Wild Reading in Wild West

Wild West Magazine is a history magazine with well-written, accurate stories. Those who know the Old West only through movies may find this expands their knowledge-or they may just be bored. It probably depends on how much those folks like to read. The magazine IS about the wild west, though, and train robbers, gunfighters, and Indian warriors are the main topics of most articles.

"History of The West" can mean a couple of different things. It may refer to either the factual, documented record, or facts plus collected, romantic imagery and legends. The latter is more interesting to most people, and includes John Wayne, Louis L'Amour, and Gunsmoke. The former-- sticking to the facts--includes a lot of people you never heard of, and some unglamorous tales.

Wild West Magazine strikes a good balance. They stick to the factual, documented record, but their stories are mostly about the outlaws and newsmakers of the period-the interesting stuff. Known experts write their articles. Stories are well-researched and include suggestions for further reading. The artwork that accompanies the pieces are often rich, sweeping paintings, full of action and romance.

The magazine does not simply focus on white history and conquest. Native Americans in particular are profiled. Incidents that have been--historically speaking--swept under the carpet for years (massacres of non-combatants, for example) are described. The west brought almost all ethnic groups together, one way or another, and Wild West Magazine endeavors to give due attention to all of them.

Altogether-a great magazine to read, not just skim through. For those who prefer less history, more legend, try Old West Journal, a new publication from the publishers of True West Magazine.