Hardcover, 208 pages, illus.

"Wild Open Spaces reminds us that the values and spirited fun my parents embraced are as important to millions of us today as they were 50 years ago. A delightful book!"

Cheryl Rogers-Barnett, author of Cowboy Princess:

Life with my Parents Roy Rogers and Dale Evans

"Rand's book shows that the West and the Western (however romanticized) don't belong to just one group of people—they are a common currency we all share and from which we can all derive significance."

Vine Deloria, Jr., author of
Custer Died for Your Sins

Wild Open Spaces

Why We Love Westerns

Love Westerns? Then smile, pardner! Pop culture expert Yardena Rand has interviewed over 1,000 Western fans who represent an audience 57 million strong in America alone. With hundreds of fans quoted, she takes a first-hand look at the enduring power of the myth of the American West, showing the diversity of the audience, why Westerns continue to have such pull, and top fan favorites.

This groundbreaking book, featuring over 130 photos (some rarely seen), will leave you:

Feeling Good. Immerse yourself in the wild adventures of the Old West, relax with your favorite saddle pals around the campfire, and leave your twenty-first-century stresses tied to the hitchin' post.
Moved. Hear how Westerns inspire and uplift generations of fans with tales of perseverance, steely-eyed determination, and personal courage.
Nostalgic. Return to the carefree days of yesteryear, when your biggest decision was where to build your fort.
Surprised. Delight in the size and rich diversity of this audience as you meet a middle-aged white truck driver and a Latino rancher, a black seamstress, a Native American teacher, and many more.
Informed. Discover why 57 million people in the U.S. love Westerns. Learn fascinating facts about the history of Westerns and our greatest Western stars. Compare your favorite films with those of fellow fans.

View Table of Contents

Read an interview with author Yardena Rand.