Larry McMurtry Book order

This landmark collection, brimming with his signature wit and incomparable sensibility, is Larry McMurtry’s classic tribute to his home and his people. Before embarking on what would become one of the most prominent writing careers in American literature, spanning decades and indelibly shaping the nation’s perception of the West, Larry McMurtry knew what it meant to come from Texas. Originally published in 1968, In a Narrow Grave is the Pulitzer Prize–winning author’s homage to the past and present of the Lone Star State, where he grew up a precociously observant hand on his father’s ranch. From literature to rodeos, small-town folk to big city intellectuals, McMurtry explores all the singular elements that define his land and community, revealing the surprising and particular challenges in the “dying . . . rural, pastoral way of life.” “The gold standard for understanding Houston’s brash rootlessness and civic insecurities” (Douglas Brinkley, New York Times Book Review), In a Narrow Grave offers a timeless portrait of the vividly human, complex, full-blooded Texan.

A stunning new novel from the bestselling author of Lonesome Dove

The book presents a gripping and detailed account of the violent massacres that occurred during the westward expansion of America in the 19th century. Through vivid storytelling and historical analysis, it explores the complexities and tragedies of this era, enriched with photographs and illustrations that enhance the narrative. The author, known for "Lonesome Dove," brings a powerful perspective to the often overlooked brutal realities of settling the American frontier.

Focusing on George Armstrong Custer's life and legacy, this richly illustrated volume offers a fresh perspective on the iconic figure of the American West. It combines storytelling with visual artistry to explore Custer's complex character and enduring impact on history, presenting a nuanced examination of his achievements and controversies. Through captivating narratives and stunning imagery, the book aims to deepen readers' understanding of Custer's significance in American folklore and history.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry offers an intimate and reflective exploration of a writer's life in this deeply personal follow-up to his memoir, Books. Through his experiences, McMurtry delves into the challenges and triumphs of the writing process, providing insights into the literary world and his own creative journey. This work captures the essence of being a writer, revealing the complexities and rewards that come with the craft.

A strange old woman caked in Montana mud pens a letter to her darling daughter back East—the writer's name is Martha Jane, but her friends call her Calamity... I am the Wild West, no show about it. I was one of the people who kept it wild. Larry McMurtry returns to the territory of his Pulitzer Prize–winning masterwork, Lonesome Dove, to sing the song of Calamity Jane's last ride. In a letter to her daughter back East, Martha Jane is not shy about her own importance. Martha Jane—better known as Calamity—is just one of the handful of aging legends who travel to London as part of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show in Buffalo Girls. As he describes the insatiable curiosity of Calamity's Indian friend No Ears, Annie Oakley's shooting match with Lord Windhouveren, and other highlights of the tour, McMurtry turns the story of a band of hardy, irrepressible survivors into an unforgettable portrait of love, fellowship, dreams, and heartbreak.

The memoir offers an intimate glimpse into Larry McMurtry's lifelong obsession with rare and antiquarian books, detailing his experiences in buying, selling, and collecting them. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, McMurtry shares the significance of these books in his life, revealing the joys and challenges of his literary pursuits. This captivating narrative not only explores his passion for literature but also provides insights into the world of book collecting.

Focusing on the captivating lives of Buffalo Bill Cody and Annie Oakley, this dual biography delves into their legendary status and the realities behind their personas. McMurtry examines their contributions to American culture and the Wild West, revealing the complexities of their characters and the impact they had on the nation's history. Through detailed storytelling, the book uncovers the truths that shaped their iconic legacies.

I've come to think that in times of crisis human beings don't have it in them to be rational. The Yazee gang was riding down upon us, six abreast. We all ran outside and confirmed that fact. The sensible thing would have been to run and hide -- but did we? Not at all.The narrator of Larry McMurtry's newest book is spunky Nellie Courtright, twenty-two years old and already wrapping every man in the West around her little finger. When she and her teenage brother Jackson are orphaned, she sweet-talks the local sheriff into hiring Jackson as a deputy, while she takes over the vacant job of town telegrapher. When, by pure blind luck, Jackson shoots down the entire Yazee gang, Nellie is quick to capitalize on his new notoriety by selling reviews to reporters. It seems wherever Nellie is, action is sure to happen, from a love affair with Buffalo Bill to a ringside seat at the O.K. Corral gunfight. Told with charm, humor, and an unparalleled zest for life, Nellie's story is the story of how the West was won.