Diary Review: DONALD A. WOLLHEIM, Editor – A Quintet of Sixes.

DONALD A. WOLLHEIM, Editor – A Quintet of Sixes. Ace 70000; paperback original, 1st printing, 1969. Wollheim, in his introduction to the collection of pulp western stories, seems much too defensive in speaking of the violence inherent in the “Wild West” story. Westerns, to have lasted this long, must must had some other qualities to recommend them. And yet, it does not seem quite necessary to speak unwell of the very quality that has made them so popular all of these years. Readers know what they want. *** ALLAN VAUGHAN ELSTON “The Trailsman.” First appeared in West September 29 1928, Reprinted in All Western Magazine February/March 1951. Les Larrabe, on the trail of cattle stolen from scattered Texas herds, is mistaken for a hired gunman. Though the girl’s father is killed, her trail to Taos is followed and the rescue made. A nice sense of decency is the hero’s, (3) D. B. NEWTON “Born to the Brand,” First appeared in Lariat Story Magazine September 1946. A kid seeks revenge; in a…