Zane Grey (1872–1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the American frontier. Born Pearl Zane Gray in Zanesville, Ohio, he later changed the spelling of his name to 'Zane Grey' after his first book was published. Grey initially pursued a career in dentistry after attending the University of Pennsylvania on a baseball scholarship, but his passion for writing and the outdoors soon led him to a full-time career as a novelist. His most famous work, 'Riders of the Purple Sage' (1912), became one of the most popular Western novels of all time and played a significant role in shaping the formula of the Western genre. With a prolific output of over 90 books, Grey captivated readers with his vivid depictions of the wild, untamed landscapes of the American West and the rugged individuals who inhabited it. His works have been credited with fueling the myth of the American Wild West and have been adapted into over 100 films. Although lesser-known, 'From Missouri' is one in his repertoire that continues to showcase Grey's ability to weave tales of adventure and valor. His literary style often included themes of man versus nature, moral dilemmas, and redemption, appealing to a universal audience with a romanticized vision of frontier life.