tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post149116693822726135..comments2024-03-27T10:50:17.270-05:00Comments on Rough Edges: Forgotten Books: Rawhide Range - Ernest HaycoxJames Reasonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18049917964433932612noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-17658676689236755442016-03-26T13:40:43.622-05:002016-03-26T13:40:43.622-05:00Many of Haycox's short stories from Collier...Many of Haycox's short stories from Collier's can be found on the Unz site... which is a little quirky, so be warned.<br /><br />http://www.unz.org/Author/HaycoxErnest/?PublicationID=Colliers Shayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16527241089629026268noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-285182845653945242016-03-26T13:34:10.584-05:002016-03-26T13:34:10.584-05:00I lean toward the action-packed, plot-driven sort ...I lean toward the action-packed, plot-driven sort of stories myself, as both a reader and a writer, but I enjoy the other sort, too, just not as often.<br /><br />When Western Writers of America was formed in the early Fifties, mostly by pulp authors, they discussed calling the organization's awards the Ernies, after Ernest Haycox. Probably wise that they went with the Spurs instead, but the fact that the idea came up shows in what high regard they held Haycox.James Reasonerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18049917964433932612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-617209296917401172016-03-26T12:56:02.247-05:002016-03-26T12:56:02.247-05:00I think Craig and James have pinpointed what I lik...I think Craig and James have pinpointed what I like about Haycox and maybe why he was such a success despite his short life. He did not see plot and action as the main point of a story. He stressed characterization, dialogue, and atmosphere. I believe this is why he stood out as a quality western writer. Action is ok but after reading so many plot driven stories, I'm glad to see something a little different.Walker Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16089880902426182100noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-70446958723655207202016-03-26T08:25:01.925-05:002016-03-26T08:25:01.925-05:00the stuff I've read by him, I've liked. I ...the stuff I've read by him, I've liked. I do like to have collections of stories around. I find them better to take with me to Dr's offices and that sort of thing.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-77942981794988202052016-03-26T08:17:51.813-05:002016-03-26T08:17:51.813-05:00From what I've read of his work, I don't t...From what I've read of his work, I don't think Haycox was fond of writing action. He's great at setting up situations that you think are going to explode in gunplay, then finds some less than compelling reason for everybody to stand around and talk some more. Some of his books are incredibly frustrating in this respect, while others aren't that bad. And when he can't avoid action, he has a habit of having a lot of it happen off-screen. Although it's a movie, the ending of STAGECOACH, based on Haycox's story "Stage to Lordsburg", is a perfect example of this. The whole movie has been building up to the Ringo Kid's showdown with his enemies, but when the time comes we see a split-second of John Wayne diving to the street as he fires his Winchester, and that's it. That sums up Haycox's approach to action, especially in his later work. But I've come to enjoy his strengths -- dialogue, character, and setting -- enough to overlook the weakness of his action.James Reasonerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18049917964433932612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-51075185552700065772016-03-26T03:43:06.071-05:002016-03-26T03:43:06.071-05:00Of the handful of Haycox I've read, I think he...Of the handful of Haycox I've read, I think he is great with dialogue, pretty good with character, and really sloppy with plotting. Tons of coincidences in simple, otherwise natural set-ups that feel very contrived. I've mixed feelings on him overall. Mavericks was the one novel of his I read, and the shorts were in Dime and Star Western and some other places, but all are characterized by what I write above. Maybe his Collier's stuff (which I don't know) was more thoughtfully wrought? S. Craig Zahlerhttp://scraigzahler.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-69259460800062625162016-03-25T18:09:32.715-05:002016-03-25T18:09:32.715-05:00Walker,
I still prefer Haycox's earlier, pulpi...Walker,<br />I still prefer Haycox's earlier, pulpier stuff, but those later stories are awfully well written.<br /><br />Keith,<br />As far as I know, this one has never been reprinted.James Reasonerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18049917964433932612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-33254294861199935152016-03-25T08:37:36.197-05:002016-03-25T08:37:36.197-05:00James, is this one available in an inexpensive rep...James, is this one available in an inexpensive reprint edition, or would I have to hunt down the original printing?Adventuresfantastichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16907562789681407416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7527967.post-47383055657264099422016-03-25T07:03:09.780-05:002016-03-25T07:03:09.780-05:00Haycox is one of my favorite western writers. Duri...Haycox is one of my favorite western writers. During the late 1920's and early 1930's he was one of the most popular authors in SHORT STORIES and WEST. Then he broke into the slicks with sales to COLLIERS. Unfortunately he died an early death in 1950 at age 51.Walker Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16089880902426182100noreply@blogger.com