The Mythical West: An Encyclopedia of Legend, Lore and Popular Culture

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...