The Legend of the American Cowboy
Why do we love the legendary American cowboy?
Answer: Because he (or she) is who we want to be.
Real cowboys (and cowgirls like Annie Oakley) became romanticized in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, because the public admired the qualities they represented.
Duncan Emrich in a book entitled Folklore in the American Land claims that America has two original legends: Santa Claus and the cowboy.
In his book, Emrich lists these common attributes of an American cowboy.
- Individualism
- Independence
- Freedom
- Not given to bragging (I’ll insert “humble” here)
- Courage
- Cheerfulness
- Pride
- Loyalty
- True to his word
- Generosity
- Kindness
- Unbeatable
Women readers love a good cowboy tale because true cowboys esteem women. Emrich writes, “One of the strictest codes of the West was to respect women. No other class of men looked upon women with greater reverence.”
So, when you see the hunky cowboys on the covers of modern romance novels, remember they should represent an American ideal and someone we want to fall in love with.
I’ve written two contemporary Western romance series. One four book series is called Ghost Mountain Ranch. It’s not simply a sweet romance, but there’s a mystery element to all three books, which you must read to finally find the “bad guy.”
I’ve combined The Ghost Mountain Ranch into a box set and into a paperback. I’ll give away one paperback book to one lucky reader who answers these questions in the comments: I mostly read eBooks on my Kindle app. Do you buy eBooks? Paperbacks? Do you like to hold a paperback book in your hand, or do you prefer to swipe to turn pages?
Also, if you read eBooks and you’d like one of my eBooks free, sign up for my newsletter HERE and download a book!
I prefer ebooks because I’m visually impaired and can make the print as large as I need. I do like the feel & smell of paper books, but I have a hard time reading them any more. Ebooks also take up a lot less room than physical books, & usually cost less!
Ami, I agree. Ebooks are easier to read.
I love a good physical book, but read ebooks as well. Still, I would never use an ebook reader in the tub.
LOL!
I mostly use an ebook but I still love my paperbacks!
I have some very OLD paperbacks.
I too am ebook due to storage issues with my many paperbacks! I am already a subscriber to your email and love your books!
Oh, thanks! I love “fans.”
I mostly read paperbacks. For me it’s easier to share paperbacks with someone else, especially my mother.
When my mom died, she had notebooks full of names of books she’d read. She liked a good sweet romance.
Because of a vision problem, I read on my Kindle 98% of the time where I can adjust the font. Plus, I love having an extensive library with me at all times.
Janice, it’s amazing how easy it is to Buy with 1-Click!
I read in kindle and in print.
I love a reader!!
While I like to read a paperback, my ebook is much more convenient when I go somewhere.
I love the guy who invented the ebook reader!
Or gal!
I mostly read paperback because it’s easier for me with my migraines and yes I do love holding the book in my hands too. I will read an ebook but it takes me a long time to read it because I have to limit my screen to severely.
Joannie, I’m glad you’re still able to enjoy reading.
When you grew up reading Louis L’Amour and Barbara Cartland, you got used to holding the book in your hands. I have to hold it, dog ear it and put it in my purse to read when I have a few minutes between appointments. And I don’t have to charge them up.
PAPERBACKS work for me!
Joye, my dad left a box of Louis L’Amour books to me when he passed. So glad I have them!
I like holding a book in my hands. I like the feel of embossed titles and different kinds of paper. I have tried reading in bed with my iPad but it is awkward when I wake up with it on my chest. A “hold in my hands” book anytime for me.
Jackie, you can’t beat a good paperback book!
I love holding a real book in my hands, but my bookshelves are overloaded!! So now I do read books on my tablet, but it’s not the same as the real thing.
Kathy, I donate “real” books to a local historic house called Locust Grove. They sell donated books as a fund raiser. I understand about overloaded bookshelves!
I prefer paperback, I like turning the pages. I do read on my Kindle and bookfunnel on my phone for launch teams or books that I can only get through ebooks. As far as cowboys, I totally agree about their reverence to women, you didn’t harm them or you were harmed and the fact that if your word was who you were, never break it. The character Slim Sherman on the TV western Laramie is my idea of what a true cowboy is.
Naomi, I used to read on my phone when I left the office at lunch.
this ole fashioned gal likes paperbacks (or hardcover). I like the book in my hands to have and to hold forever and ever ;o)
My 9th grade teacher encourage us to buy books. I still have some of them! 🙂
I also mostly read eBooks on my iPad. But, on occasion, I like to read a paperback when I do not want to carry my iPad with me somewhere. Most paperbacks fit in one’s purse and that makes it convenient. The paperback is also lighter to hold. They pack well in your suitcase also. I love all you have said about a true cowboy. It is wonderful to be cherished by a true cowboy.
Judy, a true cowboy is the only kind of guy to have!
I read a lot of e-books now because I can increase the print. I love a good paper book if its in large print. I do read both.
I can produce large print paperbacks. That might be a good idea.
I buy ebooks, although usually the cheaper ones. I also buy paperbacks, I love to hold a book in my hands. I think paperbacks help to relax better so I read those in the evening.
Karijean, indie authors set their own prices. A book by a traditional publisher is usually more expensive.
I love print books in hand, but for storage and convenience, I tend to read more ebooks… doesn’t mean I don’t have a huge collection of print books though, LOL! 😉
Colleen, you sound like me!
Good morning, all I read are paperbacks or hardbacks, I am not tech savvy at all so I don’t know a things about ebooks. 🙂 Have a great weekend.
Alicia, hope you have a great weekend too!
I prefer paperbacks because the feel of the paper between my fingers is comforting. Ebooks, though, are great for traveling.
Cherie, I love the smell of a bookstore or library too as well as the feel of a book.
I buy both e-books and paperback, but I prefer paperbacks. Its nicer having a physical book in your hand than a device.
Megan, I’m learning I should make sure more of my books can be purchased as paperbacks!
I buy a few ebooks, but mostly just if they’re cheap or free. I prefer paperbacks. I love the smell of a brand new paperback & I love the pretty covers! Ebooks are more handy sometimes, but paperbacks are my favorite. 🙂
Lori, the best part about writing a book is holding it in your hands, especially if there’s a pretty cover.
I prefer paperbacks. I like to be able to look at the cover of the hunky cowboy now and then as I read.
I love my paperbacks & hardcovers. Also, like to pass them on to my friends & family after I am finished with them. Enjoyed your info the American Cowboy. Looking forward to your new book.
I Love holding a paperback in my hands
I have a kindle because so many books only come in e-book form. I prefer to read paperbacks. I find it easier to mark or flip back to pagesI want to review with a paperback. Thank you for sharing Duncan Emrich’s traits of a cowboy. They do fit a true cowboy and not many of the wanna-be cowboys measure up.
I prefer e books for the convenience and adaptability in print size and backlighting. But I also like print for cover art
I prefer the real book. However, I read ebooks more often simply because I can get the book faster to my Kindle. About the post — I absolutely agree that cowboys, as a group, have always held women in high esteem.
I don’t read e-books. I have to be able to hold the book in my hands to enjoy it! Paperback and hard backs only for me!