The Longhorns

For writers seeking research on a subject, it's axiomatic that there are books on any subject. The challenge is finding them. I'm embarking on a project that may take me two to three years, and the research is done - - for now. One book found on my subject is the one referenced here. Dobie gives me far more than I need, but then Dories Betts' advice to me a couple of decades ago was that we use only 20% of what we know on a subject when we write fiction. Otherwise it's probably more reportage than fiction.Dobie's book not only gives a history of cattle introduction into the western hemisphere but the history of cattle drives, the nature of the beast that made the longhorn so popular. He does this through gathered anecdotal information in the cowboys' and cattlemen's own language. The book is replete with terms, slang, uses of longhorn "parts," connections with Native Americans, comparisons of traits of longhorns and buffalo, as well as more "modern" cattle. The book ends with a chapter on the passing of this wild and valuable beast - valuable to the denizens of that time as well as to the national history.Also included are a number of excellent line drawings by Tom Lea, and a full section of longhorn photos and descriptions at book's end. The book is thoroughly annotated and indexed.My rating: 19 0f 20 stars

I read this book long over ten years ago. I learned a lot. The way Dobie explains the characters is great. One can replace the Longhorns with another extinct domestic animal or plant or a tribe. The book will continue illuminating the mind the same way. He talks about a disappearing way of life as well and he knows it as he writes; as if he is a prisoner who knows that he will be executed in the morning; he writes about his final hours. He does not express his pain and longing in terms of complaints, but deep analysis He is the real deal, not the cattle "scientist". How can one miss the days he had never lived? That is what exactly Dobie does. He makes you miss those times. It was impossible to meet him in person! But I believe I met him in his books. I would not think that it would be a waste of time if I read him again. I have no doubt that Dobie will reveal more when he is read one more time. And what did he say? Well, he said so many and here is one of them: J. Frank Dobie wrote in 1941 “Had they “Long Horn of Texas” been registered and regulated, restrained and provided for by man, they would not have been what they were”.

Got this for my elderly dad who grew up around working cattle. He said it was really interesting and told how this brand of cattle came to be in Texas. A must read for any ol’ cowboy!!

I like this book fairly well as it goes into the history of the longhorn cow. I have read other books that have talked about their mothering ability and their ability to walk miles to water. I guess the difference in the book would be you have more explanation about just how tough they were and that a lesser breed could not have survived the conditions of that era.

As many people have said, this is indeed a wonderful book. There are different editions of this paperbook out there, so be aware. In case you are wondering what the difference is between the University of Texas Press edition and the Grosset's Universal Library edition, while the text is the same, the U of Texas paperback has 16 pages of actual photos of longhorns inserted behind page 346 (the photo pages aren't numbered) and the Grosset edition doesn't.Definitely worth it to get a copy with the photos... some go back as far as 1899 with others from the 20's and 30's. Very enjoyable!

Good quality

Purchased book for historical information. Product was received quickly, in good condition and just as presented. Very satisfied.

This is a book that was written nearly 75 years ago and it is simply a literary classic! J. Frank Dobie pens an outstanding biographical sketch on the Texas Longhorn. It's a well-written masterpiece and stands the test of time. The longhorn is a Texas treasure and Dobie paints an entertaining narrative of the magnificent beast. A must for any true Texas historian.

Superb read