Riders of the Purple Sage (Heathen Edition)

Set against the vivid backdrop of southern Utah in 1871, the narrative explores the lives of Venters, a disillusioned gentile; Lassiter, a wandering gunslinger; and Jane Withersteen, a conflicted Mormon woman. As Jane grapples with her religious obligations and personal desires, she faces pressure from the domineering Bishop Dyer and the predatory Elder Tull. This compelling tale intertwines themes of love, duty, and rebellion, establishing a rich foundation for the western genre that would influence countless stories to come.