From the windswept plains of Montana to the bright lights of Hollywood, A.B. Guthrie Jr. crafted a life more epic than any fiction he penned. Born in 1901, this American titan straddled the worlds of westerns and screenwriting, leaving behind a legacy of captivating tales and cinematic masterpieces.
Guthrie’s roots were deeply embedded in the American West. Growing up under the vast Montana sky, he dreamt of tales woven from grit and frontier spirit. These early whispers of storytelling blossomed in high school, where he first tried his hand at crafting fiction. Driven by an insatiable passion, he pursued journalism, honing his skills at the Concord Leader for over two decades. But within him, another story yearned to be told.
During his newspaper years, Guthrie carved out evenings and afternoons to explore his literary soul. This quiet devotion birthed the Sheriff Chick Charleston series, a thrilling foray into western storytelling. But true recognition arrived with the publication of his 1950 masterpiece, “The Way West.” This epic saga of westward expansion earned him the coveted Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, cementing his place as a literary giant.
Guthrie’s talents, however, weren’t confined to the written word. Hollywood beckoned, and he answered with grace, co-writing the screenplay for the iconic Western film “Shane.” This Oscar-nominated success showcased his ability to translate the magic of his prose onto the silver screen.
Throughout his prolific career, Guthrie’s range knew no bounds. He delved into mysteries like “Murders at Moon Dance,” explored historical depths in “These Thousand Hills,” and even ventured across the Atlantic with “Murder in the Cotswolds.” He shared his literary wisdom in “A Field Guide to Writing Fiction,” inspiring countless aspiring storytellers.
A.B. Guthrie Jr.’s legacy isn’t just a bookshelf bursting with novels or a trophy case filled with accolades. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, of capturing the spirit of a place and time in words that transcend generations. So, if you seek a glimpse into the soul of the American West, a taste of adventure under a boundless sky, then delve into the world of A.B. Guthrie Jr. You won’t be disappointed.
Below is a list of A.B. Guthrie’s books in order of release, each a testament to his literary prowess and a gateway to a bygone era waiting to be rediscovered.
Publication Order of Sheriff Chick Charleston Mysteries Books
| Wild Pitch | (1973) |    |
| The Genuine Article | (1977) | |
| No Second Wind | (1980) | |
| Playing Catch-Up | (1985) | |
| Murder in the Cotswolds | (1989) | |