Western Annotation

Author: Louis L’Amour

Title: Hondo

Genre: Western

Publication Date: 1953

Number of Pages: 179 pages

Geographical Setting: Southeastern Arizona

Time Period: 1870s – 1880s

Plot Summary:

            Hondo Lane, a dispatch for the US Army Cavalry, is traveling across the country side when he comes across a ranch ran by Angie Lowe and her young son Johnny.  Although Angie maintains that her husband is coming back shortly from taking care of cattle, Hondo finds evidence that a man has not been living there for months.  Because of the ranch’s location in Apache country, Hondo encourages Angie to abandon the cabin for safety, but Angie is convinced that the peace treaty with the Apaches will hold up.  After Hondo and Angie share a kiss, they become infatuated with one another.  As Apaches start attacking the local Amy units, are Angie and her son safe?  Will Hondo and Angie be able to create a life together? 

Subject Headings:

            Scouting (Reconnaissance) – The West (United States) – History – 19^th century

            Gamblers

            Apache Indians

            Pioneer women

            Frontier and pioneer life

            Insurgency

            Ranches

            Abandoned wives

Appeal:

            Loner hero with strong morals

            Strong descriptions of nature

            Sparse use of dialogue

3 Relevant Non-Fiction Works and Authors

            Lions of the West by Robert Morgan

                        Biographical information about key figures in Western expansion

                        Discusses settler’s conflicts with Native Americans

                        Provides historic foundation to L’Amour’s stories

            From Cochise to Geronimo:  The Chiricalua Apaches 1874 – 1886 by Edwin R. Sweeney

                        Historical representation of Hondo’s time period

                        Provides the Native American’s perspective of the Western expansion

            Life Among the Apaches by John Carey Cremony

                        A look into the traditions and daily life of the Apaches

                        Provides a background to some of Hondo’s experiences living with the Native

Americans                  

3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors

            The First Mountain Man by William Johnstone

                        Action Packed

                        Fast Paced

                        Encounters with Native Americans

            High Lonesome by Louis L’Amour

                        Plot Driven

                        Fast Paced

                        Similar plot point in taking a stand against Apache Indians

            The Bounty Hunters by Elmore Leonard

                        Similar character to Hondo with an army scouting background

                        Fast Paced

                        Encounters with Apache Indians