Beau L'Amour, son of the legendary author Louis L'Amour and manager of his estate, shares captivating tales from his father's remarkable life. They discuss Louis's eclectic jobs, from circus performer to WWII veteran, and his relentless reading habit that fueled his writing. Beau reveals how his father navigated the pulp magazine world before achieving blockbuster fame as a Western novelist. Listeners gain insight into the enduring legacy of L'Amour and his unpublished works, highlighting a true literary icon's journey.
Louis L'Amour's diverse life experiences, from boxing to traveling the world, enriched his storytelling and provided authentic narratives.
His commitment to self-education through voracious reading allowed him to cultivate creativity and write compelling stories without formal schooling.
L'Amour's ability to adapt to market trends and his authenticity in storytelling led to his success in the Western genre and lasting legacy.
Deep dives
The Adventurous Life of Louis Lamour
Louis Lamour led a dynamic and adventurous life that served as a rich foundation for his writing. He traveled extensively in his youth, experiencing a range of jobs from a circus performer to a lumberjack, as well as boxing professionally. These diverse experiences not only shaped his worldview but also provided a treasure trove of stories and insights that permeated his literary work. Lamour's life epitomized the idea that real-life adventures can produce engaging and authentic narratives.
Lessons from Self-Education
Lamour was a voracious reader who took charge of his own education, often citing his lack of formal schooling as a catalyst for his desire to learn. He believed in the power of self-education, reading anything he could get his hands on, from philosophy to classic literature. This extensive reading not only enriched his life but also fueled his creativity, allowing him to craft compelling stories without traditional academic constraints. His journey underscores the message that education goes beyond the classroom and can be achieved through a commitment to lifelong learning.
The Journey to Becoming a Writer
After years of diverse experiences, Lamour transitioned to writing, beginning as a sports journalist and evolving to publish adventure stories. His initial works garnered attention in literary magazines, but he soon pivoted to pulp fiction, where he honed his craft amid a plethora of publications. This shift marked a key turning point, as he learned to write prolifically while maintaining entertaining and engaging narratives. His early career illustrates the importance of adaptability and perseverance in the pursuit of creative ambitions.
The Western Genre and Lamour's Breakthrough
Though known primarily for his Western novels, Lamour's transition into this genre stemmed from a post-World War II cultural shift that revitalized the American fascination with Western themes. His breakout came after the success of 'Hondo,' which was adapted into a film starring John Wayne, leading to an explosive period of sales and recognition. Lamour adeptly navigated the evolving landscape of the publishing industry, capitalizing on the Western boom while infusing his storytelling with authenticity drawn from his own life experiences. His success illustrates how understanding market trends and leveraging individual strengths can lead to a lasting impact.
The Legacy of Louis Lamour
Louis Lamour's legacy continues to resonate, with his works still in print and his stories remaining influential in the literary landscape. His son, Beau Lamour, actively manages his father's estate, ensuring that unpublished works and insights into Lamour's life are shared with new audiences. This effort not only preserves Louis Lamour's contributions to literature but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring writers to prioritize authenticity and immerse themselves in their own stories. The ongoing exploration of his creative journey fosters a deeper appreciation for the impact of storytelling in shaping culture.
With over 300 million books sold, Louis L'Amour is one of the bestselling authors of all time. All 120 of his books remain in print. But the greatest story L'Amour ever penned was his own. He spent the early part of his life traveling in a circus, working as a lumberjack and miner, circling the world as a seaman, winning over 50 fights as a professional boxer, and serving in WWII.
Today on the show, I talk about both the personal and professional aspects of Louis' life with his son, Beau L'Amour. We discuss some of Louis' adventures and the autodidactic education he gave himself by way of a voracious reading habit. We then turn to how Louis got started as a writer and how he cut his teeth writing for pulp magazines before breaking through as a Western novelist and becoming a blockbuster success in his sixties.
