Louis L'Amour ​

Louis Dearborn L'Amour was an American novelist and short-story writer. His books consisted primarily of Western novels (although he called his work 'Frontier Stories') and he was a prolific creator of best-selling books. He remains one of the greatest writers of the Western genre.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote over 100 novels and 400 short stories.
• A recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
• Many of his stories have been adapted for film and TV.
• His novels have been translated into more than 20 languages.
• Known as "America's favorite storyteller", predominantly for his Western novels.
• Estimated sales of his works exceed 325 million.

Background ​

Louis L’Amour was born Louis Dearborn LaMoore in 1908, the last of seven children in Jamestown, North Dakota. He left school at the age of 15, and spent the next several years on a variety of jobs including longshoreman, lumberjack, elephant handler, skinner of dead cattle, and miner. He also traveled throughout the western states and, in his own words, "saw the country when it was still unspoiled."

L’Amour began writing stories while he was in the army, but it wasn't until the 1950s that he began to focus on writing novels, primarily in the Western genre. He went on to become one of the most popular writers of his time with over 120 books published. His books have sold over 350 million copies worldwide. Some of his most famous works include Hondo, The Sacketts series and The Walking Drum. He passed away in 1988.

Writing Style and Impact ​

L'Amour's work is known for his detailed, authentic depictions of the American frontier life. His western novels are characterized by strong, rugged heroes, adventure and morality tales. His prose is direct and often simple, reminiscent of the rugged vistas he described. His work has had a lasting impact on the genre of Western novels, helping to define, popularize, and uplift it to a level of high regard in literature.

Notable Works ​

• Hondo (1953)
• Sackett (1961)
• The Daybreakers (1960)
• The Last of the Breed (1986)
• The Man Called Noon (1970)
• The Lonesome Gods (1983)
• The Walking Drum (1984)