The Cowboy : His Characteristics, His Equipment, and His Part in the Development of the West

Although the American cowboy has long been a favorite subject for novelists, filmmakers, and illustrators, too often the picture they paint bears little relation to reality. Philip Ashton Rollins, who lived in the West on and off between 1892 and 1924, set out to create a more accurate portrait of this enduring icon. Based on what he himself witnessed, this fascinating study discusses what exactly makes a cowboy, as well as cowboy weaponry, clothing, saddles, and equipment; the "cowboy character;" and a cowboy's work. In addition, Rollins describes the history of ranching in the United States, the raising of horses and cattle, livestock rustling, and more. Philip Ashton Rollins's Remarkable Book Is Perhaps The Most Accurate And Detailed Description Of The Real-life American Cowboy Ever Written. Here He Describes The Beginnings Of Ranching In America, And How Horses And Cattle Were Raised. He Details, With Flair And Expertise, Everything About The Cowboy And His Work -- His Tools And Weapons, His Clothes And Tack, The Specialized Skills He Perfected, And The Life He Led While On The Range. He Explains That There Was Really No Typical American Cowboy And Definitively Separates Fact From Legend. A Wonderful Resource For Anybody Who Lives Or Loves The Cowboy Life, This Book Is An Incredible Record Of These Men, Their Lives, And Their Work. - Back Cover. The Beginnings Of Ranching -- Ranchmen And Farmers -- Definitions And Cowboy Ways -- Cowboy Character -- What The Cowboy Wore -- Saddles -- Bridle, Lariat, And Quirt -- Equipment And Furnishings -- Diversions And Recreations -- The Day's Work -- Live Stock -- Branding And The Round-up -- The Cattle Drive -- Breaking Horses -- Rustling -- Trailing -- Later Phases Of Western Migration. Philip Ashton Rollins. Originally Published: New York : Charles Scribner's Sons, 1924. Discusses what exactly makes a cowboy and why there is no single definition for this enigmatic individual, as well as weaponry, clothing, equipment, work and the archetypal 'cowboy character'. The author also describes the beginnings of ranching and its history in the United States, livestock rustling, and more.