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30,000 On The Hoof
Logan Huett thought he knew the West. Once a scout with the Army, he was familiar with both the hardships and rewards of pioneer life. But not even Logan could foresee the challenges that lay ahead for him and his young wife Lucinda--raising a brood of headstrong children, struggling to achieve financial security in the wilderness, concealing a long-buried family secret, and, finally, surviving the tragedy dealt them by a devastating war.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 26, 2013
The original title of this book was supposed to be "The Frontier Wife," and was rejected by Grey's overzealous and officious editors. (They also chopped this to shreds, before the publishers came to their senses and re-released the full version later. Thank goodness I read this full version.) While the original title doesn't really captivate the direction of the book, it is a little closer than "30,000 on the Hoof."
This is a tale of a single family, told mostly from the point of view of the woman who left comfort to move west and marry her sweetheart. It is also a very nice lens by which we can see the growth and change in this country. Through the Huetts' eyes we see the world grow and change, while the patriarch, Logan, clings to his dream of 30,000 cattle. For being a "western," I thought this book was very deep and moving.
Perhaps it is the similarity between Huett and my own father (heck, even Zane Grey and Dad) that resonates within. Dogged determination, resolve, strength—things that built this country. These are traits that Logan Huett never lets go of.
And yet the world moves and grows, while the Huetts cling to their existence in a (once) remote canyon.
I’d never really read Michener or stories like this, so forgive my reactions. As far as westerns go, I’ve only read two Grey novels now, and had previously only known shoot-‘em-ups in L’Amour. So to see a western writer tackle the personal aspect of the American West, the changes that the land and history make upon people, was quite striking. It moved me in ways that this genre has not. Through Grey’s gorgeous prose, I felt Logan’s emotions as automobiles appeared, when his sons described flying planes, and submarines. Here was a man who had lived off the land, built a cabin with his hands (something else Dad did...), and stuck to his dream of raising cattle. Though my reaction was borne from my generation, it still should make sense: I felt as if I were playing the game Civilization, cultivating fields, building warriors; only to have two units of French mechanized artillery storm my gates.
Even if you’re not into chronological/historical stories like this, I still recommend this book. It is very personal and quite deep.
This is a tale of a single family, told mostly from the point of view of the woman who left comfort to move west and marry her sweetheart. It is also a very nice lens by which we can see the growth and change in this country. Through the Huetts' eyes we see the world grow and change, while the patriarch, Logan, clings to his dream of 30,000 cattle. For being a "western," I thought this book was very deep and moving.
Perhaps it is the similarity between Huett and my own father (heck, even Zane Grey and Dad) that resonates within. Dogged determination, resolve, strength—things that built this country. These are traits that Logan Huett never lets go of.
And yet the world moves and grows, while the Huetts cling to their existence in a (once) remote canyon.
I’d never really read Michener or stories like this, so forgive my reactions. As far as westerns go, I’ve only read two Grey novels now, and had previously only known shoot-‘em-ups in L’Amour. So to see a western writer tackle the personal aspect of the American West, the changes that the land and history make upon people, was quite striking. It moved me in ways that this genre has not. Through Grey’s gorgeous prose, I felt Logan’s emotions as automobiles appeared, when his sons described flying planes, and submarines. Here was a man who had lived off the land, built a cabin with his hands (something else Dad did...), and stuck to his dream of raising cattle. Though my reaction was borne from my generation, it still should make sense: I felt as if I were playing the game Civilization, cultivating fields, building warriors; only to have two units of French mechanized artillery storm my gates.
Even if you’re not into chronological/historical stories like this, I still recommend this book. It is very personal and quite deep.
March 17, 2015
A fantastically woven tale of a man's determination to fulfill his dream of growing his own heard of 30,000 cattle and the journey his family takes along with him as the years pass. Zane Grey is in his glory here as he paints a picture of life on the frontier so captivating I could imagine myself riding through the valley with them! Graphic at times, he pulls no punches as he describes realistic scenes that take you inside the rough living of the time.
October 27, 2025
Zane Grey- supposed to be this "great" owby western write. He can bite me! What a lousy and depressing ending to this saga.
By the end of the story. Two sons killed in WWI and an adopted daughter (now his eldest son Abe's wife) goes crazy. totally wacked out because she believes her husband has been killed. The main character- Logan- is going senile. He got swindled out of his 30,000 head of cattle by a corrupt government agent and lost the $800,000 for the sale. The family is poorer than poor. Worse off than when they first started the ranch.
Grey tried to make a comeback with the story at the end when a third son (Abe)- presumed lost or dead- returns. Amazingly the kid relates that he and the brothers didn't open up a gate to the main ranch and that the cattle in the "forgotten" range now count out to 150,000 to 180,000 head of cattle.
Sorry Zane Grey but the payoff for reading this long saga was NOT WORTH MY EFFORT. Bite me you old codger!!!
By the end of the story. Two sons killed in WWI and an adopted daughter (now his eldest son Abe's wife) goes crazy. totally wacked out because she believes her husband has been killed. The main character- Logan- is going senile. He got swindled out of his 30,000 head of cattle by a corrupt government agent and lost the $800,000 for the sale. The family is poorer than poor. Worse off than when they first started the ranch.
Grey tried to make a comeback with the story at the end when a third son (Abe)- presumed lost or dead- returns. Amazingly the kid relates that he and the brothers didn't open up a gate to the main ranch and that the cattle in the "forgotten" range now count out to 150,000 to 180,000 head of cattle.
Sorry Zane Grey but the payoff for reading this long saga was NOT WORTH MY EFFORT. Bite me you old codger!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2014
I liked this book. As a matter of fact, I like everything Zane Grey has written. He was so imaginative in the development of his stories and his use of the English language is second to none.
This story begins with a young man, Logan Huett, as he embarks up a dream of being an Arizona rancher. He marries early in the book, soon has children, and lives a life filled with toil, hard word, and a lot of happiness in spite of the troubles.
Although the story has some sadness to it, the family demonstrates an ability to overcome all obstacles, including loss of loved ones and family wealth.
An inspiring, uplifting story.
This story begins with a young man, Logan Huett, as he embarks up a dream of being an Arizona rancher. He marries early in the book, soon has children, and lives a life filled with toil, hard word, and a lot of happiness in spite of the troubles.
Although the story has some sadness to it, the family demonstrates an ability to overcome all obstacles, including loss of loved ones and family wealth.
An inspiring, uplifting story.
April 1, 2021
Really enjoyed the story. I remember my Grandfather reading Zane Grey and this I think was one of his books that I got from my Mom. In holding the book it kind of made me feel closer to my Grandfather who has been gone for awhile.
July 18, 2020
Zane Grey's classic tale of young man's Western dream of 30,000 on the Hoof.
This Western Classic leads you through the trials, tribulations, joys, and heart-breaking anguish of Logan and Lucinda as they raise a family and need n late 19th & early 20th century Arizona. Grey tells this tale as only he can. Wow! This book leaves modern 21st century Western writers striving to equal Grey's stories of the West from a century ago. I loved it!
This Western Classic leads you through the trials, tribulations, joys, and heart-breaking anguish of Logan and Lucinda as they raise a family and need n late 19th & early 20th century Arizona. Grey tells this tale as only he can. Wow! This book leaves modern 21st century Western writers striving to equal Grey's stories of the West from a century ago. I loved it!
November 12, 2024
A rugged story of a rugged life. Center to the story was the heart and soul of a pioneer woman/ wife/ mother/ wilderness warrior Lucinda. Also, but second to that, the heart snd soul of her man Logan, proud, stubborn, with certain difficult dreams and challenges that tore him apart again and again but he stubbornly refused to let any dire tragedy stop the pursuit of his dream, Lucinda by his side and certainly his strength.
October 3, 2024
My first Zane Grey novel.
It introduced me to one of my favorite western writers. His portrayal of the west is beautiful and made me want so much more. There is less introspection in this book than others of his only because we are focusing on so many characters in such a long span of time that passes during the setting. Overall not my favorite novel of his, but I thoroughly enjoy his work.
It introduced me to one of my favorite western writers. His portrayal of the west is beautiful and made me want so much more. There is less introspection in this book than others of his only because we are focusing on so many characters in such a long span of time that passes during the setting. Overall not my favorite novel of his, but I thoroughly enjoy his work.
September 12, 2025
When I started reading this book in my Zane Grey collection, I expected it to be a standard yarn about cowboys herding cattle.
It was so much more than that. The book is a moving account of a family in Arizona living off the land and working hard to improve their lives. Highly recommended.
It was so much more than that. The book is a moving account of a family in Arizona living off the land and working hard to improve their lives. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2017
Typical Zane Grey western. Story of one man's live in frontier Arizona pursuing his dream cattle ranch.
October 2, 2019
A dream of a great cattle herd in an ideal location turns out
To be reality with a beautiful wife and family who in the course of events are lost, but then regained.
To be reality with a beautiful wife and family who in the course of events are lost, but then regained.
May 15, 2020
It reminded me of my days watching Roy Rogers in the movies. It moved to fast. I don t think the west was built that fast. A fun read.
December 4, 2020
It's really a fine thing when you can thoroughly enjoy a story and learn a bit of history at the same time.
December 18, 2021
The King of the West reigns again!!
Louis L'Amor, Max Brand, and other western writers do good but Zane Greg is and will always be the King of the Cowboys!!!
Louis L'Amor, Max Brand, and other western writers do good but Zane Greg is and will always be the King of the Cowboys!!!
August 30, 2024
My grandpa loved this author and I finally gave him a try. After sitting on my shelf for years, I finally cracked the spine and thoroughly enjoyed to story or Logan and Lucinda.
October 3, 2025
wonderful book
December 30, 2008
The western genre is not one that I've explored in my life, not even in film where I have maybe two or three films I can say I really liked. That may be because I have always had the presumption that westerns were nothing more than gunfights in the street at high noon. Perhaps because your traditional western story is saturated with machismo and testosterone that leads to all of these gunfights and murder. All anyone is looking for is an excuse to fight. "You wanna fight?"..."Them's fightin' words!" *BOOM* I've lived about a quarter of my life in the west (ID, UT, AZ and NM) that what i love about it is the wildness and vast untouched lands that still exist out here.
What I was hoping for in a good western was a chance to read about the landscape in addition to diverse and interesting characters. Zane Grey was the only author I knew of after hearing his name mentioned often on the t.v. series M*A*S*H. I didn't know where to begin but the idea of a story about a cattleman seemed interesting as it reminded me of one opportunity I had in New Mexico, years ago, to spend a day herding cattle, it was only 200 head, i couldn't imagine 30,000. But crossing barren desert flats and hills of northern New Mexico made me feel a little like being in a John Wayne film because the landscape was the same.
I enjoyed this book about a young man's dream to raise up all of that cattle and to make a life with his sweetheart from Missouri. I was also delighted that much of the action ocurred around Flaggstaff and the Mogollon rim here in Arizona. Their hardships were just trying to survive freezing winters and to save their cattle from rustlers and predators. Since the story covered about thirty years of their lives they also had to deal with a modernizing world and the expansion of the west and all those out to get rich at the expense of others and not to mention a world war. I read that Zane always took meticulous notes about the areas he studied for his writing and he created great mental imgages of the land and the language of the people. I didn't give the book five stars because there were times where he would give solid info into the minds of the characters and other times when i felt there were gaps that needed filling in. It didn't take away from the fact that the biggest obstacle in the story was just adapting to a western pioneer way of life.
What I was hoping for in a good western was a chance to read about the landscape in addition to diverse and interesting characters. Zane Grey was the only author I knew of after hearing his name mentioned often on the t.v. series M*A*S*H. I didn't know where to begin but the idea of a story about a cattleman seemed interesting as it reminded me of one opportunity I had in New Mexico, years ago, to spend a day herding cattle, it was only 200 head, i couldn't imagine 30,000. But crossing barren desert flats and hills of northern New Mexico made me feel a little like being in a John Wayne film because the landscape was the same.
I enjoyed this book about a young man's dream to raise up all of that cattle and to make a life with his sweetheart from Missouri. I was also delighted that much of the action ocurred around Flaggstaff and the Mogollon rim here in Arizona. Their hardships were just trying to survive freezing winters and to save their cattle from rustlers and predators. Since the story covered about thirty years of their lives they also had to deal with a modernizing world and the expansion of the west and all those out to get rich at the expense of others and not to mention a world war. I read that Zane always took meticulous notes about the areas he studied for his writing and he created great mental imgages of the land and the language of the people. I didn't give the book five stars because there were times where he would give solid info into the minds of the characters and other times when i felt there were gaps that needed filling in. It didn't take away from the fact that the biggest obstacle in the story was just adapting to a western pioneer way of life.
December 8, 2023
This was my first experience with Z.G. I wonder what to read next to keep the fire burning. I was impressed by descriptions of emotions and of topography.
This area in Arizona was obviously very familiar to Z.G. and I located a photo of a location nearly identical to Sycamore Canyon. Someone showed the courtesy of naming a lake as Mormon Lake in vicinity to Sycamore Canyon, but I cannot compare topography to the description herein. All of these are within a suitable distance from Flagstaff.
This area in Arizona was obviously very familiar to Z.G. and I located a photo of a location nearly identical to Sycamore Canyon. Someone showed the courtesy of naming a lake as Mormon Lake in vicinity to Sycamore Canyon, but I cannot compare topography to the description herein. All of these are within a suitable distance from Flagstaff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2013
This book was way out of my comfort zone, but since had a family saga feel to it decided to give it a shot. I was actually pleasantly surprise how much i did enjoy it.
I marked it down to a 3. cos though took time t describe surrounding and ploughing fields, i didnt pick up on a relationship between husband and wife for a long time
it all seemed a bit rushed compared to normal family sagags i have read
I marked it down to a 3. cos though took time t describe surrounding and ploughing fields, i didnt pick up on a relationship between husband and wife for a long time
it all seemed a bit rushed compared to normal family sagags i have read
August 17, 2013
Some years ago I came across this little known book by Zane Grey and it really impressed me. So much so that I suggested that my wife read it. She rarely reads fiction, and never reads old Westerns, but she was game to try it and she was pleasantly surprised at how good it was too. It is a very intimate look at the life of a young couple as they build a life in the rugged Arizona wilds and raise a family. The ending to this book is quite touching and terribly sad.
October 1, 2011
This Zane Grey book tries to tell the story of a pioneer family over a 30 year period. It tells of the family building a ranch, a life and the hardships. There's also plenty of outlaws, and swindlers that have to be dealt with along the way. How the family pulls together and survives is the crux of the story. It was an average Zane Grey book.
September 13, 2012
Frontier story of Logan Hewitt and his wife Lucinda and their trials and trevails as a pioneer family in Arizona. Story proceeds through development of the automobile and World War I. Ends with family starting over after being swindled out of almost a million dollars and two sons being killed in the war.
July 6, 2020
This is the first time I've ever read any Zane Grey - happened to pick it up at a garage sale. Couldn't put this one down. His writing is so descriptive and beautiful. It was fascinating following the life of this frontier family and the life lessons they learned. Not only entertaining but also instructive about life values.
September 23, 2009
Not at all what I expected. I was looking for a light read... a typical western. This story covered the struggles of pioneering and the settling of the West along with the horrors of World War 1... It was heartrendingly sad at times.
December 27, 2011
Classic western. Even better, I knew some of the locations in which he referenced. But 30,000 cattle, I am from Arizona and I know it happened, I just cant imagine. Good story otherwise. He is an easy read.
September 12, 2012
My first Zane Grey. I was not wowed, in large part because the span of the novel is 30 years, and I'm not a fan of that style of novel. So, I'll another of his a try. Writing wasn't scintillating, story ok. If he wasn't Zane Grey, I wouldn't think twice about crossing him off my list.
March 24, 2022
My favorite
I love this book. As an Arizonan I have a deep affection for Zane Grey. His love for my state is in every word written. This story is like so many true stories of our history. Please take a chance on this book. The world shouldn't forget about this great author.
I love this book. As an Arizonan I have a deep affection for Zane Grey. His love for my state is in every word written. This story is like so many true stories of our history. Please take a chance on this book. The world shouldn't forget about this great author.
September 20, 2010
This is one of Zane Grey's better books. Rereading it was delightful.
November 2, 2011
I've read many Zane Grey novels, but this was the first in many years. I loved it. Simple, straight-forward, and very entertaining.
April 8, 2013
Zane Grey is one of my favorite western authors that I personally enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews