Trailin'! by Max Brand (1930)

Name: Trailin'!
Author: Max Brand

The narrative follows Anthony Bard, a young man from the East, who arrives in the West seeking adventure and a connection to his past. He is drawn to the Wild West show in Madison Square Garden, where he witnesses a performance that stirs his desire for the rugged life of the frontier. Bard's journey leads him to confront his heritage, as he discovers that he is the son of John Bard, a man with a complicated history tied to William Drew, a formidable figure in the West. Bard's quest for identity intertwines with the legacy of his father, who had a tumultuous relationship with Joan Piotto, Drew's wife. After a violent confrontation with Drew, Bard learns of the deep-seated animosity between their families, rooted in betrayal and loss. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of the West, Bard encounters various characters, including the rough and ready cowpuncher Steve Nash, who becomes both an ally and an adversary. The tension escalates as Bard's presence in the West threatens to unravel the carefully maintained order that Drew has established. Nash, tasked with bringing Bard to Drew, grapples with his own motivations and the moral implications of his actions. The story explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the struggle for redemption, culminating in a confrontation that forces Bard to confront his father's past and his own identity. As the narrative unfolds, Bard's journey becomes a metaphor for the clash between the old and new West, highlighting the complexities of heritage and the quest for self-discovery. The characters are richly drawn, each representing different facets of the Western experience, from the lawless spirit of the frontier to the constraints of societal expectations. Ultimately, Bard's story is one of resilience and the search for belonging in a world defined by conflict and change.

By Max Brand · First published 1930 · Genre: Western, Adventure, Fiction · 41 chapters · 89,738 words

First lines

All through the exhibition the two sat unmoved; yet on the whole it was the best Wild West show that ever stirred sawdust in Madison Square Garden and it brought thunders of applause from the crowded house. Even if the performance could not stir these two, at least the throng of spectators should have drawn them, for all New York was there, from the richest to the poorest; neither the combined audiences of a seven-day race, a prize-fight, or a community singing festival would make such a cosmopolitan assembly.

What this Textopian page supports

Trailin'! is listed on Textopian as a novel by Max Brand, dated 1930 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Max Brand
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Western, Adventure, Fiction, Romance, Drama
Length: 89,738 words
Structure: 41 chapters, 2,764 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Trailin'! by Max Brand
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Trailin'!?
How does this novel by Max Brand fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Western first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Western — The book is set in the American West and features themes of frontier life, cowboys, and the rugged individualism typical of the Western genre.
Adventure — The plot involves exploration and action, characteristic of adventure narratives, with characters facing challenges in the wilderness.
Fiction — As a work of fiction, it presents a narrative that is not based on real events but rather on imaginative storytelling.
Romance — Elements of romantic relationships may be present, typical of many Westerns, adding depth to character motivations.