real wordsmith. The author paints pictures and takes the reader through a whole range of emotions. It,s the first Vardis Fisher I have read and I cannot wait to get my hands on another. For people who like tales of the west but cannot stand "meanwhile back at the ranch" literature, this is a must read.

A Gem Of A Book, 24 Apr 2007
This book is magnificent. I'm probably more of a romantic than I am accurate with my history, (scrap that, I'm definitely more of a romantic), but this book really made me feel like I was experiencing both the joy and hardship of what it was like to be a mountain man.
The inclusion of real life characters such as Hugh Glass & Jim Bridger is pure genius on the author's part.
The book is written very well with a hell of a lot of detail. In fact it is this level of detail that makes the book beautiful, vivid & harsh.
Well worth a read, (and for a remarkable price too).


Excellent story of a mountain man, trapper, 06 Jan 2004
I found that once I picked up this book I could not put it down. This book was made into a brilliant film starring robert redford called Jeremiah Jonhson. It describes the lonely life of the fur trapper who ends up declaring war on the whole crow nation. It also goes into great detail about the great knowledge of the mountain men, how they used the behaviour of animals and nature to their advantage when hunting and living off the land. The book is well paced and has lots of other characters, some that actually lived i.e Jim Bridger.
Simply a cracking read for those who like the western, pioneer adventure genre.

A wonderful story of the life of the Mountain Man, 15 Nov 2001
I was first completely captivated by this book many years ago and found it a moving and passionate account of the life of the Mountain Man and the interaction with the native american indians. The film made of this book starring Robert Redford is a touching and magnificent translation into the cinema of a fine book. Read the book and see the film - you won't be dissapointed.

Vintage L'Amour that keeps on pleasing, great read!, 16 Jul 1999
I started with Louis L'Amour when I was 13. I'm 50 now and he still gives me immense satisfaction. His books, all of them, grace my small home library and they are somewhat dog-eared from the many times I've re-read them. "Beyond" is a small compilation of short stories that are pure enterntainment and L'Amour at his best. He takes you to places you will probably never visit, introduces you to people and circumstances of intensity and all in the comfort of your favorite reading chair. I look forward to the promised release of several new works.

A mold Breaker, 06 Jul 1999
This as a gift to a guy that reads EXCLUSIVELY WESTERNS because the giver thought that's what it was by the name of the writer. But danged if I didn't find these stories more of a treat than some westerns I'd read lately. Some of these writers do spread out to a dukes mixture don't they? Somebody said they thought Steven King or one of these other goresmiths was writing a western..? No doubt set at Tombstone or somewhere a lot of corpses can rezarrect...

Another treasure from L'Amour, 24 Jun 1999
I agree with the reviewers who have praised BEYOND THE GREAT SNOW MOUNTAINS. It is classic Louis L'Amour. I also agree with the reviewer who loved THE TRIUMPH AND THE GLORY, a stunning new novel rich in the tradition of L'Amour at his best. He is loved so much because he is passionate about his writing and proclaims timeless themes of love, taking responsibility for oneself, and simple respect for others.

Classic L'Amour, 15 Jun 1999
Beyond the Great Snow Mountains is great reading, an enjoyable journey through a selection of tales. I received the book, along with the recent WWII novel, "The Triumph and the Glory", as birthday gifts, and greatly enjoyed them both. Each displays the style and grace of timeless writing, and themes that are so much more worthwhile than the hyped trash so many publishers offer us today.

Nice collection of short stories, 17 May 1999
This book contains about a dozen adventure, western, and sports (boxing) stories. It is fairly typical L'Amour, but I have always been impressed with his short stories and this one was no exception. He even has a few mysteries the collection that were also fun to read -- a bit of a change of pace.

Worthy of picking up.

Homer of the Hebrides, 14 Aug 2008
Imagine sitting back, and listening to a storyteller telling tales from the days of yore, one after another, until a mesmerising rhythm sets in and holds you spellbound. MacLellan is a storyteller of consummate ability and the tales he tells are almost flawless in their pitch. Most were recorded in South Uist, transcribed, then ably translated from the Gaelic by the Scot historian John Lorne Campbell. The best, without a doubt, is `The Three Questions and the Three Burdens', a clever tale with a sharp twist at the end, telling how a crofter's daughter first married, then outwitted her Laird--who never again crossed her. Others there are too, none dull--tales of ghosts, Scot legends, local fare, straight from the lips of master. The oral tradition has almost vanished: a few pockets remain in Eastern Europe, but readings are very few these days. The stories are best read to friends, over tumblers of whisky, next to a peat fire, in the dead of winter.

The Virginian, Oh What a Man!, 22 Jul 2007
Wow, this was so good; I could not put it down. The Virginian is the most incredible, honest, honorable, handsome (sigh) hero to come along the pike in a long long time. And what a scamp, LOL at his plot to switch the babies (clothes and all) around, so that the parents took home the wrong kids, had to come back to the Judge's ranch, leaving Molly the new teacher alone for him to call on!

Lots of love, laughter and excitement as the Virginian falls for the new teacher from the East, rounds up cattle rustlers and vanquishes the bad guys. The author's prose was glorious, although rather dense (for lack of a better word); it reminded me of Nathaniel Hawthorne. You really have to pay attention and don't let your mind wander or you will end up backtracking so you don't miss any of the story. The author's descriptions of the Wyoming countryside, and most especially the Tetons, were wonderful and I felt like I was right there.

Truly one of the best yarns I have ever read, with a nail biting finish during the final showdown with the bad guy, as Molly has to reconcile herself as to what is more important, her east coast sense of righteousness or her love for her man. Highly recommended.

"The Virginian" established the fictional code of the West.,, 27 Aug 2005
Owen Wister's "The Virginian," first published in 1902, is considered by many to exemplify the American Western novel. Wister certainly established the code of the West, and the stereotypical figures of the tough but genteel and courageous cowboy, (the one wearing the white hat and riding the white horse), the spinster schoolmarm from back East, horse rustlers, and the corrupt villain beyond redemption. In fact, the novel contains a scene constituting the first known "shootout" in American literature. Our narrator is an easterner, a man who visits Judge Henry, the Virginian's employer, at his ranch on Sunk Creek fairly frequently. I came to think of him as Mr. Wister himself, who did travel to Wyoming and parts West extensively.

From my perspective, the Virginian, whose true name is never revealed, is anything but a stereotype, although many heroes have been modeled after him. Yes, he is tall dark and handsome. This description is not terribly distinctive or unusual. One could definitely call him the strong silent type, and he does have a marked sense of honor, loyalty and justice. However, born and raised in Virginia before the Civil War, it is realistic to assume he was instilled with the values of a southern gentleman. Although he was not to the manor born, his family was decent and hardworking, and one certainly does not need wealth to live by the Good Book. A war veteran and a longtime wanderer throughout the western territories, he had learned survival skills by his mid-twenties. Loose lips was not a desirable trait if one wanted to live a long and healthy life. I found the Virginian to be a credible character, flawed like all men, but with a clear and unwavering sense of right and wrong. He is a man suited to his environment and to his times, and personifies the rugged individual.

It is important to note the period in which this novel was written to fully enjoy it, just as it is crucial to understand the times and setting in which such authors as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and George Eliot wrote. In "The Virginian," Wister states: "It was through the Declaration of Independence that we Americans acknowledged the eternal equality of man. For by it we abolished a cut-and-dried aristocracy. We had seen little men artificially held up in high places, and great men artificially held down in low places, and our own justice-loving hearts abhorred this violence to human nature. Therefore, we decreed that every man should henceforth have equal liberty to find his own level. By this very decree we acknowledged and gave freedom to true aristocracy, saying, 'Let the best man win, whoever he is.' That is America's word. That is true democracy." Believing this so strongly, is it any wonder that the character of the Virginian was created?

As for Miss Mary Stark Wood of Bennington, Vermont, who calls herself spinster at age 20, she is a woman ahead of her time. Many have been created in Mary's image, but she is the original. Intelligent, independent, adventurous, full of pluck and, yes, pretty, she sets off to teach school in Bear Creek, Wyoming, to get away from family pressure to wed an unwanted suitor, and probably to see more of the world. An acquaintance and correspondent of Miss Wood's, Mrs. Balaam, a Bear Creek resident, wrote and told the young woman of the teaching position. Mary accepts, and as it happens, the Virginian is the first to meet her upon her arrival. He actually rescues her, as the primitive stagecoach she has been traveling in is mired-down in a creek - the driver drunk and quite irresponsible. She is later embarrassed, remembering how tightly she clung to the cowboy, in fright, not out of flirtatiousness. He, however, cannot get her out of his mind. This is so much more than a romance novel, although there is romance aplenty, of both the classical nature and the kind between a man courting a woman.

The Virginian's bete noir is an evil character named Trampas. The two clash throughout the tale until the final showdown. One of the books classic lines has our hero responding to Trampas after a nasty insult, "When you call me that, smile." He is also betrayed by a trusted friend who becomes corrupt out of greed and weakness. Law and order had not arrived in Wyoming Territory and it was up to individuals to maintain a civil society. Mary Wood calls this taking the law into one's own hands, or vigilantism. This issue becomes a bone of contention between herself and the Virginian.

Owen Wister imbues his characters, especially the Virginian and Mary, with a remarkable sense of depth. Their relationship, as well as his relationship with his old friend Steve, are depicted with particular poignancy. The initial reserve between Mary and her suitor is normal for the period. However, the sexual tension between them is palpable. Graphic love scenes are not necessary here. The author does more with a kiss and an embrace than many modern writers accomplish with all their erotica. There is some terrific humor also. I found Emily, the hen, to be one of the most original animals in fiction and absolutely hilarious. Wister's vivid passages describing the Wyoming wilderness are extraordinary, making it easy for one to visualize the gorgeous landscapes. The pace is somewhat slow at times. However, I did not find the narrative at all tedious. Time passed more slowly back then and things took longer to accomplish for obvious reasons. This difference is demonstrated in the way the tale is told.

"The Virginian" was voted by the Western American Writers in 1977 as the greatest western novel of all time. Whether it is or isn't is debatable, but I really enjoyed it. Highly recommend.
JANA

Vintage Louie Lamour, 10 Jul 1998
A most splendid collection of short stories from America's premier storyteller. Reading these newly discovered stories made me realize how sad it is that we will never again be rewarded with his true brand of genius. The novel at the end "Rustler Roundup" was superb. I truly hope his spirit and love of the Old West will forever live on

This is the way the west really was, 19 Jun 1999
Louis L'amour shows the reader interesting glimpses of the old west in this collection of short stories. Some of his well-known characters are placed in stories that keep you interested until the end. He has the talent of creating realistic scenarios that aren't always decided by gunplay and death. He shows the reader portions of the everyday life in the old west in a way that subtly reinforces the integrity of the people who really shaped this country. This is the way the west was truly won.

A monument to a great writer, 25 Oct 1998
This newest collection of stories written by Louis L"Amour brings back several favorite characters such as "Kilkenny" and the "Cactus Kid". I really enjoyed the stories and the nostalgia they brought to my mind of the wild west and how life used to be.

Great short stories, 05 Oct 1998
Some very good western stories especially the title story "Monument Rock". Louis L'Amour always brings his characters to life in a few words that seem to sum up each characters personality beautifully. Two of the stories struck a chord in my memory. "Last Day in Town" with very few changes is "Riding On" from the short story collection - "Law of the Desert Born". "The Man from the Dead Hills" has the same plot but different characters than those found in "Barney Takes a Hand" from the short story collection titled - "Riding For The Brand".

Great Short stories and still in the wholesome style, 13 Sep 1998
Enjoyable reading. Eight great short stories. Show that character and integrity were foremost in the making of a man and a woman.