In the continuing redefinition of the American West few recent writers haveleft a mark as indelible as Cormac McCarthy. A favorite subject of critics andfans al... » 

In the continuing redefinition of the American West few recent writers haveleft a mark as indelible as Cormac McCarthy. A favorite subject of critics andfans alike despite or perhaps because of his avoidance of publicappearances the man is known solely through his writing. Thanks to his earlywork he is most often associated with a bleak vision of humanity grounded in abelief in mans primordial aggressiveness.McCarthy scholar Barcley Owens haswritten the first book to concentrate exclusively on McCarthys acclaimedwestern novels Blood Meridian National Book Award winner All the PrettyHorses The Crossing and Cities of the Plain. In a thoughtprovoking analysishe explores the differences between Blood Meridian and the Border Trilogynovels and shows how those differences reflect changing conditions incontemporary American culture.Owens captures both Blood Meridians wantonviolence and the Border Trilogys fond remembrance of the Old West. He showshow this dramatic shift from atavistic brutality to nostalgic Americanasuggests that McCarthy has finally given his readers what they most want thestuff of their mythic dreams.Owenss study is both an incisive look at oneof our most important and demanding authors and a penetrating analysis ofviolence and myth in American culture. Fans of McCarthys work will find muchto consider for ongoing discussions of this influential body of work. «