Is a Western Considered Historical Fiction?

Western literature, with its grand tales of the American frontier, often takes its place alongside historical fiction. This genre, typically depicting the American West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, frequently focuses on themes of exploration, lawlessness, and the settlement of the West. Although these stories frequently incorporate fictional characters and events, they are often set against the backdrop of real historical events, figures, and cultural contexts, aligning well with the characteristics of historical fiction.

Authors and Historical Figures

Notable Western authors such as John Thomas Edson (JT Edson), Louis Lccedilla;amour, Max Brand, and George G. Gilman have contributed significantly to this literary genre. Their works often feature historical figures such as:

Billy the Kid Davy Crockett Wild Bill Hickock Buffalo Bill Alan Pinkerton, detective agency Leander H. McNelly, Texas Ranger Sitting Bull Cochise Pancho Villa Elfego Baca Bat Masterson

Definition and Purpose of Historical Fiction

The primary purpose of historical fiction is to transport the reader into another time period, portrayal of that period as accurately as possible, and to demonstrate what life would have been like during that era. Detailed settings, cultural contexts, and historical figures often take center stage. However, not all stories set in the past are classified as historical fiction. Stories that are purely background or not intended to be true to history do not fit this category.

For instance, many Westerns are adventure stories with historical trappings, making marketing the key factor in classification. Publishers and bookstores often label works based on which group of readers is more likely to purchase the book. This could be those interested in historical periods or those looking for a good adventure or romance set in a cool setting.

The First Westerns and Their Definitions

By definition, any fiction set in a period previous to the present time would be classified as “historical fiction.” Punctilious readers and critics would argue that for a work to be classified in a bookstore or library, it should be set in a time before the author's and readers' lifespans.

Some literary scholars have argued that the first works of literature published in the United States, such as Modern Chivalry by Hugh Henry Brackenridge, published between 1793 and 1815, are technically westerns. Another early series, The Leatherstocking Tales by James Fenimore Cooper, detailing the adventures of Natty Bumppo (known as Hawkeye, Deerslayer, and Leatherstocking), set on the edges of colonial New York Colony, are also notable examples. These works set a precedent for the genre.

The first western to be so identified is generally considered to be The Virginian by Owen Wister, written in 1901. Although technically not historical, it is a western. This sets the stage for the evolution of the genre, where writers like Zane Grey, Walter Van Tilburg Clark, and Louis Lccedilla;amour would come to dominate the reputable writing market.

Modern Westerns and Their Classification

Today, the classification of works as Westerns is vast and varied. Some are set in the period 1840–1900, or what is sometimes called “The Old West,” although these dates are flexible parameters. These would certainly be regarded as “historical” as they were written and are set in a period well in advance of their authors' lives. Some Westerns, however, are set in the present day or in recent decades, depicting a post-frontier West with many trappings of the “Old West.”

Even though some of these may span back to the 1950s or 1940s, they are not considered “historical fiction” by librarians and booksellers. This principle applies to any fiction, Western or otherwise, set in a past time far from the life of the author. For some readers, the realization that fiction set in the 1960s or even 1980s is regarded as “historical” can be mildly disturbing.