united states

The title of Russell Freedman's book is self-explanatory -- "Cowboys Of The Wild West." Russell's focus is on the realities cowboys had to face between the late 1860s until the 1890s when the era of the open range roundups and long trail drives finally ended. He tells about the background of those cow herders on horseback, describing their clothes, equipment, and roundup work on the open range as well as on the trail drives from Texas to Kansas, Wyoming, Montana, or the Dakotas. Another chapter provides a look at ranch life while the last chapter briefly informs the reader about modern cowboy life.

Many black and white photographs of ranch scenes as well as several portraits of young cowboys bring this part of American history to life. Freedman's book can be recommended for children and adults alike who are interested in hearing about the life of real cowboys beyond the myth of Hollywood movies.

This book is excellent if your trying to learn something! It tells you everything about the Wild West! But otherwise just for fun I don't think you're gonna like it! It's pretty boring! But I have to read it for a grade in 6th grade language arts class, and I'll tell I think I'm goin to get an A!