Emerson Hough (1857–1923) was an American author best known for his captivating tales of the American West. Born in Newton, Iowa, Hough pursued a degree in law at the University of Iowa, graduating in 1880. Despite practicing law for a brief period, Hough's true passion lay in writing, especially tales that captured the spirit and drama of frontier life. He was a prolific writer, contributing regularly to magazines like 'Forest and Stream,' where he also honed his conservationist views, and he can be credited as a voice influential in the establishment of the National Parks Service. Hough's legacy as a western novelist solidified with his breakout novel, 'The Mississippi Bubble' (1902), which intricately wove historical fiction and adventure. It was followed by '54-40 or Fight' (1909), an engrossing tale highlighting the Oregon boundary dispute. His mastery over Western narratives was further exemplified in 'The Magnificent Wild West Adventures - Emerson Hough Westerns,' a collection that showcases his literary style marked by vivid descriptions, historical accuracy, and a penchant for adventure and romance. Through his work, Hough contributed significantly to the Western genre, both mythologizing and humanizing the Old West. His writing offers a window into the soul of the American frontier, and his contributions endure as a testament to the enduring allure of American Western lore.