Happy 101st, Louis!

In keeping with yesterday's literary theme (and to avoid all things related to politics and our collective economic woes), I decided to dedicate today's post in the dryer to one of my favorite writers: Louis L'Amour.

He was born on this date way back in 1908--in Jamestown, North Dakota, to be more precise.

More importantly, he grew up hearing stories about the Wild West from some of the people who had tamed it. And, he used those tales as inspiration for more than 100 books.

Snooty literary types never took him seriously, I'm afraid. Yet, his books have sold over 200 million copies--not to mention how many were made into some of the most iconic western movies ever produced. (Ever seen John Wayne in "Hondo"?)

Anyway, Mr. L'Amour road into the proverbial sunset way back in 1988. But, he remains one of my favorite writers to this day. If you haven't read one of his books lately, pick one up to mark his birthday today!