Prolific Author Larry McMurtry Wins Spirit of the West Literary Achievement Award

On May 15, author Larry McMurtry, best known for writing the epic Western, "Lonesome Dove" and the tear-jerker, "Terms of Endearment," received the Spirit of the West Literary Achievement Award from the Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association.

For over 60 years, McMurtry has written about the landscape, people, and culture of the West. His most beloved novel, "Lonesome Dove" was not only a bestselling book, but was eventually adapted into one of the most popular television miniseries ever.

McMurtry has authored nearly 50 books, fiction and nonfiction, and over 25 screenplays. Proving his true depth as a writer, his stories are not confined to only the traditional Western genre. He wrote both the novel and screenplay for "Terms of Endearment" and "The Last Picture Show" which received Academy Award recognition.

 Along with a successful career as an author, McMurtry spent time as a rare book scout and is currently the owner of several independent used book stores in Houston, Georgetown, Los Angeles, and his hometown of Archer City, Texas. This award, like many he has received during his literary lifetime, is richly deserved. 

Interested in reading some of McMurtry's classics? Denver Public Library has a huge array of these in print formats, as well as electronically through Overdrive.