This book restricts its geographical coverage to the mainland of the USA west of the Mississippi and wisely excludes Alaska, Canada and Mexico. The historical coverage ranges from the early west of the pioneers, through the golden age of the early to late nineteenth century, the modernising years of early twentieth century, and on to the present day. However the parameters of the subjects covered are not clear despite an explanation in the introduction. There are entries for “Bigfoot” but not thunderbirds, cattle mutilations but not serial killers, Clint Eastwood but not John Wayne, The Magnificent Seven but not The Searchers, Dallas but not South Park. And while Buffalo Bill, Butch Cassidy, and the Alamo are obvious contenders, The Wizard of Oz, Howard Hughes and Harry S. Truman are less so. Some subjects meriting an individual entry are covered under broader subject entries (found via the index), but there are too many surprising omissions, the choice of content indicating enthusiasm rather than expertise.
The cowboy bestrides the west like a cultural and historical colossus so it is surprising to find comparatively little about their beliefs, customs, and their relationship with horses and cattle. The Native American Indian culture has insufficient coverage: famous Indian chiefs, the major tribes, their different beliefs and customs are largely neglected. As the west became populated with settlers, towns became the focus of civilised life in an often harsh environment, but this book has little to say on small town life, its institutions, buildings, and vernacular architecture. Saloons, brothels, banks, stores, schools, churches, ranches, stagecoaches and railroads all deserve individual entries. It was mainly from the town that justice and law enforcement shaped the west, but sheriffs, posses, hangings, bounty hunters and wanted posters are largely absent from this book’s pages. There is nothing here about the spread or influence of religion, as if the west developed in a secular vacuum bereft of Baptists, Roman Catholics, Jews and people of other faiths. Likewise the well‐known fraternal societies such as Freemasonry, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose and the more sinister Ku Klux Klan receive no attention at all.
Some interesting inclusions would have been a detailed explanation of the symbolism of the western States flags and their State Seals. Lastly, the huge turmoil of the American civil war, which although fought largely between the Northern and Southern States east of the Mississippi divide, must have had a profound influence on the western states, and thereby warrants an entry.
Most entries have a list of further references, and it is nice to see a generous scattering of WWW sites. Indeed, there is a substantial listing of Mythical West Web Sites preceding the full Bibliography. There is also a substantial index. Whilst this book provides an adequate coverage of the subject, the many omissions make it disappointing overall. In addition, the few photographs (all black and white) are of poor quality being somewhat grainy and, where used, do little to enhance the content. Many major improvements – contents, illustrations and colour photographs – are essential if future editions of this book are to establish it as a detailed and informative reference work.
