The BFI Companion to the Western

 

This volume, edited by Edward Buscombe, is an interesting addition to any Western aficionado’s reference library.

It contains encyclopedic entries for historical personages, Western films and Western television series.

While not comprehensive in any aspect it tackles, what I do find of value is the British perspective on certain films; the BFI stands for British Film Institute.

Where there is some overlap between what the US considers canonical films, there are a few that do not move the BFI, but what is more valuable, to my mind, are films that in the States may have fallen through the cracks and some attention is devoted to making a case for seeking these out.

I have found more than a few of these Piccadilly taste pointers most enjoyable.

Overall, a fine addition to a Western film reference library.