Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage is heralded for its vivid descriptions of the American West and complex characters. While some critics praise its rich narrative and pioneering spirit, others note occasional melodramatic elements and dated cultural depictions. Overall, its influence on Western genre fiction remains significant.

Fans of classic Westerns with rich descriptions and action-packed narratives will relish Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey. Similar to readers who enjoy Louis L'Amour's Hondo or Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, these readers appreciate tales of frontier justice, rugged landscapes, and intricate character dynamics.

Set in 1871, Riders of the Purple Sage follows Jane Withersteen, a Mormon woman persecuted for refusing to marry church leader Elder Tull and for her relationships with non-Mormons. She is aided by gunman Jim Lassiter, and her Gentile lover Bern Venters discovers a masked rider in league with cattle rustlers who turns out to be a woman named Bess. This book includes depictions of assault, murder, violence towards children, religious discrimination, gendered violence, sexual assault, and persecution of members of the Mormon faith.

Adventurous / Gritty / Romantic / Mysterious / Suspenseful

- Riders of the Purple Sage was originally published in 1912 and is considered one of the earliest works that shaped the Western genre in literature.
- Zane Grey was inspired to write Riders of the Purple Sage after his own adventures in the American West, which he explored as an avid fisherman and traveler.
- Although initially not welcomed by critics, Riders of the Purple Sage gained popularity among readers, leading to several film adaptations and cementing its legacy in popular culture.

**Jane Withersteen**  
A young and wealthy Mormon woman at the center of the novel's conflicts, known for her compassion and struggles against community pressure and religious expectations.

**Jim Lassiter**  
A former Texas Ranger with a reputation as a gunslinger, whose search for justice unveils his deep moral code and builds his connection with Jane.

**Bern Venters**  
An outsider to the Mormon community due to his non-Mormon status, his involvement with Jane and a mysterious rider leads him on a journey of love and self-discovery.

**Elizabeth “Bess” Erne**  
A mysterious masked rider associated with a rustler gang, her true identity and relationship with Venters reveal an innocent character seeking freedom and love.

**Elder Tull**  
The primary antagonist, a Mormon leader driven by his desire for Jane’s wealth and property, his actions set off the central conflicts.

Zane Grey

Adult

Novel

Riders of the Purple Sage

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Riders of the Purple Sage reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Riders of the Purple Sage | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Riders of the Purple Sage and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Riders of the Purple Sage Summary

Background

Riders of the Purple Sage Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

Riders of the Purple Sage Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-10

Riders of the Purple Sage Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-15

Riders of the Purple Sage Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

Riders of the Purple Sage Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-23

Riders of the Purple Sage Chapters 20-23 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Riders of the Purple Sage Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Riders of the Purple Sage Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Riders of the Purple Sage Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Riders of the Purple Sage Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Riders of the Purple Sage Essay Topics

Riders of the Purple Sage

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Riders of the Purple Sage?

Reading Age

Book Details