The Greatest "Westerns, Texas" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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.

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Westerns

Westerns is a genre of literature that typically features stories set in the American Old West during the late 19th century. These books often include themes of adventure, conflict, and survival in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. They typically feature cowboys, gunslingers, outlaws, and lawmen, and explore the themes of justice, honor, and morality. Westerns are known for their vivid descriptions of the western landscape, the rugged individualism of their characters, and their portrayal of the American frontier as a place of both danger and opportunity.

Texas

The "Texas" category of books typically refers to literature that is set in or about the state of Texas. These books often explore the unique culture, history, and landscape of Texas, and may feature themes such as cowboys, ranching, oil drilling, and the struggles of frontier life. The Texas category may also include works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that are written by Texas authors or that focus on the experiences of Texans. Overall, the Texas category offers readers a diverse range of books that capture the spirit and character of this iconic American state.

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  1. 1. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry

    The book tells the story of two retired Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The narrative focuses on the duo's adventures and the characters they meet along the way, including a variety of outlaws, Indians, and settlers. This epic tale of the Old West explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

  2. 2. 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.

  3. 3. Horseman, Pass By: A Novel 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.

  4. 4. 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.

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