The Law of the Land (ePub)

Emerson Hough (1857-1923) was a prominent American author best known for his historical narratives and adventure stories reflecting his profound engagement with Western and frontier life. Born in Newton, Iowa, Hough was a graduate of the University of Iowa and initially pursued a career in law before turning his attention to writing. His firsthand knowledge of the West, gained through travels and time spent living in New Mexico and other parts of the frontier, lent an air of authenticity to his vivid story-telling. Hough's literary style often melded factual accuracy with a romanticized vision of the American wilderness and the complex characters that inhabited it. Perhaps one of his most significant works, 'The Law of the Land' reflects his deep investment in justice systems and moral codes as shaped by the American frontier experience. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Arizona territory, grappling with themes of love, law, and societal transformation at the cusp of the 20th century. Besides his novels, Hough contributed extensively to periodicals of his time, such as 'Forest and Stream,' and his storytelling prowess left a lasting impact on the genre of Western literature, paving the way for future generations of writers captivated by the myths and realities of the American frontier.