The Shootist (Spitfire Editions) [Import] [Paperback]

Glendon Swarthout (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: Elliott & Thompson Limited; New Ed edition (April 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1904027334
• ISBN-13: 978-1904027331
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,041,599 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the top three best westerns ever, September 20, 1999

By 

John Doc Holliday (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shootist (Paperback)

I would put this book up there with "Lonesome Dove" and "The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales" as one of the best westerns I've ever read. I have owned several copies of this book since I was in high school (1977) and have always enjoyed reading it. The book has a sad air to it, considering the circumstances of its hero, J.B. Books. I have almost come to tears several times while reading it, when I put myself in Books' shoes.

Some of the best lines in Western fiction are in this book:

"..I would not die a death such as I have described." "No?" "I would not. Not if I had your courage. I would not. And especially your skill with weapons." (conversation between Dr. Hostetler and J.B. Books)

"Day after tomorrow," he said. "When you see me then, in my Sunday duds, there will be no tears." (J.B. Books to Bond Rogers)

To overuse a cliche, if you read one western, "The Shootist" should be it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The sweet clean feel of being born, January 19, 2006

By 

Patrick Dunn (Elko, Nevada United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shootist (Paperback)

I've had a mild interest in reading this one for a number of years (along with so many others). What a revelation - and a wonderful surprise to discover a truly beautiful book! Extremely well crafted, and sad, and perfect. The unforgiving advance of the protagonist's condition, his treatment by the townsfolk, and the outcome of his final gesture to the them all are simply heartbreaking. The writing is uncluttered, and often just lovely. The most moving book I've encountered for quite some time.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Its all in the way it is presented, December 11, 2002

By 

Pablo - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shootist (Paperback)

If you think about it, its hard to make a western very intriguing and original, but some authors have an awesome way of putting words together for the enjoyment of the reader. The story itself is good but not extraordinary, but the way its put together and that characterization is what makes it special. It is a very good book !!