Although Riders of the Purple Sage was not the first modern western novel -- that honor more properly belongs to Owen Wister's The Virginian (1902) -- it was certainly one of the most popular, and it set the stage for a cascade of similar novels from the pen of Grey and his many imitators.  Grey's western novels appeared on the best seller lists nearly every year from 1912 to 1928, a remarkable span in which Grey could legitimately be called the most widely read author in the United States.  Riders is Grey's most popular title, and many critics consider it his best book.
 

Some questions to ponder as you read: • Before you start reading: jot down a brief list of the sorts of things you expect from a "western" story -- basic elements of plot, character, atmosphere, and so on.  Are all of these narrative expectations satisfied in Riders? • Who do you think was intended as the target audience for this book?  Why? • What role does setting play in the novel? • Who (if anyone) is the "hero" of Riders? • Why do you suppose there is so much antagonism toward Mormonism in the novel?  • Jane Tompkins doesn't mention Riders in her essay on "Women and the Language of Men" (this week's packet reading).  Does Grey's novel support her thesis?  Why or why not?

"New Riders of the Purple Sage" (country rock band, formed in 1969 as a spin-off of the Grateful Dead) -- various links --"New Riders" home page --"New Riders" bulletin board (i-Music) --"New Riders" sound clips (needs RealAudio) -- Discography (CDnow) -- Biography (CDnow)