Zane Grey - The Desert of Wheat: "The night was dark, cool, and quiet. The heavens were starry bright."

The life of Pearl Zane Grey is marked by his early passions for adventure, fishing, and writing, despite a challenging relationship with his father. Initially pursuing dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, he excelled in baseball but ultimately chose a practical career. Grey's writing journey began with magazine articles and culminated in his bestselling Western novels, notably "Riders of the Purple Sage," which established him as a literary icon. His success paralleled the rise of Hollywood adaptations, allowing him to thrive even during economic downturns until his death in 1939.