About the book
The great American Westerns can be profoundly meaningful when read metaphorically. More than mere shoot 'em up entertainment, they are an essential part of a vibrant, evolving national mythology. Like other versions of the archetypal Hero's Journey, these films are filled with insights about life, love, nature, society, ethics, beauty and what it means to be human, and are key to understanding American culture. Part film guide, part historical survey, this book explores the mythic and artistic elements in 52 great Westerns--some orthodox, some subversive--from the genre's first half-century. Each film is given detailed critical analysis, from the earliest silent movies to Golden Age classics like Red River (1948), High Noon (1952) and Shane (1953).
Editions of The Hero's Trail
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781476682389
- PDF
- ISBN 9781476644271
Read an Excerpt
The great American Westerns can be profoundly meaningful when read metaphorically. More than mere shoot 'em up entertainment, they are an essential part of a vibrant, evolving national mythology. Like other versions of the archetypal Hero's Journey, these films are filled with insights about life, love, nature, society, ethics, beauty and what it means to be human, and are key to understanding American culture. Part film guide, part historical survey, this book explores the mythic and artistic elements in 52 great Westerns--some orthodox, some subversive--from the genre's first half-century. Each film is given detailed critical analysis, from the earliest silent movies to Golden Age classics like Red River (1948), High Noon (1952) and Shane (1953).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Hero's Trail about?
The great American Westerns can be profoundly meaningful when read metaphorically. More than mere shoot 'em up entertainment, they are an essential part of a vibrant, evolving national mythology. Like other versions of the archetypal Hero's Journey, these films are filled with insights about life, love, nature, society, ethics, beauty and what it means to be human, and are key to understanding American culture. Part film guide, part historical survey, this book explores the mythic and artistic elements in 52 great Westerns--some orthodox, some subversive--from the genre's first half-century. Each film is given detailed critical analysis, from the earliest silent movies to Golden Age classics like Red River (1948), High Noon (1952) and Shane (1953).
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Hero's Trail?
The Arts > Performing arts > Films, cinema > Film: styles and genres
Where can I read a sample of The Hero's Trail?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781476682389
How long is The Hero's Trail and how many pages does it have?
The Hero's Trail has 404 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Hero's Trail?
Peter C. Mowrey
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Hero's Trail is available as paperback(ISBN 9781476682389) and pdf(ISBN 9781476644271)
Where can I buy The Hero's Trail online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Hero's Trail from below
Where can I buy The Hero's Trail?