This anthology investigates the evolving cultural and geographical identity of the American West through a diverse selection of literary voices. Thomas J. Lyon, a scholar of Western American literature, compiles this collection to demonstrate how the region has been interpreted from its early frontier days to the contemporary era. By organizing various forms of writing, the book argues that the West is defined not by a single narrative, but by a complex interplay of environmental, social, and historical perspectives.

Experts and educators frequently cite this anthology as a foundational text for understanding the breadth of Western American literature. Readers often note that the collection provides a balanced overview that successfully captures the multifaceted nature of the region's literary history.