SUMMARY:
Released in 2017 by Time Life Books, this 96-page magazine reflects upon the American West throughout the 19th Century. Between text and an assortment of photos (mostly black-and-white), along with artwork, the American West’s evolution is encompassed. After a two-page introduction, five chapters cover the following:
- “An Expanding Nation.” Discussion is focused on ramifications of 1803’s Louisiana Purchase, as to how Lewis & Clark’s expedition became the first step towards a gradual mass migration westward. Daniel Boone, John Colter, Jedediah Smith, Joseph Walker, Kit Carson and John Charles Frémont are among those explorers highlighted.
- “The Great Trek.” Shifting towards mid-century, initial generations of Western pioneers faced weeks, if not months, of dire reality traveling cross-country. As much life-ending risk was involved, so, too, were the potential rewards for opportunistic men and women alike. Case in point: the California Gold Rush, aided in part by the railroad industry, would spike migration numbers enormously.
- “Cattle Barons and Cowboys.” Heralding the Old West’s most famous occupation, fortune awaited this industry’s most successful individuals. Predictably, those doing the actual labor faced a far more tumultuous daily life.
- “Law and Disorder.” Enforcing justice upon outlaws and ruthless killers would prove, at best, an inconsistent, if not hypocritical, terrain for law-abiding citizens. 1881’s ‘Gunfight at the O.K. Corral’ in Tombstone, Arizona, is reviewed, along with glimpses of Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Pat Garrett, and Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch. Also examined is the illicit creativity involved with gambling.
- “The Original Americans.” Native American tribes and their traditional means of survival are confronted with genocide once encroached upon by settlers in search of land and gold. Skirmishes between Native Americans and U.S. soldiers would climax in June 1876 at the gory Battle of the Little Bighorn. After this pivotal loss, U.S. forces re-doubled its efforts in forcing Native American compliance with the government’s changing yet self-interested political stance. It would also signal that the U.S. had at last conquered the West by the end of the century.
As its postlude, the brief “Taming of the West” explains how, at the 20th Century’s onset, few pockets of the Old West remained. The ease of cross-country travel and 1901’s oil discovery in Texas would become signs of the country’s imminent industrial revolution.
REVIEW:
Providing a thorough history lesson in magazine form, Time Life’s production values are stellar. With gruesome details kept to a minimum, Time Life’s The Wild West lets its vintage photography brings historical truths to life. The balanced text stays on task and acknowledges that hyperbole often sparked familiar legends.
As for younger audiences, it’s best to understand that the details Time Life’s text discuss aren’t necessarily exciting, but they are insightful. More so, the magazine’s text doesn’t play favorites keeping its narrative consistently objective. Intended for both historical buffs and casual readers, this magazine makes a welcome treat. Highly recommended!
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
A table of contents and photo credits are included.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
