great american western novels

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.

Definitely. 'The Virginian' is a very important western novel. It set the tone for many later works in the genre. 'Shane' is also really good. It has a simple yet powerful story. And 'The Big Sky' gives you a great sense of what life was like for the early adventurers in the American West.

The '100 great western novels' influenced American literature in multiple ways. For instance, they brought to light the unique landscapes and cultures of the American West. Writers like Zane Grey in his novels painted vivid pictures of the Western terrain. This not only made the West more appealing to readers but also inspired other writers to explore regional settings in their works. Also, the themes of adventure, survival, and moral dilemmas in these Western novels became common themes in broader American literature. These novels also influenced the development of American English, with Western - specific terms and dialects being introduced.

Sure. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a great choice. It has a strong and determined female protagonist, and the story is full of action and western charm.

One of the great American novels from it could be 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. This novel is not only about the hunt for a white whale but also a profound exploration of human nature, obsession, and the power of nature. Also, 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J. D. Salinger is often considered a great American novel. It follows the journey of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager, and his struggle with growing up and the phoniness he sees in society.

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.

Another great western novel is 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. This novel delves deep into themes of justice, mob mentality, and the lawless nature of the frontier. It's a thought - provoking read that shows the darker side of the western expansion.

They typically have a strong sense of place. The American West, with its vast landscapes like deserts, mountains, and prairies, is vividly described in their works. For instance, Zane Grey's novels are known for their detailed portrayals of the western scenery. Their characters are often rugged individuals, such as cowboys, ranchers, or sheriffs, who uphold certain values like justice and loyalty. This reflects the frontier spirit of the American West.

Some of the best American western novels include 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister. It was one of the first novels to really define the western genre. 'Little Big Man' by Thomas Berger is another excellent one. It tells the story from the perspective of a white man raised by Native Americans, providing a unique view of the west. And 'Shane' by Jack Schaefer is a beloved western novel, with the character of Shane being an iconic figure in western literature.