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Butcher Crossing: A Tale of the American Frontier, Reevaluated

Matthew Ward

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Published in Butcher S Crossing (New York Review Classics)

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A Lone Cowboy On Horseback Rides Through A Vast, Desolate Landscape. Butcher S Crossing (New York Review Classics)

The Lost Classic of the American West, Resurrected

For decades, John Williams's 1960 novel, Butcher Crossing, languished in obscurity. Despite its critical acclaim upon publication, the book gradually faded from view, overshadowed by more popular works of Western literature. But in recent years, there has been a growing reevaluation of Williams's masterpiece, with critics and readers alike rediscovering its timeless power and relevance.

Butcher s Crossing (New York Review Classics)

Butcher's Crossing (New York Review Books Classics)

by John Williams

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	297 pages

Now, with its republication as a New York Review Classic, Butcher Crossing is poised to reach a new generation of readers. This meticulously edited edition features a new by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Richard Ford, who praises the novel's "unflinching honesty" and its "deep understanding of the American character." With its stunning prose, unforgettable characters, and profound insights into the human condition, Butcher Crossing is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature, the history of the West, or simply great storytelling.

A Journey into the Heart of Darkness

Set in the unforgiving wilderness of the Kansas Territory in the 1870s, Butcher Crossing tells the story of Will Andrews, a young Harvard dropout who joins a group of buffalo hunters in search of adventure and fortune. But what begins as a thrilling expedition quickly descends into a nightmare of violence, madness, and betrayal.

As the hunters venture deeper into the uncharted territory, they are forced to confront the harsh realities of life on the frontier. They encounter hostile Indians, ruthless outlaws, and the unforgiving elements. And as their physical and mental endurance is tested, their bonds of friendship and loyalty begin to fray.

At the heart of the novel is the character of Will Andrews. A complex and flawed protagonist, Will is both drawn to the excitement of the hunt and repelled by its brutality. As he witnesses the horrors that unfold around him, he grapples with his own demons and the moral implications of his actions.

Through Will's eyes, we experience the full spectrum of human nature, from the heights of heroism to the depths of depravity. We see the courage and resilience of the pioneers, the savagery of the Indian tribes, and the greed and indifference of the settlers.

A Masterful Exploration of the American Character

But Butcher Crossing is more than just a gripping adventure story. It is also a profound exploration of the American character and the myths that have shaped our national identity. Williams delves into the contradictions that have always defined us as a people: our love of freedom and our thirst for violence, our idealism and our pragmatism, our resilience and our fragility.

The novel is particularly timely in our own era of political division and social unrest. It reminds us of the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit. In a world that seems increasingly polarized, Butcher Crossing offers a sobering but ultimately hopeful meditation on the human condition.

A Literary Landmark, Rediscovered

With its publication as a New York Review Classic, Butcher Crossing takes its rightful place as a landmark of American literature. It is a novel that will continue to be read and debated for generations to come. Its unflinching honesty, its psychological depth, and its timeless themes make it essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the American experience.

So saddle up and join Will Andrews on his epic journey into the heart of the American West. Be prepared to be challenged, horrified, and ultimately inspired by this lost classic of American literature.

Butcher's Crossing (New York Review Books Classics)

by John Williams

4.4 out of 5