Jack Schaefer
Jack Schaefer
Full Name and Common Aliases
Jack O'Brien Schaefer was an American novelist and short story writer, best known for his western novels.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 23, 1907, in Chicago, Illinois, Schaefer passed away on July 25, 1991, at the age of 83.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Schaefer was an American novelist and short story writer, primarily associated with the western genre. He is often credited as a key figure in shaping the modern western novel.
Early Life and Background
Raised in Chicago's South Side, Schaefer grew up in a family that valued literature and storytelling. His parents encouraged his love of reading, which would later influence his writing career. After completing high school, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he began to develop his writing skills.
Major Accomplishments
Schaefer's breakthrough novel, Shalako, was published in 1952 and became a huge commercial success. The book tells the story of a Navajo leader who tries to protect his tribe from a band of Comanches. Its success led to Schaefer becoming one of the leading western writers of his time.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Schaefer's notable works include:
Shalako (1952)
Monte Walsh (1956) - Adapted into a film in 1970
* The Big Range (1965)
These novels showcased his unique blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling.
Impact and Legacy
Schaefer's contributions to the western genre have left an indelible mark on literature. His works continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted into films and television series.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Schaefer is quoted for his insightful observations about the human condition, particularly in the context of the American West. His writings provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of life on the frontier and the struggles faced by its inhabitants.
His novels often explored themes such as survival, loyalty, and redemption, making him one of the most celebrated western writers of all time.
Schaefer's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions; he has also been recognized for his advocacy work in promoting the preservation of Western heritage.
Quotes by Jack Schaefer
Even his name remained mysterious. Just Shane. Nothing else. We never knew whether that was his first name or last name or, indeed, any name that came from his family. “Call me Shane,” he said, and that was all he ever said. But I conjured up all manner of adventures for him, not tied to any particular time or place, seeing him as a slim and dark and dashing figure coolly passing through perils that would overcome a lesser man.
Father, of course, was special all to himself. There could never be anyone quite to match him. I wanted to be like him, just as he was. But first I wanted, as he had done, to ride the range, to have my own string of ponies and take part in an all-brand round-up and in a big cattle drive and dash into strange towns with just such a rollicking crew and with a season’s pay jingling in my pockets.
Listen, Bob. A gun is just a tool. No better and no worse than any other tool, a shovel- or an axe or a saddle or a stove or anything. Think of it always that way. A gun is as good- and as bad- as the man who carries it. Remember that.
Shane was looking down the road and on to the open plain and the horse was obeying the silent command of the reins. He was riding away and I knew that no word or thought could hold him. The big horse, patient and powerful, was already settling into the steady pace that had brought him into our valley, and the two, the man and the horse, were a single dark shape in the road as they passed beyond the reach of the light from the windows
