65 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Writing For 2-Cents A Word, May 25, 2005
Since mine is the first review of this wonderful collection of short stories from a master writer, the book must be one of the best kept secrets of contemporary publishing.
These stories were written during years of the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s for magazines of that period, prior to Elmore Leonard switching to a modern mode of crime writing for books.
Anyone familiar with HOMBRE, VALDEZ IS COMING, or THE TALL T will not be surprised with his talent for writing westerns. He has said he always liked western movies, and his first fledgling attempts at writing were therefore westerns. Growing up in that era, I clearly recall that westerns were almost at the forefront of both publishing and movie screen. Many of us growing up in those days of Hoppy & Roy & Gene & Lone Ranger comics, post-WWII paperbacks, and the local "bijou" theaters, remain western fans to this very day. On a personal note, I probably have well over one thousand paperback westerns in my library, collected over the years, and yes, Mr. Leonard's are all there.
So when this book came out I bought it immediately. The manner in which the publisher issued the book is above normal: inside the front and back covers are many of the magazine covers in color within which the stories appeared; also, there is a nifty map showing many sites in Arizona Territory helping one locate the area of individual stories.
This was an ambitious undertaking from both author and publisher, and one of love from the author I'm sure. If you have interest in Elmore Leonard, or the American fictional west, or both, you will not want to be without this volume.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard, October 15, 2007
This review is from: The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard (Paperback)
True fans of Elmore Leonard, both in his western genre and his gritty crime/underworld genre, will need no recommendation from a total stranger to pounce on this book of his with excitement. What a wonderful addition to any library! His stories are highly readable, extremely realistic, and often result in a surprise ending that you never saw coming. And because they are short stories, they need to grab the reader's attention quickly, and they do just that. These are very enjoyable short stories, including "3:10 to Yuma". You'll be glad to own this collection. Trust me.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Western Stories, January 16, 2007
I bought this as a gift for my Dad, an avid Louis L'Amour fan. I wasn't sure if he would like this author, but he said it is a great read!!!!!! I am so pleased w/ my purchase and the great service @ Amazon!!!! Thank You!!!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
