The First Mountain Man

William W. Johnstone was a prolific American Western and thriller writer. Born in 1938 in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Johnstone developed a love for writing at a young age. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his writing career in the 1970s. Johnstone became known for his fast-paced, action-packed novels, often featuring iconic Western characters such as Preacher, Tom Horn, and Flintlock. He wrote over 300 books, including the "Lonesome Dove" series, "The Mountain Man" series, and "The Last Gunfighter" series. Johnstone's books have sold over 40 million copies worldwide and have been translated into several languages. He received numerous awards, including the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Paperback Original Novel in 1998 for "The Devil's Sleep." Despite his critical success, Johnstone remained a humble and down-to-earth man. He passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of beloved Western tales that continue to entertain readers.