The Greatest Books of All Time on Ranching
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 401 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
Genres
"Ranching" as a category for books encompasses a diverse array of literature that delves into the life, culture, and operations of ranches and the people who run them. This genre often includes historical accounts, practical guides, and personal narratives that explore the intricacies of managing livestock, land stewardship, and the challenges and rewards of rural living. Readers can expect to find stories that highlight the rugged, independent spirit of ranchers, the deep connection to nature, and the evolving practices in sustainable agriculture. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, books in this category offer a window into the unique lifestyle and enduring traditions of ranching communities.
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Date Range
Reading Statistics
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1. All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy
This novel follows the journey of a young Texas cowboy who, after his grandfather's death, ventures into Mexico with his best friend in search of a life of freedom and adventure. Their journey becomes complicated when they are arrested and imprisoned, and the protagonist falls in love with the daughter of a wealthy ranch owner. The book explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and the harsh realities of life.
The 682nd Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Close Range by Annie Proulx
Wyoming Stories
"Close Range: Wyoming Stories" is a collection of short stories that depict the harsh, rugged life in Wyoming. The book portrays the lives of various characters, from ranchers to rodeo cowboys, who are struggling with poverty, loneliness, and the harsh physical environment. The stories are characterized by a strong sense of place, dark humor, and vivid descriptions of the western landscape. The characters' struggles with their harsh environment and personal demons create a poignant and often tragic portrait of life in the American West.
The 3135th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Horseman, Pass By by Larry McMurtry
This novel takes place in a small Texas town where a young boy grows up on a ranch with his grandfather and a host of other characters. The story is about the boy's coming of age and his struggle to understand the adult world around him, especially when a devastating disease threatens the cattle on their ranch. The narrative explores themes of morality, love, and the harsh realities of life in a small, close-knit community.
The 3299th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Centennial by James A. Michener
"Centennial" is a sweeping historical novel that traces the history of the plains of northeast Colorado from prehistoric times to the 1970s. The narrative intertwines the stories of the land's various inhabitants over the centuries, including Native Americans, French fur trappers, English nobles, American pioneers, and others. The novel explores themes of love, war, and the challenge of the frontier, all set against the backdrop of the American West's breathtaking landscapes.
The 3973rd Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Cities of the Plain by Cormac McCarthy
"Cities of the Plain" is the conclusion to a trilogy set in the post-World War II American West. The story follows two cowboys, John Grady Cole and Billy Parham, who work on a ranch in New Mexico near the Texas border. Cole falls in love with a Mexican prostitute, which leads to a tragic confrontation with her pimp. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and the fading of the old West.
The 5380th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich
Essays
This book is a collection of essays that explore the author's experiences and observations after moving from the city to the rural landscapes of Wyoming. The narrative delves into the harsh and beautiful realities of living in the American West, the author's personal healing after a tragic loss, and the solace found in the vast open spaces. The book is a profound meditation on nature, solitude, grief, resilience, and the transformative power of landscape.
The 6949th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
A True-Life Novel
Half Broke Horses is a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who grew up in the early 1900s on a ranch in Texas. The book follows Lily's journey from a young girl with a thirst for adventure to a strong-willed woman who becomes a teacher, a rancher, and a mother. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lily remains determined and resilient, forging her own path in a world that often tries to limit her. The book is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman and a celebration of the American West.
The 7119th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Windbreak by Linda M. Hasselstrom
A Woman Rancher on the Northern Plains
"Windbreak" is a reflective and poignant memoir that delves into the daily life and challenges of a woman managing a cattle ranch in the American West. Through a series of journal entries, the author provides an intimate glimpse into the rhythms of rural life, the connection to the land, and the resilience required to sustain both the environment and the spirit in the face of adversity. The narrative weaves together themes of solitude, the changing seasons, and the intricate balance between human activity and nature, offering readers a profound meditation on the complexities of agricultural life and the enduring strength of a woman's dedication to her land and livelihood.
The 7425th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Bronc People by William Eastlake
Set on a Navajo reservation during World War II, "The Bronc People" explores the complex relationships and cultural tensions between the Native American inhabitants and the white government officials. The story is centered on a young Navajo man who is torn between his traditional lifestyle and the modern world. The book provides a deep insight into the Navajo culture, their spiritual beliefs, and their struggle to preserve their identity amid external influences.
The 9075th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Shane by Jack Schaefer
The novel centers around a mysterious and charismatic gunslinger named Shane who arrives and befriends a farming family in Wyoming. As tensions escalate between homesteaders and a ruthless cattle baron who seeks to drive them out, Shane's violent past catches up with him, leading to a climactic battle to protect the family and their community. Throughout the story, Shane grapples with his identity and the struggle between his turbulent past and the possibility of redemption through acts of courage and self-sacrifice.
The 11095th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Smoky the Cowhorse by Will James
The Story of a Horse
"Smoky the Cowhorse" is a captivating tale about a mouse-colored horse named Smoky who is born in the wild but captured and trained as a cowhorse. The story follows Smoky's life journey, from his early days running free in the West, through his time as a working cowhorse, to his cruel treatment at the hands of a harsh owner, and finally his rescue and rehabilitation by a kind cowboy. The book offers a realistic portrayal of the life of a working horse in the American West, highlighting both the harsh realities and the deep bonds formed between horse and rider.
The 11911th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. This House Of Sky by Ivan Doig
Landscapes of a Western Mind
"This House of Sky" is a memoir that vividly captures the rugged beauty and stark realities of growing up in rural Montana. The narrative centers around the author's life with his father and grandmother, following the death of his mother. Through evocative prose, the book explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the enduring impact of landscape on identity. The author reflects on his experiences and the characters who shaped his early life, painting a poignant portrait of love, loss, and the hardships of ranching life under the vast Montana sky.
The 12494th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. English Creek by Ivan Doig
Set in the rugged landscape of Montana during the summer of 1939, the story follows the coming-of-age journey of fourteen-year-old Jick McCaskill. As he navigates the complexities of adolescence, Jick grapples with family tensions, particularly between his father, a forest ranger, and his older brother, who defies expectations by choosing a different path. Against the backdrop of the impending war and the changing American West, Jick's experiences and observations offer a poignant exploration of identity, responsibility, and the bonds that hold a family together.
The 12494th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Nobody's Angel by Thomas McGuane
The novel follows the life of Patrick Fitzpatrick, a disillusioned former cavalry officer who returns to his family's Montana ranch seeking solace and a sense of purpose. As he navigates the complexities of rural life, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including his troubled sister and a seductive local woman. Through a series of misadventures and personal revelations, Patrick grapples with themes of identity, redemption, and the harsh realities of the American West, ultimately confronting his own inner demons and the choices that have shaped his life.
The 12494th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
Download