The Desert of Wheat by Zane Grey, Fiction, Westerns

Zane Grey, originally named Pearl Zane Gray, transformed his identity to embrace his Western heritage, believing his given name was too feminine for a Western author. His first book, inspired by his family's Revolutionary War history, did not achieve commercial success. However, with "The Heritage of the Desert," he began a prolific career that would lead to over sixty influential Western novels, solidifying his legacy in American literature. Grey's works reflect themes of adventure and pioneer spirit, rooted in his personal history.