Great Western Short Stories, the Morrow Anthology of

In their flowery introduction to this massive anthology, Tuska and Piekarski (coeditors of Encyclopedia of Frontier and Western Fiction) succumb to Bunyonesque claims, calling western fiction ""the single most important literary movement in the history of the United States."" Despite such stretchers, the duo are engaged in a valuable recovery operation here. Many of the authors included were immensely popular and influential in their day but are largely forgotten now. Many of the stories are anthologized for the first time. A surprising number are by women (who often had to disguise their identities to be published). Pulitzer winner Conrad Richter is represented by ""Valhalla,"" a poignant tale of bravery, loyalty and a life lived past its time. ""Shadows of Granite Ridge: At Kunman's Bend,"" by Vingie E. Roe, is a brutal tale of animal cruelty and a faithful hound's revenge. Talented, newer voices in the field, such as Jane Candia Coleman and Cynthia Haseloff, also make appearances here. Curiously, while some western masters are included (Zane Grey, Max Brand), others are ignoredDBret Harte, Louis L'Amour and Richard Matheson are nowhere to be found. This is a mixed herd, then, but with 28 entries, even discriminating western fans will find a few tales worth lassoing under the reading lamp. (Mar.)