About this ebook
Excerpt: "A thin wisp of smoke drifted up from the camp at the edge of the wash. It rose languidly, as though affected by the fact that the day was going to be a scorcher. Already, though the morning was young, a fiery sun beat down on the sand so that heat waves shimmered in the air. Occasionally a spark from the crackling cottonwood limbs was caught by a dust whirl and carried toward the field of ripe wheat bordering the creek. Of the campers there were three, all of the genus tramp, but each a variant. They represented different types, these desert trekkers. The gross man lying lazily under the shade of a clump of willows might have stepped straight out of a vaudeville sketch. He was dirty and unkempt, his face bloated and dissipated. From his lax mouth projected an English brier pipe, uncleansably soiled. His clothes hung on him like sacks, wrinkled and dusty, but not ragged. He was too good a hobo to wear anything torn or patched. It was his boast that he could get another suit for the asking any time he needed one."
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About the author
William MacLeod Raine, born on June 22, 1871, in London, England, and later emigrating to the United States, became one of the most prolific and influential writers of Western fiction in the early 20th century. His life reads like an adventure novel: after moving to Arkansas with his family, he ventured to the rugged landscapes of the American West, which would become the vivid backdrop for his literary career. Raine's works are celebrated for their authentic portrayal of frontier life, capturing the spirit of the American West with a blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling. He was a master at weaving tales of rugged cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws, contributing significantly to the mythos of the Wild West. His narratives often explored themes of justice, honor, and the clash between civilization and the untamed wilderness.Raine's influence extended beyond his novels; he was a mentor to younger writers and a vocal advocate for the preservation of Western heritage. His dedication to the genre helped elevate Western fiction to a respected literary form. Despite his popularity, Raine was not without controversy. His romanticized depictions of the West sometimes glossed over the harsh realities faced by Native Americans and other marginalized groups, a point of critique among modern scholars.In an era where the American West was rapidly fading into history, Raine's works provided a nostalgic yet idealized vision of frontier life, shaping the imaginations of countless readers and writers. His legacy endures, offering a window into a bygone era and continuing to inspire those who seek adventure in the pages of a book.
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