Catch Rope. The Long Arm Of The Cowboy.

JOHN R. ERICKSON

Publication: University of North Texas Press, 1994, Denton

First edition. 8vo. Tan cloth, titles stamped in brown on the spine, tan front and rear endpapers, xii, 174 pp., frontispiece, preface, illustrated from photographs and Ace Reid cartoons, bibliography, index. The history and evolution of ranch roping and a nice section of roping stories. Erickson explains how roping became one of the essential skills of the cowboy, used for everyday ranch tasks such as catching, doctoring, and controlling cattle. He goes on to explain that successful roping depends not only on the cowboy's skill but also on the training and cooperation of the horse. Throughout the book are humorous and memorable stories about cowboys and their roping abilities. A nice bibliography on the subject is of interest. Fine, bright copy in dust jacket.