This volume is an original and compelling critical history of the American Western film. Provides an insightful overview of the American Western genre Covers the entire history of the Western, from 1939 to the present Analyses Westerns as products of a genre, as well as expressions of political and social desires Deepens an audience's understanding of the genre's most important works, including Shane, Stagecoach, The Searchers, Unforgiven, and Kill Bill Contains numerous illustrations of the films and issues discussed. 

Black and white illustrations.