Need reading suggestions for good novels set in the late 19th century

[G.W. Strong]

For the first time in decades I will have a decent vacation this summer. With that in mind I hope to do some reading. Now I need reading suggestions for good novels set in the late 19th century. I am looking for quality books that are worth the read not just pulp novels. I have read the Lonesome Dove books and enjoyed them immensely. What else should I read? Books with a military in the old west theme would be a plus. What are your favorite books set in the period?

[Gen Lew Wallace]

If you want history, then you can't go wrong with Robert Utley's books.

[Trailrider]

Novels of the Old West and others? Louis L'amour!

[G.W. Strong]

If you want history, then you can't go wrong with Robert Utley's books.

Those look interesting but I am looking for light reading in the form of novels. I will put those on my Fall list when I switch back to non fiction.

Novels of the Old West and others? Louis L'amour!

I am daunted by Louis L'amour since he seems to have written about a million books. Which one(s) would be the best?

[w.b. masterson]

Any of the Paul Wellman novels: The Comancheros, The Iron Mistress, and several others.  Unless you like chess, you might want to stay away from the Chessplayer: the biography of Paul Morphy.

[St. George]

If you're looking for any sort of authenticity - skip Wellman, as he relied more on fantasy than on factual context.

L'Amour wrote about what was actually there - in a novelized format - look to his earlier stuff, first.

J. Frank Dobie had some good, interesting stuff - very readable.

Check further down the CAS City forum lists - see what's recommended down in 'Books and Movies'...

Vaya,

Scout's Out!

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Although it is not about military history ( well, there is a little in it ... ), and the book is definitely with a feminine view in it, the book,
"Queen of the Northern Mines"  (I keep singing the title to the old Beach Boys tune) has a lot of good history to it about the area (Nevada City, about halfway between Sacramento and Reno ... ).

See if the "Book Description" in this link tickles your interest ...

http://www.amazon.com/Queen-Northern-Mines-Novel-California/dp/0983179808/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338326786&sr=1-1

[Dusty Drifter]

Though I consider most of L'Amour's novels as pulp, his Sackett series novels are quite good IMHO. They begin in England during the 1500's or 1600's and follow the fictional family through the late 1800's American West. Hondo, Conager and The Quick and the Dead were good read's too.
I enjoy reading Charles G. West, Toddhunter Ballard and Frank Roderus but for good quality Western historical fiction, Elmer Kelton is my favorite.

DD

[DeaconKC]

The new Clive Cussler series featuring  a new character named Issac Bell, are excellent. They are set in the first decade of the 20th Century and a re accurate and nail biters! The Chase was the first one set in the West.

[GunClick Rick]

Owen wisters The Virginian

[Stu Kettle]

The last two I read were The Shopkeeper by James D. Best and Barrelhouse Boys by Joel Williamson- I'd reccomend them both.

[Trailrider]

"I am daunted by Louis L'amour since he seems to have written about a million books. Which one(s) would be the best?"

"Sackett" is a good one. Western adventure in the Southwest, with a bit of clean romance. As was posted, the whole Sackett serues is great. But you don't have to read them in succession to enjoy them.

Of course, there is "Hondo", on which the movie with John Wayne is based.

"Sitka" is a combination of Western and sea story, with Alaskan history thrown in for good measure. I re-read it periodically.

Aside from L'amour, the outstanding "Plainsman" series, by the late Terry C. Johnston is fictionalized history of the Indian Wars. The main character is Seamus Donnegan, who scouts for the Army and is involved in more campaigns that you can imagine. Aside from Seamus, you get an authentic history lesson.  Sadly, Terry (I met him several times) "crossed the Great Divide" much too early from a heart attack some years ago.

"Read books. They'll be your friend when you have no other." - advise from one of Louis L'amour's characters to a youngster.

[Forty Rod]

I sent you a PM, Hoppy.