Inventing the Wild West: Nostalgia, Folklore and Fakelore

Although the historical Wild West existed for only a brief period between 1865 and 1890, its legacy has grown into a towering myth of ruggedness and individualism. This multidisciplinary study peels back the layers of this romanticized era to reveal how nostalgia and media manufactured a mythic West that overshadowed reality. By examining the influence of pulp literature, television and Wild West shows, it illustrates how the cowboy evolved from a historical figure into an idealized hero. Offering a fascinating look at the intersection of history, marketing and the enduring power of storytelling, the book provides insight into the projection of American ideals onto this fictional landscape.