Hell On The Range. A Story Of Honor, Conscience, And The American West

DANIEL JUSTIN HERMAN

Publication: Yale University Press, 2010, New Haven & London

First edition. 8vo. Black colored boards, gold stamping on spine, xxvi, 365 pp., introduction, acknowledgments, illustrated, portraits, maps, list of abbreviations, notes, index. "A cultural history featuring Texas cowboys, Mormons, New Mexican sheep herders, mixed-blood ranchers, and Jewish merchants, all jockeying for control over various segments of the free range in Arizona. The author's central argument is that the Rim Country War, in addition to being a battle for terrain and resources, was complicated by family feuds, racial tensions, and religious differences ... a 'manifestation of a battle between honor and conscience.' Herman, drawing on the work of Bertram Wyatt-Brown, refers to the nineteenth-century culture of honor epitomized by physical courage, loyalty to kin, fierce defense of family and personal reputation, conspicuous display of wealth, eager hospitality, gambling, drinking, ... and 'communal shaming.' Conversely, Herman defines conscience as 'a world view that placed moral courage above physical courage; individual piety above family reputation; frugality and work above displays of wealth and luxury; sobriety and rectitude above drinking and gambling; exhortation and rehabilitation above punishment and shaming.'" Hell on the Range will appeal to those with an interest in western American history as well as Mormon history. As new in dust jacket.

Inventory Number: 30888