The Life Of Belton Kleberg Johnson

MARTIN BOOTH

Publication: Published by Belton Kleberg Johnson, 2001, N P

First edition. Oblong 8vo. Limited edition of 1,ooo copies of which this is number 138. Dark green leather, title and device on the front cover and spine in silver, [6], 391 [3] pp., acknowledgements, double column, frontispiece [portrait of a young Belton Kleberg Johnson by Tom Lea], illustrated from photographs [some in color], portraits, about the author, photo credits.

This massive volume is a biography of Belton Kleberg Johnson, a descendant of the founders of the King Ranch, and reared on the King Ranch by his aunt and Uncle, Robert and Helen Kleberg, Jr. When he was passed over to head the 825,000 acre King Ranch in 1959, he bought the Chaparrosa Ranch, about 100 miles southwest of San Antonio, in an effort to prove he was a capable cattleman. He sold his interest in the King Ranch in 1971. The book provides a good history of the King Ranch, and of the Chaparrosa, which thrived with several productive oil wells, and plenty of water for raising cattle. The annual sales of his breed of Santa Gertrudis attracted many prominent buyers from around the world.

This book is seldom available for sale. Fine bright copy housed in a matching slip case with titles stamped in silver on the front panel.