Christmas Out West

by Bill Pronzini (Editor), Martin H. Greenberg (Editor)

Somewhere on the vast frontier, Christmas finds every lonely cowboy and brave pioneer, hungry homesteader and hardened outlaw....

the spirit of Christmas—of hope, giving, and poignant reflection—was alive in the Old West; the hardships and perseverance of America's pioneers were seen in a new light during that special season. Now, this unique view of the Wild West comes to life in an unforgettable collection of Western fiction from a diverse selection of outstanding writers in
CHRISTMAS OUT WEST
A roguish cowboy sees Christmas through a young boy's eyes in OWEN WISTER's "A Journey in Search of Christmas."
BRET HARTE brings a makeshift St. Nick to a darkened mining camp in "How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar."
ARTHUR WINFIELD KNIGHT captures an outlaw's Christmas spirit through the letters of Jesse James in "Standing Alone in the Darkness."

Also contributing to this anthology of stories are JACK SCHAEFER, LOREN D. ESTLEMAN, ED GORMAN, S. OMAR BARKER, JAMES STEVENS, JOHN PRESCOTT, CHARLES ALDEN SELTZER, EDWARD D. HOCH, BILL PRONZINI, and CADDO CAMERON—writers of exceptional fiction that portrays the drama, the darkness, the humor, and the hope of life on the frontier.

Genres: Westerns, Christmas

230 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Mystery Writers of America Awards "Grand Master" 2008
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1999) for Boobytrap
Edgar Awards Best Novel nominee (1998) for A Wasteland of Strangers
Shamus Awards Best Novel nominee (1997) for Sentinels
Shamus Awards "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) 1987
Shamus Awards Best Novel winner (1982) for Hoodwink

Married to author Marcia Muller.

Pseudonyms:
Robert Hart Davis (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Jack Foxx
William Jeffrey (collaboration with Jeffrey M. Wallmann)
Alex Saxon

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again
Of Him whose comin' brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,
I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don't let no hearts be bitter, Lord, don't let no child be cold;
Make easy beds for them that's sick, and them that's weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,
And sorter keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.*

Yee-haw! It's Christmas cowboy-style in this trail bag of western holiday tales. Here are stories of uneasy truces, nagging consciences, and gifts given in the spirit of goodwill and brotherhood. Some familiar names decorate the pages, from Bret Harte to Loren D. Estleman. My absolute favorite, Stubby Pringle's Christmas was written by Jack Schaefer, creator of Shane. I also enjoyed meeting three fellas with the BEST COWBOY NAMES EVER - Shorty, Chalkeye, and Dollar Bill.

The stories in this collection provide the perfect marriage of action and sentimentality. Highly recommended!

I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord - ain't got no business prayin' -
But still I hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm sayin'.
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord - I reckon You'll agree
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.
So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord, just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man!*

*from A Cowboy's Christmas Prayer by S. Omar Barker.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent collection of Western Christmas short stories, both classic and more contemporary. All titles were solid, but Jack Schaefer's "Stubby Pringle's Christmas" outshone them all.

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not even on Christmas Eve was the plain ugliness of the little town softened any. The covered candles that should have given the main street a soft glow only succeeded in showing up the worn look of the buildings and the hard, hostile faces of the people.

If you are expecting cute, cuddly cowboy stories from this collection you are going to be mighty plumb disappointed. However, if you are looking for some good short western stories set around Christmas time by some gifted authors, this is the book for you.
Not all of them are humdingers, but enough of them are that make up for it and by the time I finished the book i had upped my rating a star or two.

[Sarah F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review to come

[Cws]

W Pro

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of Christmas stories set in the Old West.