In this western films guide, readers will find a listing of more than two thousand “A” western feature films; each listing includes the cast, a brief précis of the film, and the author’s commentary. A preface explains the process while chapters on the western, the genre, the silents, the programmers, the talkies, the directors, the writers, the crews, and the actors all speak to each component of the film. Scattered throughout are pictures from the film, either lobby cards or film stills; many of them rarely seen.

The cataloging of the western genre, beginning with the early talkies, is, according to the dust jacket notes, the result of ten years of research and writing. The film listing itself is quite comprehensive and worth perusing for the information and the photographs.

However, the author’s commentary for each film tends toward mean-spirited subjectiveness that many readers are sure to find off-putting [and is the reason for the lowered rating for the book].

Recommended for the film information and the photographs; consider skipping the author’s commentary. ( )

guide to westerns by former screenwriter