What are some of the best American western novels?

The best American western fiction novels often have a strong sense of place. They vividly describe the harsh and beautiful landscapes of the American West. For example, in 'Lonesome Dove', the deserts and plains are almost characters themselves. Another characteristic is the presence of iconic characters like the tough cowboy or the wily outlaw. These characters usually have a code of honor that they follow, whether it's the law - abiding marshal or the Robin - Hood - like outlaw.

Well, 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey is definitely on the list. It's a classic that features the wild landscapes of the American West and the conflicts within it. 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy is also considered a great American western novel. It's a dark and violent exploration of the westward expansion. And don't forget 'Centennial' by James A. Michener, which tells the story of a Colorado town from its founding to modern times.

One great American western novel is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It tells a story full of adventure and the spirit of the Old West.

Well, 'Appaloosa' by Robert B. Parker is a great one. It's about a town marshal and his deputy dealing with outlaws. 'Hondo' by Louis L'Amour is another good choice. It features a tough cowboy trying to survive in a hostile environment. Additionally, 'The Shootist' by Glendon Swarthout is a story about an aging gunfighter which is quite engaging.

Typical characteristics include a focus on the frontier, with settings like deserts, mountains, and small frontier towns. There's often a strong sense of adventure, with cowboys, outlaws, and sheriffs as main characters. The themes usually revolve around survival, justice, and the taming of the wild west.

Well, 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven' by Sherman Alexie is a great one. It gives a modern and often humorous look at Native American life in the context of the Western world. Then there's 'Winter in the Blood' which explores themes of identity and alienation among Native Americans in the West. Oh, and 'Tracks' by Louise Erdrich is also a notable Native American Western novel that delves into family, history, and Native culture in that region.

I'd suggest 'Riders of the Purple Sage' for those new to American western novels. It has a lot of the classic elements like cowboys, outlaws, and beautiful western landscapes. It can give you a good taste of what the genre is all about. 'Little Big Man' could also be a good pick as it has a very interesting narrative style that can draw you into the world of the American West.

One of the best western novels is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a great story of a cattle drive. Another is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis, which features a strong - willed girl seeking revenge. And 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is also excellent as it delves into themes of justice and mob mentality in the Old West.

One of the best western novels is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It tells a complex and engaging story of a cattle drive. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis, which features a memorable protagonist in Mattie Ross. And 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is also highly regarded for its exploration of morality in the context of the Old West.

One of the best western novels is 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It tells a vivid story of a cattle drive. Another great one is 'True Grit' by Charles Portis, which features a strong - willed girl seeking revenge. Also, 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark is a remarkable western novel that delves into themes of justice and mob mentality.