About Us

The Boise State University Western Writers Series provides brief, authoritative introductions to writers and classic texts of the American west. The purpose of all the booklets in the Western Writers Series is to deepen the understanding and appreciation for the literature of the American west, in all its range and complexity.

Of more than one hundred sixty titles published since 1972, the majority focus on the life and work of individual writers who have made significant contributions to western American literature. These booklets provide biography, critical interpretation, and discussion of the full range of an author's work. In recent years, we have expanded the scope of the Series to include booklet-length studies of "classic" texts in the literature of the American west. These titles offer close readings of important western literary works.

All Western Writers Series booklets are written by scholars and intended for lay readers and fellow scholars alike. Except for two larger special editions by author David Robertson (#128 and #141), all booklets appear in a uniform 8" x 5 1/2" paper-bound format, in 44-60 pages. Except for special editions #128 and #141, all titles include a critical essay and bibliography. Prices are $8.50 per title plus shipping and handling.

Since its inception in 1971, the Western Writers Series has been a publishing venture of Boise State University, edited by members of the Boise State University English faculty.

Director and Editor:
Tara Penry, PhD (On Sabbatical, Spring 2007)
Associate Professor of English
Boise State University

Interim Editor (Spring 2007):
Tom Hillard, PhD
Assistant Professor of English
Boise State University

Business Manager:
Lynn Lockhart
Department of English
Boise State University

Advisory Board for New Proposals:
Charles L. Crow, Bowling Green State University, emeritus
P. Jane Hafen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Linda Lizut Helstern, North Dakota State University
James H. Maguire, Boise State University
Laurie Ricou, University of British Columbia
Ann Ronald, University of Nevada, Reno
Sara L. Spurgeon, Texas Tech University