Horace McCoy

Horace McCoy was an American writer, born on April 14, 1897, in Pegram, Tennessee. He is best known for his hardboiled novels set during the Great Depression, one of the most famous being 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' (1935), which was later adapted into a well-received film. McCoy's work often explored themes of existential despair and the dark side of the American dream. He passed away on December 15, 1955, in Beverly Hills, California.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

    Cover of 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' by Horace McCoy

    This novel is a bleak depiction of the desperation of the Great Depression, set in the world of a grueling dance marathon. The two main characters, a young man and a woman, meet and form a partnership in order to survive the cruel contest. As they endure physical and mental exhaustion, the woman convinces the man to help her commit suicide, leading to his arrest and conviction for murder. The title refers to the practice of shooting horses that are too injured or old to be useful, suggesting a bleak view of human value and life.