The Shootist

by Glendon Swarthout

Book Overview

This is an extremely well-written Western and gives the reader vivid insight into the workings of the mind of a wanderer and gunman.―Baton Rouge, Louisiana Sunday Advocate By the author of The... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553022598
• ISBN13: 9780553022599
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 158 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.

Customer Reviews

For fans of the film, the book is better.....

Being a big fan of the film, I decided to read the book. It is not very long at all and is much more descriptive about the pain J.B. is enduring in his struggle with the cancer which adds to the story. The character of Gillum is a little different in the book and the Sheriff play's a bigger part too. The Shootist is very well written, a quick read, and the price for a used copy cannot be beat!!

The sweet clean feel of being born

I've had a mild interest in reading this one for a number of years (along with so many others). What a revelation - and a wonderful surprise to discover a truly beautiful book! Extremely well crafted, and sad, and perfect. The unforgiving advance of the protagonist's condition, his treatment by the townsfolk, and the outcome of his final gesture to the them all are simply heartbreaking. The writing is uncluttered, and often just lovely. The most moving book I've encountered for quite some time.

Its all in the way it is presented

If you think about it, its hard to make a western very intriguing and original, but some authors have an awesome way of putting words together for the enjoyment of the reader. The story itself is good but not extraordinary, but the way its put together and that characterization is what makes it special. It is a very good book !!

One of the top three best westerns ever

I would put this book up there with "Lonesome Dove" and "The Vengeance Trail of Josey Wales" as one of the best westerns I've ever read. I have owned several copies of this book since I was in high school (1977) and have always enjoyed reading it. The book has a sad air to it, considering the circumstances of its hero, J.B. Books. I have almost come to tears several times while reading it, when I put myself in Books' shoes. Some of the best lines in Western fiction are in this book: "..I would not die a death such as I have described." "No?" "I would not. Not if I had your courage. I would not. And especially your skill with weapons." (conversation between Dr. Hostetler and J.B. Books)"Day after tomorrow," he said. "When you see me then, in my Sunday duds, there will be no tears." (J.B. Books to Bond Rogers)To overuse a cliche, if you read one western, "The Shootist" should be it.