ARIZONA

A vigorous tale of Arizona in the Civil War period before the ""Apache State"" became a separate entity and a territory of the United States. Phoebe Titus, with the spirit of a Becky Sharp and the aim of an Annie Oakley, wins fame, fortune and her man. She is one of a handful of Americans, deserted by government troops, bordered on one side by unfriendly Mexicans and on the other by hostile Indians. In the process of a mercenary career, Phoebe emerges as a sympathetic character -- a real achievement on the part of Kelland. She is the one well-rounded character in the book, for the rest are more or less stock figures. Good historical background, a pleasant prescription to be taken before an open fire in early Fall.