Western pulp fiction collection

MS 722
Image
Western pulp fiction novel covers

Flashy covers from several different western-themed novels within the Western Pulp Fiction collection.

Collection area: Literature

Collection dates: 1920-1984

About this collection

A majority of the books in this collection fall into the western genre. Books are arranged alphabetically by author's last name, then by titles. Series I contains single titles. Series II contains anthologies and double features.

Historical background

The Western pulp fiction collection contains hundreds of pulp fiction novels published between 1920 and 1984. The term 'pulp fiction' was applied to perceived lowbrow genre literature, typically printed on lesser-quality (pulp) paper stock.

Pulp novels and magazines were the successors of penny dreadfuls, dime novels, and short story magazines of the 19th century. Because inexpensive pulp paper can deteriorate quickly, many pulp fiction novels were discarded over the years. A majority of pulp fiction novels fell into the Western or detective genres, but also spanned adventure, horror, science fiction and exploitation. Covers featured sensational imagery and pithy taglines to entice readers.

Access this collection

Visit us in person to access materials from this collection. Our materials are one-of-a-kind and require special care, so they can’t be checked out or taken home.

How to cite

Learn how to cite and use materials from Special Collections in your research.