Zane Grey ​

Pearl Zane Grey was an American author best known for his adventure novels and Western genre. His best-known work, Riders of the Purple Sage, has become a classic of Western literature. His books not only inspired numerous Western-themed movies and television shows, but also played a large part in popularizing the Western genre.

Quick Facts ​

• Known for his prolific output of Western novels.
• Wrote 89 books which have been translated into over 20 languages.
• More than 130 films have been adapted from his novels.
• An annual festival called Zane Grey Days is held each year in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania in his honor.
• His novel "Riders of the Purple Sage" is considered a Western classic.
• His books have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Grey was born in 1872 in Zanesville, Ohio, a town founded by his mother's family. His father was a dentist and his mother an avid reader who instilled in him a love for literature. Grey received a scholarship to study dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, and practiced in New York City for a few years, but he was always more interested in writing. Grey became known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the American frontier. His first published novel Riders of the Purple Sage (1912) was his best-selling book. He would eventually write nearly 90 books, which sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. His novels were adapted into films, television series, and comic books. Grey died of heart failure in 1939.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Grey's writing style is characterized by a rich descriptive narrative, often about the beauty of the American West. His novels also often involve complex characters, with stories steeped in moral dilemmas. His works have been considered vital in shaping the western genre and are known for their historical accuracy. His impact extended beyond literature, influencing how many perceive the American West today.

Notable Works ​

• Riders of the Purple Sage (1912)
• The Rainbow Trail (1915)
• The Lone Star Ranger (1915)
• The Border Legion (1916)
• Wildfire (1917)
• Desert Gold (1918)
• Code of the West (1934)