Shepherds of the Wild

Shepherds of the Wild, published in 1922 by Edison Marshall, is a novel set in the rugged wilderness of Smoky Land, Idaho. The story follows a bull elk named Spread Horn and a young man, Hugh Gaylord, who seeks to rediscover his manhood and purpose in the wild. The narrative explores themes of survival, the beauty of nature, and the complex dynamics between humans and wildlife, including the tension between cattlemen and sheep owners. The book is noted for its cultural significance and is recognized as an early 20th-century western adventure tale that combines elements of romance and murder.