The Mysterious Rider by Zane Grey is an exquisite novel, one of the best western novels ever. It is recommended for reading at any age because it brings many messages about love and hate and friendship. The novel is popular and actual even in the modern world because it is very positive and optimistic.
It was written in 1921, and this book as well as some other works by this author played an important role in shaping the myths about the Old West in people’s minds. Many of his books and stories were put into silver screen and the Mysterious Rider wasn’t exclusion.
The following films (two of them are even silent) were shot based on this novel:
The Mysterious Rider (1921 film), an American Western silent film directed by Benjamin B. Hampton
The Mysterious Rider (1927 film), an American Western silent film directed by John Waters
The Mysterious Rider (1933 film), an American Western film directed by Fred Allen
The Mysterious Rider (1938 film), an American Western film directed by Lesley Selander
The Mysterious Rider (1942 film), an American Western film directed by Sam Newfield
The Mysterious Rider (1948 film), English title for Il cavaliere misterioso , an Italian historical-adventure film directed by Riccardo Freda
So, this novel may be considered as one of the best Western stories in the world because it caused a lot of interest and is still interesting for those who loves adventures and adores stories about American Wild West and its heroes - cowboys.