Western fiction is unique among the major fiction genres recognized by public libraries (which would include romance, mystery, and sf) in that it is defined principally by its physical setting--the American West (usually anywhere west of the Mississippi River) and in particular the frontier territories of the 19th century. The popular conception of the genre is that of a thriller-cum-romance novel featuring gunslingers with plenty of bullets flying, published chiefly in paperback, and emphasizing reprints from the great pulp writers like Max Brand and Louis L'Amour. However, the Western Writers of America (WWA), founded in 1953 to promote the genre, also recognizes nonfiction, poetry, journalism, screenwriting, and modern Westerns as subdivisions of Western writing. Its highest awards are reserved for works that qualify as literature by any standard. To get librarians started on building or updating their Western fiction collection, the author presents selective bibliography that lists some good examples of the genre from traditional adventure tales and literary classics to paranormal and inspirational Westerns. Librarians seeking additional excellent suggestions can turn to John Mort's "Read the High Country: A Guide to Western Books and Films" (Libraries Unlimited, 2006).