The End and the Myth (The Old West)-Revised Paperback - 1979

BRAND NEW-Beautifully embossed brown leather with pictorial pastedown! Revised 1980 with second printing-" This volume represents the conclusion, substantively, of the Time-Life "Old West" series. The book begins by observing that (Page 7) "The passing of what came to be called the Old West was marked most tangibly by the arrival of modern technology." This is amply illustrated by a photograph on the same page of a cowboy looking skyward, seeing a plane passing overhead. The first chapter notes the "lingering aura of a vanishing frontier," with one of the spotlights on one of the last of the Old West lawmen, Dude Brown. -When did the Old West end? The book suggests that 1890 is not a bad date, although some Old West areas still reflected the past pretty well. Many writers still spoke of the Old West in mythical terms, such as Zane Grey. Frederick Jackson Turner wrote that the frontier spirit was a key element in American history.-The second chapter considers "show time for the West," including Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show (as well as shows by those who would emulate Buffalo Bill). Much detail is provided regarding Cody's show and how he and his team made it work. The story of Annie Oakley and Cody's use of Indians is also described.-The rodeo also became one of the last bastions of the Old West, as cowboys showed off skills once important for herding cattle. The origins of rodeo are nicely described. As always, the photographs add some life to this chapter. Teddy Roosevelt, described here as "The Cowboy President," was also a part of the fading Old West. The chapter notes his experience in the West and its importance for him. Also told is the story of oil and its role in the western United States.-The book concludes with a chapter on "The myth in motion," referring to the development of the industry of the western in movies. From "The Great Train Robbery" to "Stagecoach," the history of movies focusing on the Old West is examined. The actors, the directors (I didn't know that Buffalo Bill tried directing a movie!), the movies themselves are the focus of discussion."