"The sound of a crowded saloon . . . The cry of a train coming through the night. . . The pounding of horses ridden by friends or foe. . . From the searing sun to snow-steeped winters, towns called Sentinel, Iron Mountain and St. Elmo stood strong and fierce--before they finally died. Now, these ghost towns return to life under the spell of such great Western tale-tellers as Louis L'Amour, Elmer Kelton, William W. Johnstone, Bill Brooks, Loren D. Estleman, Johnny D. Boggs and "New York Times " bestseller Margaret Coel. From a soldier on the run from the fires of war. . . From a gambler who has long since played his last hand to a solitary, singing rifle man protecting a besieged town . . . With dreamers and schemers, with men and women of courage, conscience and faith, here is an unforgettable round-up of astounding adventures fueled by a passion for the West the way it really was--and the way it lives on forever"--,Provided by publisher.