Skyrider: Including "The Thunder Bird"

B. M. Bower

Nov 2022 · DigiCat

About this ebook

In 'Skyrider', B. M. Bower weaves a captivating tale of ambition, romance, and frontier justice set against the evocative backdrop of the early 20th-century American Southwest. The novel chronicles the exploits of Johnny Jewel, a cowboy with an unquenchable desire to take to the skies as an aviator. Intercepting Johnny's pursuit of aviation is Mary V, a ranch owner's daughter whose involvement complicates matters further as they navigate a landscape marred by the nefarious deeds of horse rustlers. Bower's vibrant narrative, rich with the lingo and lore of Western cowboy life, also explores the nascent field of aviation, artfully fusing genres to present a unique literary experience situated within the larger context of post-frontier American literature. Bertha Muzzy Bower's own history is deeply embedded in the milieu she so vividly depicts. Born in 1871, her works often reflect the dynamic period of American history she lived through, marked by the closing of the frontier and the transformative advances in technology. The allure of the flying machine, showcased prominently in 'Skyrider', captures the era's inventive spirit, reflecting Bower's fascination with the shifting American landscape—a fascination that surely informed her textured portrayal of Johnny's and Mary V's escapades both on the ground and in the air. Her legacy of Western fiction pioneered the genre, with 'Chip of the Flying U' catapulting her to literary stardom and spawning an enduring series. 'Skyrider' is highly recommended to readers who relish the romanticized vistas of the Old West as much as they appreciate the boundless yearnings of early aviation. B. M. Bower's seamless blend of robust adventure, budding love, and the wild, uncharted horizons of the sky offers a compelling look into a transformative epoch in American history. Fans of Western folklore and literature will find 'Skyrider' a thrilling addition to Bower's renowned oeuvre, replete with the authenticity and spirit that distinguish her storytelling.

About the author

Bertha Muzzy Sinclair or Sinclair-Cowan, née Muzzy (November 15, 1871 – July 23, 1940), better known by her pseudonym B. M. Bower, was a prolific American author who primarily wrote Western stories, bringing to life the adventure and mystique of the American frontier. Bower was one of the first female writers to make a substantial impact on the Western genre, a field dominated by male storytellers at the time. She was not simply a writer but a pioneer who carved a place for women's perspectives within the genre. Her narratives often featured strong, capable women alongside cowboy heroes, reflecting her own independent spirit and progressive views. Bower penned more than 30 novels and numerous short stories during her career, with one of her notable works being 'Skyrider' (1918), which presents an engaging tale of aerial adventure and frontier life. Her literary style blended authenticity with romance, capturing the rugged realities of ranch life while also spinning yarns with emotional depth and compelling plot lines. Unafraid to address the hardships and lawlessness of the Western frontier, Bower's work remains a testament to her storytelling prowess and her substantial contribution to popularizing the Western genre among a broad readership. Her characters are not mere stereotypes but fleshed-out individuals, reflective of Bower's keen observation and understanding of human nature.