The Ox-bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark was published in 1940. Mr. Clark’s portrayal of the Western frontier in America addressed themes of law and order, guilt and innocence and the potential outcome of mob mentality. This novel transformed western fiction, with its serious subject matter and creative character development.
The Ox-Bow Incident was selected as One Book, One Chicago’s eighth reading choice, and the Chicago Public Library hosted several film screenings and lectures, and numerous book clubs and discussion groups, including book groups at Starbucks. Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble’s Tracy Letts and Terry Kinney brought the novel to life during a reading at the Library. The film adaptation starring Henry Fonda and Anthony Quinn was also screened at a free event.
Further Reading
Sponsors
The Spring 2005 One Book, One Chicago was presented by the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Public Library Foundation and Bank of America.
Content last updated: April 30, 2005
