Monumental Lies and Wild West Folklore

Early Western folklore celebrated a playful embrace of tall tales and exaggeration, a brand of deceit woven into diverse traditions by people placing their mark on the region. James describes how folklore, affected by emigration and industry, took root in rocky soil during the 19th century. The importance of Mark Twain and William Wright (writing as Dan De Quille) will be considered in how folklore shaped the modern image of the Wild West.