Under the Diehard Brand (Stories from the Golden Age) [Paperback]

L. Ron Hubbard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 2009 | Series: Stories from the Golden Age

When Lee Thompson is making the long journey from Texas to Montana to see his aging father, he gets wind of the fact that the old man, one Sheriff Diehard Thompson, is losing control over Wolf River's town troublemakers. So, Lee decides to step in.

Lee's choice is a tough one, as the rule of law and his father's reputation hang in the balance. Since Diehard hasn't seen Lee in fifteen year's, Lee's not entirely surprised when his father doesn't recognize him. But more trouble awaits; it seems every frontier criminal has heard the same rumor of how easy the town is for outlaws, and nobody's seen the sheriff draw in three years. Now they're all on their way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Author L. Ron Hubbard not only tells an entertaining story, but doesn’t shy away from descriptive passages that enhance the atmosphere, like the following from Under the Diehard Brand:

…

“Plus, Under the Diehard Brand gives the reader and listener three solid stories—and two real winners—for the price of one.”—Somebody Dies, Craig Clarke book reviewer

Under the Die-Hard Brand  is a western about a young Lee Thompson, whose aging sheriff father is losing control over the thugs and troublemakers of Wolf River. Thompson must step into his father’s shoes and defend his town from the horde of criminals who have heard rumors of his father’s infirmity and see Wolf River as easy prey! Also present are the stories Hoss Tamer, The Ghost Town Gun-Ghost, and a story preview of Baron of Coyote River. – James A. Cox, Mid West Book Review

About the Author

With 19 New York Times bestsellers and more than 230 million copies of his works in circulation, L. Ron Hubbard is among the most acclaimed and widely read authors of our time. As a leading light of American Pulp Fiction through the 1930s and '40s, he is further among the most influential authors of the modern age. Indeed, from Ray Bradbury to Stephen King, there is scarcely a master of imaginative tales who has not paid tribute to L. Ron Hubbard.

Product Details

• Paperback: 152 pages
• Publisher: Galaxy Press (October 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592122612
• ISBN-13: 978-1592122615
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,247,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With 19 New York Times bestsellers and more than 230 million copies of his works in circulation, L. Ron Hubbard is among the most acclaimed and widely read authors of our time. As a leading light of American Pulp Fiction through the 1930s and '40s, he is further among the most influential authors of the modern age. Indeed, from Ray Bradbury to Stephen King, there is scarcely a master of imaginative tales who has not paid tribute to L. Ron Hubbard.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hubbard Rides Again!, October 28, 2009

By 

T.P.M. (Somewhere) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Under the Diehard Brand (Stories from the Golden Age) (Kindle Edition)

"Under the Diehard Brand" is a real gem that dates back to 1938 but is so well-written you'd think a modern writer had penned it yesterday. And therein lies the appeal of author L. Ron Hubbard's work - his writing is timeless. Punctuated by a breathless pace, memorable characters and constant action, "Under the Diehard Brand" is a textbook example of what a western should be.

The first chapter is a set-piece of mood, plotting and character development. Hubbard jumps right into the action as Lee Thompson returns home and rides into a cattle rustling (on a dark and stormy night, of course) and witnesses a murder. Initially at odds with his aging father, sheriff Diehard Thompson, Lee has plunged into a murderous situation where his mettle will be tested daily. It's in stories like these where we get to read marvelous descriptive lines like "The mutter of thunder growled across the sky." Or "He upset a bright brass spittoon which went bowling musically off on a voyage across the dusty floor." These seemingly inconsequential details add depth to the narrative and blend into Hubbard's mosaic of crusty cowpokes and blazing six-shooters.

"Under the Diehard Brand" has been reprinted as part of Hubbard's "Stories from the Golden Age" series by Galaxy Press who have excelled in producing first-rate editions. Inexpensively priced at $9.95 each, these beautiful books emulate the Pulp Era with retro cover illustrations and easy to read print. "Under the Diehard Brand" also includes two bonus stories - Hoss Tamer and The Ghost Town Gun-Ghost - which are equally entertaining.

Hubbard's westerns are especially popular and interested readers will seek out his air adventure, tales from the Orient, science fiction, mystery and sea adventure stories. Hubbard was a rare talent who mastered all of the genres that made the Pulp Era such an exciting time for readers hungry for fiction. Hubbard never let his readers down. These Galaxy Press editions are selling like hotcakes. So saddle up! Load your Winchester and take a ride into the Old West with a master storyteller!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real good pulp western, March 24, 2010

By 

John (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Diehard Brand (Stories from the Golden Age) (Paperback)

I really like a great western story and had been previously hooked on Louis L'Amour. Having exhausted all of his works, I am very relieved to have found another great western storyteller. Diehard Thompson is an aging sheriff whose son, who he hasn't seen in many years, comes to visit. Only he doesn't recognize him. His son, seeing the trouble brewing, takes matters in his own hands to help settle matters. Just a good western tale.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thompson must step into his father's shoes and defend his town from the horde of criminals, October 27, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Diehard Brand (Stories from the Golden Age) (Paperback)

Galaxy Press has reprinted inexpensive anthologies of classic pulp tales of two-fisted action by legendarily popular writer (and Scientology religion founder) L. Ron Hubbard, which are sure to satisfy avid readers of the pulp fiction action/adventure genre. "Under the Diehard Brand" is a western about a young Lee Thompson, whose aging sheriff father is losing control over the thugs and troublemakers of Wolf River. Thompson must step into his father's shoes and defend his town from the horde of criminals who have heard rumors of his father's infirmity and see Wolf River as easy prey! Also present are the stories "Hoss Tamer", "The Ghost Town Gun-Ghost", and a story preview of "Baron of Coyote River". Each action-packed volume of Stories from the Golden Age is further enhanced with a glossary of regional terms, dialects that have fallen into disuse, and other words that may be esoteric to the casual reader. An excellent pick for anyone who loves pulp fiction.