The American West has inspired some of the greatest literature in history. Stories of cowboys, outlaws, ranchers, and frontier survival have captured the imagination of readers for generations. From classic Western novels to deeply researched historical accounts, the best cowboy books give us a glimpse into the grit, independence, and adventure that defined the cowboy way of life.
Here are ten of the best cowboy books, written by some of the finest wordsmiths to ever put pen to paper about the American West. Interestingly, several of these books have been adapted into movies and television shows, some of which are legendary in their own right. When that’s the case, I’ve listed those as well.
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1. Lonesome Dove – Larry McMurtry
One of the greatest cowboy and Western novels ever written, Lonesome Dove is an epic tale of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they drive cattle from Texas to Montana. You’ll enjoy McMurtry’s vivid storytelling, complex characters, and deep emotional resonance. All of which makes this a must-read for anyone who loves the cowboy spirit.
📖 Why Read It?
A sweeping, Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that captures the spirit of the cowboy era like no other. It’s a tale of friendship, adventure, and heartbreak. And it features two of the most unforgettable characters in Western literature—Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call. If you can only read one Western novel, make it this one.
✅ Adaptation: Lonesome Dove (1989 TV miniseries)
In my opinion, one of the greatest Western miniseries ever made. This adaptation starred Robert Duvall as Gus McCrae and Tommy Lee Jones as Woodrow Call. It captured the heart and soul of McMurtry’s novel and won multiple Emmy Awards.
Lonesome Dove: A Novel
Hardcover – Deckle Edge, by Larry McMurtry
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon
The Pulitzer Prize–winning classic of the American West that follows two aging Texas Rangers embarking on one last adventure. An epic of the frontier and rich with complex characters, Lonesome Dove is the grandest novel ever written about the last defiant wilderness.
2. Blood and Thunder – Hampton Sides
This historical masterpiece should be on any list of the best cowboy books. It chronicles the life of Kit Carson and the U.S. Army’s conquest of the Southwest. Sides’ research and gripping narrative shed light on the complexities of the American frontier. It also includes conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, making it one of the best non-fiction books on the West.
📖 Why Read It?
Here’s the thing, this isn’t just a history book—it’s a cinematic, fast-paced account of the U.S. conquest of the Southwest, centered on the larger-than-life Kit Carson. Sides masterfully blends adventure and historical depth, making this a must-read for anyone fascinated by the frontier’s real-life struggles.
❌ No major adaptation
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a film or TV adaptation of Blood and Thunder. But still its epic story of Kit Carson and the conquest of the West would make for an incredible miniseries or documentary.
Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West
Hardcover – by Hampton Sides
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
Kit Carson’s role in the conquest of the Navajo during and after the Civil War remains one of the most dramatic and significant episodes in the history of the American West. Hampton Sides portrays Carson in the larger context of the conquest of the entire West, including his frequent and often lethal encounters with hostile Native Americans.
3. The Time It Never Rained – Elmer Kelton
Elmer Kelton is often regarded as one of the finest cowboy writers. Here he tells the story of a West Texas rancher struggling to keep his land during a devastating drought. This book also captures the harsh realities of ranching life and the resilience required to survive in an unforgiving land.
📖 Why Read It?
Elmer Kelton brings the realities of ranch life to the forefront in this gripping novel about a Texas rancher facing the worst drought in history. I think you’ll agree it’s a powerful lesson in resilience, self-reliance, and the cowboy code—without the Hollywood glamor.
❌ No major adaptation
While Kelton’s work is widely respected, this novel has never been turned into a film or series. And that is unfortunate. Given its deep themes of resilience and survival, it could make for a compelling drama.
The Time It Never Rained (Chisholm Trail Series)
Paperback – by Elmer Kelton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
In the 1950s, West Texas suffered the longest drought in the memory of most men then living. By that time, Charlie Flagg was one of a dying breed of men who wrested their living from the harsh land of West Texas. The struggle made them fiercely independent, a trait personified in Charlie’s persistence throughout the seven dry years, his refusal to accept defeat, his opposition to federal aid programs and his determination to stay on the land he loves and respects even as he suffers with that land.
4. Empire of the Summer Moon – S.C. Gwynne
A riveting history of Quanah Parker, the last chief of the Comanches, and the tribe’s fierce resistance to white settlement. Here, Gwynne’s narrative blends history with storytelling, offering a gripping look at the battle for the American West and the Comanches’ legacy.
📖 Why Read It?
You’ll find a deep dive into one of the most feared and respected Native American tribes—the Comanche—through the story of their last great chief, Quanah Parker. It’s an eye-opening account of how the cowboy and Native American worlds collided in a battle for the West.
✅ Adaptation in development
A film adaptation of Empire of the Summer Moon was announced, with Hollywood showing interest in bringing the story of Quanah Parker and the Comanche to the screen. However, the details of going from one of the best cowboy books of all time to a film remain scarce.
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches
Hardcover – by S.C. Gwynne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon Goodreads Choice
Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanche, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches.
5. Riders of the Purple Sage – Zane Grey
This much is clear, no list of the best cowboy books would be complete without Zane Grey, one of the founding fathers of the genre. This classic novel, set in the rugged Utah frontier, features gunfighters, romance, and a battle for survival that cemented the archetypes of the Western novel.
📖 Why Read It?
This is the cowboy book that literally defined the Western genre. So, if you love classic Western tropes—lone gunslingers, rugged landscapes, and high-stakes action—this is the novel that started it all. Plus, Zane Grey’s descriptions of the Utah frontier are breathtaking.
✅ Adaptations: Multiple films
Thankfully, this book has been adapted into at least five films (1918, 1925, 1931, 1941, and 1996). The most notable is the 1996 made-for-TV movie starring Ed Harris and Amy Madigan.
Riders of the Purple Sage
Paperback – by Zane Grey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon
A classic western tale of justice, revenge, and love. It follows the story of a young woman, Jane Withersteen, who is being persecuted and threatened by an influential religious leader, Elder Tull. As Jane’s situation becomes increasingly dire, she turns to a mysterious rider, Lassiter, for help. Lassiter is a gun-toting, silver-spurred avenger with a mission of his own. As the two set out on a journey of revenge and redemption, they form an unlikely bond and find themselves entangled in the dangerous politics of a western town.
6. True Grit – Charles Portis
This is a timeless tale of revenge and perseverance. True Grit follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross as she hires the rough and grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to track down her father’s killer. I believe Portis’ sharp dialogue and unforgettable characters make this novel one of the best cowboy books to portray the Western spirit.
📖 Why Read It?
Well, it’s a Western classic with a strong female protagonist, sharp dialogue, and plenty of dry humor. Additionally, Rooster Cogburn is one of the most iconic cowboy characters ever written, and Mattie Ross’ grit and determination make this a story that sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
✅ Adaptations:
True Grit (1969) – Starring John Wayne (who won his only Oscar for the role of Rooster Cogburn).
True Grit (2010) – A critically acclaimed remake by the Coen Brothers starring Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, and Matt Damon.
True Grit
Paperback – by Charles Portis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon
True Grit tells the story of Mattie Ross, who is just 14 when the coward Tom Chaney shoots her father in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and robs him of his life, his horse, and $150 in cash. Filled with an unwavering urge to avenge her father’s blood, Mattie finds and, after some tenacious finagling, enlists one-eyed Rooster Cogburn, the meanest available US Marshal, as her partner in pursuit, and they head off into Indian Territory after the killer.
7. The Log of a Cowboy – Andy Adams
For those who want an authentic firsthand account of cowboy life, this 1903 novel is essential reading. Based on Adams’ own experiences as a working cowboy, the book follows a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, offering a detailed and realistic portrayal of the hardships, camaraderie, and danger on the trail.
📖 Why Read It?
If you’re seeking a realistic look at cowboy life, this book is essential. Unlike the romanticized dime novels of its time, Adams’ firsthand account of a cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1880s is gritty. It’s authentic. And, it’s full of fascinating details about what life on the trail was actually like.
❌ No major adaptation
Despite its historical significance as a realistic account of cowboy life, The Log of a Cowboy has never been adapted for film or television.
The Log of a Cowboy: A Narrative of the Old Trail Days
Hardcover – by Andy Adams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
This first-hand account of a cowboy brings the Old West to life authentically and vividly for the modern reader. Written by Andrew Adams during and after his many years working as a cowboy in the rugged plains of the southwest USA, this book was first published in 1903. At the time, the ways of the Wild West were rapidly being superseded by the unstoppable modern advancement of the United States.
8. Cattle Kingdom: The Hidden History of the Cowboy West – Christopher Knowlton
A deep dive into the boom and bust of the American cattle industry, this book explores how cattle barons, cowboys, and investors shaped the West’s economy and culture. And Knowlton’s research uncovers the forces behind the rise and fall of the open range era.
📖 Why Read It?
Ever wondered how cattle barons shaped the American economy and why the open-range era collapsed? Well, this book explains the big picture of the cowboy West, from its economic highs to its disastrous bust, all through riveting real-life stories.
❌ No major adaptation
This is a non-fiction book that hasn’t been adapted into a documentary or series. Still, its themes could be explored in a future Western history docuseries.
Cattle Kingdom: The Hidden History of the Cowboy West
Paperback – by Christopher Knowlton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon Editor’s Pick
The open-range cattle era lasted barely a quarter century, but it left America irrevocably changed. Cattle Kingdomreveals how the West rose and fell, and how its legacy defines us today. The tale takes us from dust-choked cattle drives to the unlikely splendors of boomtowns like Abilene, Kansas, and Cheyenne, Wyoming. We meet a diverse cast, from cowboy Teddy Blue to failed rancher and future president Teddy Roosevelt.
9. The Shootist – Glendon Swarthout
This gripping novel tells the story of J.B. Books, an aging gunfighter diagnosed with cancer who seeks to go out on his own terms. Swarthout’s take on the fading Old West is both action-packed and deeply philosophical, exploring themes of mortality, honor, and change.
📖 Why Read It?
I found it to be a haunting, thought-provoking novel about the last days of an aging gunfighter. One in which he faces his own mortality. Also, if you enjoy stories about the end of an era in the Old West, this book (which inspired John Wayne’s final film) is a powerful, must-read classic.
✅ Adaptation: The Shootist (1976)
Notably, this was John Wayne’s final film, and one of his best performances. The movie also starred James Stewart and Lauren Bacall, telling the story of an aging gunfighter facing his mortality.
The Shootist
Paperback – by Glendon Swarthout
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon
The Shootist is John Bernard Books, a gunfighter at the turn of the twentieth century who must confront the greatest Shootist of all: Death. While most men would end their days in bed or take their own lives, 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. And what follows is the last courageous act in Books’s own legend.
10. Cowboy Life: Reconstructing an American Myth – William W. Savage Jr.
While this book challenges many of the Hollywood myths surrounding cowboys, it also offers a historical and cultural analysis of who they really were. Savage strips away the romanticism and provides a fascinating, realistic view of cowboy life.
📖 Why Read It?
Simple. This book debunks the myths of cowboy culture. It also gives a historically accurate portrayal of what being a cowboy really meant. If you want a no-nonsense, fact-based look at the West, this is the book for you.
❌ No major adaptation
While this scholarly analysis of cowboy culture has not been adapted for the screen, its themes are often explored in Western documentaries.
Cowboy Life: Reconstructing an American Myth
Hardcover – by William W. Savage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon
One of the best cowboy books out there, the author takes a deep, analytical look at the reality of cowboy life, stripping away the myths and Hollywood romanticism that have shaped popular perceptions of the American West. William W. Savage Jr. examines how cowboys were portrayed in dime novels, movies, and folklore versus the often harsh, grueling, and less glamorous reality they actually lived. Through historical research and cultural analysis, Cowboy Life challenges the larger-than-life legends and provides a more accurate picture of who cowboys really were.
Final Thoughts
Cowboy books aren’t just about gunfights, cattle drives, and outlaws—they’re about resilience, honor, survival, and the untamed spirit of the American frontier. Whether you’re drawn to sweeping epics like Lonesome Dove, the raw realism of The Log of a Cowboy, or the historical depth of Empire of the Summer Moon, each of these books offers a unique window into the cowboy way of life.
For those who live and breathe the cowboy lifestyle, these books are more than just stories—they’re lessons in grit, perseverance, and independence. And for those new to cowboy literature, this list is the perfect starting point to explore the rugged landscapes, legendary characters, and real-life history that shaped the American West. —☆
Which of these cowboy classics will you be adding to your collection? Got a favorite cowboy book that didn’t make the list? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your recommendations!
45 comments
I’m surprised that there are no Louis L’Amour books on this list
I am a big fan of Louis L’Amour. Hondo, The Californios, and The Sacketts being some of my personal favorites. At the same time, I’ve always considered him a “Western” writer more than a “Cowboy” writer; respecting that they are very similar. A very prominent and popular Western writer, to be sure, who should be on the top of every reading list. Thanks for your comment!
Chip – please check out my historical novel on Amazon: Addison True, by me, Craig Savoye. It’s self published but has sold 16,000 copies. Please read the reviews; they should convince you to read the book. I call it a “pre-western” because the action takes place between 1849-66. Follows the protagonist through 10 adventures from Gold Rush to Civil War and then a scout for the transcon railroad
Thanks Craig, I’ll check it out!
Louis Lamour is my favorite. I have read them all or close to it. At least 102 of them.
That sounds like quite a library!
Louis Lamour is my favorite.
His work is a favorite for a lot of folks. I’m definitely a fan. Thanks for your comment!
I completely agree. I fully expected to see at least one Louis l’amour book on the list.
I was pleased to see that my personal library contains the first seven titles you listed. I look forward to purchasing and enjoy the other three on the list
I bet that’s quite a personal library!
Seems more like a ‘books that became my favorite movies’ list
Interesting how most of these became movies, but sadly not all of them. Of these that are your favorite movies, which one is your absolute top?
Any such list that omits “The Wonderful Country” ain’t much of a list.
The Wonderful Country is a very good book, no doubt, and Tom Lea is a masterful author. Have you seen the accompanying movie? Cool piece of trivia you may know: baseball great Satchel Paige had a cameo role in the film adaptation as the leader of a Buffalo Soldiers unit. Thanks for your comment, and for giving the readers a bonus 11th pick. Appreciate it.
Have read all of the books on this list. That being said, I would be interested in knowing your definition of a “Cowboy” writer as you mentioned in your reply about Lamour. Mabey it would help me to make sense of your list. Thanks
There’s a difference in my mind, however slight, between something “western” and something else “cowboy.” Now, from a practical sense, they’re woven together into the broader fabric that is the American West. For me, though, cowboy writings focus on the cowboy as an iconic figure, rather than as a character in a larger story. Part stylistic, part based on feel, “cowboy” has a definite feel to it that’s different than general stories of the West. Admittedly, it’s hard to describe, which makes it hard to reconcile, but it’s deeply rooted in the life and experiences of the cowboy as a figure. I wrote an article months back about “cowboy music” which is much different than country music (https://cowboyaccountant.com/2024/08/25/from-cattle-drives-to-dance-halls-the-evolution-of-cowboy-music/). And that difference is also hard to explain but is known when one hears it; grittier, more lonesome, and more hardscrabble. Its roots are on the dusty trails and around the campfire.
In the end, though, this is my list submitted to you, the reader. What I’m really interested in is your list. What stories of the American West are so impactful that you can’t put them down? Because as they say, “That’s why they make animal crackers; everyone likes something different.” Thanks for your comment.
Will James’s, Cowboys North and South, Sand, and Smokey the Cowhorse.
Great suggestions! Will James was a great writer, but also an artist. His artwork, which predominantly involved cowboy and rodeo scenes, followed in the tradition of Charlie Russell. Thank you for suggesting these. I’m feeling like I need a second article…
Love the concept for this list, but think differentiating between fiction and non-fiction would make better lists? Then, Paul Horgan’s A Distant Trumpet & Nathaniel Philbrick’s Custer book would get their due props.
I really like your suggestion; look for maybe a follow-on article along those lines. The tricky part in all of this is there are so many books worthy of inclusion on anyone’s reading list. Space and time limited me to 10, but I could easily write an article about 20, or 30, or even 50! There’s that many magnificent storytellers and stories. Thanks for your comment and thanks for the suggestion. Really appreciate it.
Thank you! I would add that Horgan’s book remains in my personal top ten novels of any genre. Philbrick’s The Last Stand was recommended by a fellow teacher (he, ELA and me History), and I initially scoffed, having read a number of Custer books, including Son of the Morning Star. Told him I did not think I needed to read another Custer book, but I was wrong. Less than a dozen pages in convinced me that his was the best researched account, written within a wide context that was so pertinent and vivid that it replaced Connell’s book as my go-to recommendation to anyone seriously interested in the story.
Every time I have either thought or said out loud something along the lines of, “I don’t need to read another [INSERT COWBOY OR WESTERN GENRE] book,” I’ve been pleasantly surprised. Just like you in this case. I’ll think on some ways to get these additions out to my audience. Perhaps as bonus recommendations in my monthly newsletter going out this week. Appreciate your thoughts on all of this. Could talk about it all day long!
All are good in their own way. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you very much for reading, and for taking the time to comment!
No mention of “Monte Walsh”?
Book and both movies are great!
How many cowboys ever roped a train???
If memory serves, Jack Schaefer is the author? I haven’t read it yet, so adding it to my list!
You forgot The Cowboy and the Cossack by Clare Huffaker
Now here’s a western novel that I have never read, so thanks for the suggestion! I’ll check it out.
Great list. 2 of my favorites:
John Williams’ BUTCHER’S CROSSING
Oakley Hall’s WARLOCK
Thanks for both of these!
A good list but “The Virginian” should be on it.
An Owen Wister masterpiece! I think there’s a follow-up article coming. There just too many great cowboy books out there. Thanks for your comment!
The Virginian established the modern cowboy novel. Every cowboy novel, and its protagonist hero, written since the Virginian shares its DNA.
“When you call me that, smile” is likely one of the greatest lines of text I’ve ever read.
What about books by Will James? He was a cowboy, wrote from experience. “Big Enough”, “Lone Cowboy”, “Smoky” etc
Someone else also mentioned Will James. Very good author and also a western artist. Limiting the article to only 10 books obviously created lots of opportunity for others to comment like you did. So, looks like I need to expand! Thanks for your comment.
In 1967, When I was 8, I started reading Old Yeller, a Post civil war Texas historical novel. Then I found Zane Grey. They were entertaining, but once I discovered Lamour I thought they were less romantic and grittier, if not actually more realistic. Though I moved on to other genres, these are the books that I cut my teeth on as a reader, and I still come back to them. Yes I do think there’s a difference between Cowboy and Westerns, though they overlap. Thanks for the interesting list.
That’s a great path to reading books, and appreciate you sharing it! There is a subtle difference between cowboy books and western books, but it’s tricky to explain that. And, in the end, I appreciate both. Thanks for your thoughts.
I love all 4 of McMurtry’s books that tell the story of Augustus and Woodrow. However, I can’t read them in sequence without noticing all the inconsistencies from one book to the next. I wish his editor or proofreaders would have pointed this out. I read them about once a year regardless. I also recommend his book, Anything For Billy. It’s a favorite of mine.
That’s very interesting that you wrote this, because I’ve noticed something similar. Perhaps no many folks would notice it, but it sounds like you have a keen eye. Thanks for commenting and thank you for the recommendation!
Do you not consider Blood meridian a cowboy book?
Most commentators and literary critics consider Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy to be an “anti-Western” or revisionist Western novel. I haven’t studied enough to know if I agree with them. But, I do like the film “No Country for Old Men” adapted from his book of the same name. Thanks for your comment.
Chip, thank you so much for this list, I agree there is such a vast amount of writers a second artical would be of great interest. Thank you for being brave enough to share your thoughts.
Yes, ma’am, my pleasure. Appreciating you commenting and your commitment to cowboy poetry.
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