Will I love The Walking Drum?

Louis L'Amour was among the greatest American novelists focusing mostly on the opening and development of the West here in America. In The Walking Drum, L'Amour uses his immense story-telling prowess to tell an epic tale set in the 12th century. Much of the world we live in today was shaped by the events and attitudes depicted in The Walking Drum.

A book about the Medieval times written by a writer more known for his stories of the American Old West seems out of place, but this in my mind is his greatest work. I can only imagine the time he spent researching it and he definitely put in the time as he really transports you to the times and the lands involved in this story. One of these days I hope to write something that is as good as this book is.

Louis L’Amour is the only western writer I will read. The Walking Drum is one of my top five. It has taught me a lot of history, of cultures besides my own and of my ancestors, and inspired a lot of scenes in my own writing. His book cultivated this desire to know more, read more, and to fall deep into the story. And led to my search for books that were similar.