Louis L’Amour Books In Order

Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Publication Order of The Sacketts Books

Chronological Order of The Sacketts Books

Publication Order of Talon Books

Publication Order of Chantry Books

Chronological Order of Chantry Books

Publication Order of Kilkenny Books

Chronological Order of Kilkenny Books

Publication Order of Hopalong Cassidy Books

Chronological Order of Hopalong Cassidy Books

Publication Order of Louis L’Amour Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Louis L’Amour Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures Books

Publication Order of Louis L' Amour Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of The Golden West Books

with Zane Grey, Max Brand, Jon Tuska, Christopher Lane

Publication Order of Anthologies

Western novel writer Louis L’Amour made himself a successful career as a writer, focusing on the theme of the American frontier up until his death in 1988 at the age of 80. He was also known for delving into science-fiction, and many of his novels were also made into movies too.

With over 89 novels and many collections of short-stories, he was at one time considered one of the world’s most popular writers.

Early and Personal Life

Born 1908 in Jamestown, North Dakota, Louis L’Amour was brought up by a Mr and Mrs Charles and Emily LaMoore. One of seven children, he grew up within the wide and expansive farmland that was to inspire much of his writing career during his adult life.

Playing ‘cowboys and Indians’ as a child, he came into contact with a large amount of characters that were to provide him with the basis for much of his material. Taking to the road in the winter of 1923, him and his brother both headed south with their parents after a financial downfall, during which time they made ends meet doing a variety of farm-work based jobs such as skinning cattle and bailing hay.

Here was where Louis really got the inspiration that was to truly define him as a writer and help him build even more upon his source material. Louis started to take on a variety of jobs himself such as being a boxer and a seaman, all whilst traveling both nationally and internationally and seeing the world.

It was during the 1930’s that he moved with his parents to Oklahoma and settled down before starting his career as writer. Drawing from his wealth of experience meant he was never short of material neither, as he captured the heart of the country for generations to come.

Writing Career

Starting with boxing articles and poetry, Louis had little success as a writer of fiction early on as his stories weren’t getting much traction. Although he was getting sections of his work published in the ‘WPA Guide Book to Oklahoma’, he wasn’t seeing much profit from his novels.

It was only when ‘True Gang Life’ published a story of his titled ‘Anything for a Pal’ that he started to get the recognition he was looking for. Soon he was getting stories regularly printed in pulp magazines as his audience began to grow.

Concentrating on crime, adventure and seafaring stories, he surprisingly didn’t publish all that many western stories bringing out only one prior to World War Two. That was soon to change though following the war itself. It was during the 1950’s following his service in the army that Louis began to sell novels with a primarily western slant.

Publishing his first novel, ‘Westward the Tide’, in 1951, his fate as a western novelist was sealed finally getting him the recognition he was hoping for. This was setting aside the books he wrote in 1950 under the name ‘Tex Burns’ featuring Hopalong Cassidy, something which he denied doing despite evidence to the contrary, explaining them as ‘books for hire’ therefore not officially his.

He was soon to capture the attention of John Wayne as well, when a book of his titled ‘The Gift of Cochise’ was read and subsequently had the rights to it brought. This was quickly made into a film alongside Robert Fellows.

All this rapidly led to Louis L’Amour becoming one of the most highly regarded novelists within his field, with both commercial and critical success achieved during his time.

Sackett’s Land

The first novel in what was to be ‘The Sacketts’ series, this book from Louis L’Amour was originally published in 1974. Set in 1699 it featured the story of protagonist Barnabas Sackett as he relates his tale, which is a narration of a voyage that saw him trading various furs with the Chesapeake Indians.

On this journey accompanying him is Captain Brian Tempany and his daughter Abigail, the sweet but deadly sharp-shooter, as they come along providing assistance for the journey. Traveling from the English fens, they begin their journey with high-hopes, but it soon transpires that danger is afoot in the form of the ‘Jolly Jack’ tailing them in hot pursuit, captained by none other than the nefarious Captain Nick Bardle.

Having been sent by the Genester heir Rupert, he orders that Bardle chase them, as it’s all part of a greedy plot to track them and their ship down. With a group of friends manning the Sackett vessel, it is up to them to come together and prevent this from happening.

Not all of them will survive though, as it will be a journey of high stakes and even higher consequences as they undertake the fateful trip for what may be their last. Will they be able to outrun the enemy and reach their destination to make the trade? Can they survive and just who will make it to the end of the trip out of all of them? What will become of them as they charter the brave waters of Sackett’s Land?

Westward the Tide

Originally published in 1976 on the 15th of December, this novel from Louis L’Amour was another journey into the big country of America that often inspired so much of his work. This time taking a look at the exploits of a drifter named Matt Bardoul, a reliable yet dangerous man who you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of.

Single-minded, he is a resourceful individual with a strong-willed nature, that is until he comes up against the beautiful Jacquine Coyle, who’s just as outspoken as him. Heading out on a quest for gold, her journey is taking her to the Bighorn Mountains as she accompanies her father, as they both undertake their hopefully profitable expedition.

Matt soon decides to join them and their party and it all seems to be going well, that is until it becomes transparent that not every member of the group may have entirely good intentions. With possible thieves in their midst, Matt feels unable to trust them and quickly realizes their character may leave a lot to be desired.

Putting him to the test he soon finds out that he may be up against his biggest challenge yet, as he learns of their nefarious scheme involving lust, greed and even murder. Will they be able to survive this potentially fateful journey, or will they succumb to the many dangers ahead? Can Matt protect them and make his way to their final destination in safety? What will become of them and will they ever manage to find their gold?

Book Series In Order » Authors » Louis L’Amour

14 Responses to “Louis L’Amour”

1. Miles Elliott: 6 months ago

   I never would read anything including my school work.Only a hot rod magazine. My older brother encouraged my to read one of Mr L,Amour’s books and I fell in love with them immediately. He makes me feel like I am wherever he is writing about. Hot cold hungry thirsty scared or brave. The greatest ever.

   Reply
2. Guy Stephenson: 2 years ago

   I started reading Louis L’Amour novels in the 1980’s and was instantly hooked. His books and characters came to life and began shaping my own, determined to develop the same character traits of integrity, responsibility, compassion and a desire for justice. I own over 50 of his novels, most of which I have read at least 3 times, and continue to add more. I’d have loved to meet Mr. L’Amour. Maybe I will one day.

   Reply
   • Tia Nordeen: 3 months ago

     I met him at a book signing in Jamestown, ND. He was sitting quietly at a table in the small mall there. I recall he had kind eyes and a soft voice. That was over 45 years ago. About 20 or so years ago, I exited the celebrity mausoleum in LA and turned left and there on the ground was a flat headstone. Glancing down, I read Louis L Amour. I’ve only read about 25 of his books but I was lucky enough to find most of his books and I am working steadily to read them all.

     Reply
3. Gene Westphal: 2 years ago

   I have spent many years traveling with Lewis
   through all of his books. I feel that he and all of his characters are some of my best friends. I still have his books.

   Reply
4. Leslie Johns: 2 years ago

   I first read on of his novels in the late 1970’s and was instantly hooked on his writing style.
   His stories and characters have depth and breath not often found in other authors works.
   the world lost a true literary genius.

   Reply
5. Brent Ward: 2 years ago

   I am just getting into L’Amour’s short stories and I love his straightforward storytelling. So glad I found his works in our library!

   Reply
6. k l: 2 years ago

   Loved them! My bother started me.

   Reply
7. Lynette Louise Combs: 3 years ago

   Thanks so much for this helpful listing! My dad, a WWII veteran, started me reading the L’Amour westerns decades ago, & I enjoyed sharing them with him thru the 20 years of my own service. (The Sackett books especially!) After his recent passing, his big collection (including some VERY old paperbacks!) joined mine, & I’ve been working on obtaining any missing titles. Thanks so much for helping with that!

   Reply
   • Graeme: 2 years ago

     You’re welcome. Really appreciate you saying that! Cheers 🙂

     Reply
8. Mary Lehman: 3 years ago

   We, as a family, love his books. My oldest daughter and family are headed to Idaho and several days in Yellowstone. She is looking for a Louis book taking place in the area they are traveling to. Any suggestions? Thanks!

   Reply
9. Carol Armstrong: 3 years ago

   Was there a book “West of Pilot Range” written by Louis L’Amour?

   Reply
   • Graeme: 3 years ago

     From what I’ve seen, this was a planned book that was never actually released. You can find evidence of it as it had an ISBN but I’ve never seen an actual copy available to purchase anywhere nor any actual reviews on it.

     Reply
10. John Casilen: 4 years ago

    I am an avid fan/follower/reader of Louis L’Amour Books… what happened to the “Chronological Order” of the Chantry, Kilkenny and Sackett’s Books on this list or page?

    Reply
11. John Corsentino: 6 years ago

    Loved his Writings.

    Reply