Introduction by Larry McMurtry. 

 Photographs by Joe Backes. 

 Seven well-known Western writers, all in their eighties when the book was published in 1990, describe their experiences growing up in the West in the early part of the twentieth century. 

 Seven grand old writers of the West, most of them in their 80s, reminisce about their growing-up years. One common thread in the lives of Dee Brown, A. B. Guthrie, Jr., Wright Morris, Clyde Rice, David Lavender, Wallace Stegner and Frank Waters is that all were culturally deprived youngsters who lived on isolated ranches, in oil-boom towns, mining camps, prairie hamlets. Guthrie notes that Montana's open spaces shaped his life; Stegner, whose father kept the family on the move, feels that motion was a force in his life. 

The late Clarus Backes (1935-1989), book editor of the Denver Post , introduces each writer with a brief portrait of his present life and a review of his work. Individually and collectively, these memoirs represent authentic western Americana. 74 B&W Photos. xi + 220+ 1pp. 

 Hardcover has light brown cloth boards with dark brown cloth spine., darkbrown lettering on front cover & gold lettering on spine, in a fine (as new) unclipped dust jacket. Interior is tight, clean, and unmarked. Fine (as new) Book without any ownership markings. 

 

Copyright 1989. Editor and compiler Clarus Backes, died in October 1989 so publication was delayed until February 1990. Stated First Edition without print-line. Manufactured in U.S.A. ISBN: 0-394-57393-5. LCCN: 89-45274. MSR = US $22.95. 

 Notes on Condition/Edition ratings: 

    Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.” Using the same term as coin collectors, “can’t guarantee it is uncirculated, but it looks very much like it could be.” Booksellers need similar grading to describe this... 

   Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. Same sort of thing about grading as Fine above except generally used for newer publication dates with title still in print. 

   Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned. 

    Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.) 

    Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask). Usually requires repair to be usable. 

    Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end. 

    1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy for their collection.