Visions of the American West

The mystique of the Old West endures, in art and literature, in folklore, movies and TV. Why? Kreyche suggests that the West has a distinctive ethos, a special character that sets it apart from the Eastern U.S. This philosophy professor (DePaul University) sees the spirit of the Westward movement as a quest for the American Dream. He examines the differing visions of the emigrants as he introduces them: explorers, mountain men, Indians, gold- seekers, missionaries, the Mormons, the military and homesteaders. Whether their goal was freedom, fortune or simply to find security, Western pioneers established new identities; they shaped the West and were, in turn, shaped by it. While the historical events and characters may be familiar to readers, Kreyche's approach is fresh and appealing. (Feb.)