Some Recollections Of A Western Ranchman, New Mexico 1883-1889.

WILLIAM FRENCH

Publication: Methuen & Co, Ltd, 1927, London

First edition. 8vo. 22.9 x 15 cm. Gray cloth, vi, [2], 283 pp., plus 8 pp. listing of Methuen's general literature. French recounts his experiences as an English immigrant who became a cattle rancher in southeastern New Mexico during the 1880s. He describes the challenges of establishing a ranch near the Pecos River, managing cattle herds, and dealing with the unpredictable New Mexico climate ... ranging from droughts to deadly blizzards. He writes of branding, roundups, cattle drives, and confrontations with rustlers, as well as the social dynamics among ranchers, cowhands, and neighboring settlers. Six Score 42 says "One of the best personal accounts of western ranching. French was an Englishman who owned the WS ranch in western New Mexico. He recounts his experiences with humor and insight." Six Guns 774 says "Information on many western outlaws, such as the Wild Bunch, Joel Fowler, and Black Jack Ketchum. Most of these outlaws worked for the author on his ranch." Herd 847 says "One of the really good but little-known books on ranch life." Lightly foxed at fore-edges, else a fine, bright copy in the elusive dust jacket with light wear to the spine ends and faintly creased to top of rear cover, An attractive copy.