Step into the rugged, thrilling world of the Making of America series, where the untamed spirit of the American frontier comes alive! This sweeping 56-novel historical fiction saga, penned under the pseudonym Lee Davis Willoughby, captures the grit, adventure, and dreams of a nation in the making. From 1979 to 1987, these books wove tales of pioneers, outlaws, and dreamers, blending meticulous historical detail with heart-pounding storytelling that still captivates readers today.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love a good yarn, this series offers a front-row seat to America’s formative years. Let’s saddle up and explore how this epic collection began, its unforgettable stories, and why it remains a hidden gem in historical fiction.
How Making of America Began
In 1979, the Making of America series kicked off with The Wilderness Seekers by Lou Cameron, setting the stage for a bold exploration of America’s frontier days. Published by Dell, the series was initially a multi-author effort, with writers like Aaron Fletcher and Jeanne Sommers contributing early novels. However, it found its stride when Richard Laymon, William L. DeAndrea, and Richard Deming united under the collective pseudonym Lee Davis Willoughby, starting with The Texans in 1980. Their goal? To craft vivid, standalone stories that together painted a panoramic portrait of America’s growth, from the trails of the Conestoga people to the gold-rich Alaskan wilderness.
The series was born from a desire to celebrate the diverse voices and struggles that shaped the nation. Each book stood alone, allowing readers to dip into any story without needing to follow a strict order—a format that made the series accessible and endlessly engaging.
The Heart of Making of America
At its core, the Making of America series is a love letter to the frontier’s spirit of adventure and resilience. Take The Wilderness Seekers, which follows the Conestoga people’s perilous westward journey, showcasing their courage against untamed landscapes. The Alaskans dives into the Klondike Gold Rush, where Bryan Mathews, a fugitive turned hero, navigates love and betrayal amidst Alaska’s icy riches. The Lawmen, penned by horror maestro Richard Laymon, tracks U.S. Marshal Reb Benton as he hunts Butch Cassidy, blending western action with Laymon’s gritty flair. The Outlaws explores the Lincoln County War, with young Tessa Nesbitt caught in a web of loyalty and romance.
Themes of perseverance, opportunity, and cultural collision run deep. Each novel immerses readers in vivid settings—dusty trails, lawless towns, or frozen tundras—while spotlighting diverse characters, from Native Americans to immigrants. The series’ style is accessible yet rich, balancing historical accuracy with dramatic flair. Whether it’s the clash of cultures in The Homesteaders or the raw ambition in The Golden Staters, these stories capture the messy, hopeful heartbeat of a growing nation.
What sets the series apart is its scope. With 56 novels, it tackles everything from ranching to smuggling, each book a standalone adventure that adds to a larger tapestry. Fans praise its ability to make history feel personal, turning distant events into gripping human dramas.
Why Making of America Resonates
The Making of America series left a mark on historical fiction by offering a kaleidoscopic view of America’s past. Its blend of entertainment and education made it a favorite among readers craving stories that both thrill and inform. For fans of westerns and historical epics, it’s a treasure trove of tales that rival the works of Louis L’Amour, but with a broader, more inclusive lens. The series’ influence lingers in how it humanized the frontier, giving voice to unsung heroes and complex figures alike.
Today, its legacy endures in used bookstores and online forums, where collectors hunt for titles and share their love for its vivid storytelling. Though not a household name, its niche status only adds to its charm—a secret stash of stories waiting to be rediscovered.
- Publication Years: 1979–1987
- Number of Books: 56
- Key Authors: Richard Laymon, William L. DeAndrea, Richard Deming (as Lee Davis Willoughby)
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Western
Ready to ride into the wild heart of America’s past? Grab The Wilderness Seekers and dive into the Making of America’s thrilling world of history and adventure!