PUBLISHED/Bison Books (University of Nebraska Press) Western
The Shootist
Glendon Swarthout
The Shootist is John Bernard Books, a gunfighter at the turn of the twentieth century who must confront the greatest Shootist of all: Death. Most men would end their days in bed or take their own lives, but a gunfighter has a third option, one that Books decides to exercise. He may choose his own executioner. As word spreads that the famous assassin has incurable cancer, an assortment of human vultures gathers to feast on the corpse--among them a gambler, a rustler, a clergyman, an undertaker, an old love, a reporter, even an admiring teenager. What follows is the last courageous act in Books's own legend. This classic, Spur Award-winning novel was chosen by the Western Writers of America as one of the best western novels ever written and was the inspiration for John Wayne's last great starring role in the acclaimed 1976 film adaptation. The Bison Books edition includes a new introduction by the author's son, Miles Swarthout, in which he discusses his father's work and the making of the legendary film.
“This is definitely more than a Western; the characterization is flawless, the plot absorbing and convincing.”--Library Journal
“A taut, leathery, masterful tale.”--Los Angeles Times
“A classic—an incredible tale about an incredible man by an incredible author. . . . It’s a fascinating tale, and once started, is difficult to leave until the final sentence has been absorbed.”--Arizona Republic
“Chilling . . . grisly . . . extremely exciting to the very end.”--Times of London
“This is definitely more than a Western; the characterization is flawless, the plot absorbing and convincing.”--Library Journal
“A taut, leathery, masterful tale.”--Los Angeles Times
“A classic—an incredible tale about an incredible man by an incredible author. . . . It’s a fascinating tale, and once started, is difficult to leave until the final sentence has been absorbed.”--Arizona Republic
“Chilling . . . grisly . . . extremely exciting to the very end.”--Times of London
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A prolific writer in multiple genres, Glendon Swarthout (1918–92) won the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Western Writers of America and is now in their Hall of Fame. His novels include The Homesman and The Old Colts.
The late Miles Swarthout was the author of The Sergeant’s Lady and the editor of Glendon Swarthout’s short story collection, Easterns and Westerns. He was also a screenwriter who adapted his father’s book for the movie The Shootist.
A prolific writer in multiple genres, Glendon Swarthout (1918–92) won the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Western Writers of America and is now in their Hall of Fame. His novels include The Homesman and The Old Colts.
The late Miles Swarthout was the author of The Sergeant’s Lady and the editor of Glendon Swarthout’s short story collection, Easterns and Westerns. He was also a screenwriter who adapted his father’s book for the movie The Shootist.
