University of Arizona

Students, faculty, staff, and the public are now welcome to visit Special Collections without an appointment from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Western pulp fiction collection

1920 to 1984
MS 722
Collection Guide

The Western pulp fiction collection contains hundreds of pulp fiction novels published between 1920 and 1984. The term 'pulp fiction' was applied to perceived lowbrow genre literature, typically printed on lesser-quality (pulp) paper stock.

Pulp novels and magazines were the successors of penny dreadfuls, dime novels, and short story magazines of the 19th century. Because inexpensive pulp paper can deteriorate quickly, many pulp fiction novels were discarded over the years. A majority of pulp fiction novels fell into the Western or detective genres, but also spanned adventure, horror, science fiction and exploitation. Covers featured sensational imagery and pithy taglines to entice readers.

Books are arranged alphabetically by author and title.

Included materials:
Books
Subject Area:
Literature
Arizona & Southwest
Borderlands
Collection Area:
Literature

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.