Customer Reviews

Charles Goodnight: Cowman and Plainsman

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is not only about Charles Goodnight, but it is an excellent source on the history of the Panhandle, especially the settlement of the Palo Duro Canyon. You'll learn about the land, the wildlife, and the men who came to tame them both. It's an excellent biography, and should be required reading for anyone who lives within a hundred mile radius of the Palo Duro canyon.

My first indication this book existed was a chapter, entitled The Making of a Scout, that Ole Hosstail (Joe Austell Small) ran in TRUE WEST magazine back around August, 1966.

Charles Goodnight was many things in the Texas Panhandle, pioneer, ranchman, Indian fighter, homesteader, leader and all around man 'with the bark on. One of the outstanding things he did, among all his other activities, was his work with the Bison (buffalo) saving a herd but also in achieving the 'cattalo' a cross between range cattle and the bison.

This book was already 20 some years old when it crossed my trail, and though I have a good hardcover copy, it is a second printing. But no matter which copy one may have, it is definately a prime source of information and no small classic in its own right.

In September, 2007, the University of Oklahoma will publish a newer biography of Charles Goodnight by William T. Hagan. Though having much fewer pages it will no doubt be worth having on a reader's western shelf as well.

No matter what your western reading interest concerning the west, Charles Goodnight is almost a must read.

Semper Fi.

This is a great book. Most of the book is told as a chronological story that weaves together some great Texas history with the early life of a great Pioneer and Texan. Reading this book I came to the conclusion that Larry McMurtry's Characters and part of his story for Lonesome Dove were "borrowed" from this much earlier work of non-fiction.
Personally, I find the truth and the actual history more fascinating than McMurtry's fiction.
This is a good read. Great information and much of it given to author first hand while Mr. Goodnight was still living. References are extensive and the legacy Mr. Goodnight left is very well documented, supporting his first hand descriptions.
As rough and tough as Charles Goodnight was and had to be to survive, he was a civilized man with a tremendous sense of morals and a sense of duty. That lesson alone makes this a biography worth reading.

True story of the cowboy and indian saga, with priceless history abounding. This book should be required in any
American History course. Charles Goodnight was a legitimate "Man of Steel". The only ones that come close to him
nowadays are the Team Six Navy Seals.
Very well written by Haley, the book reads like an adventure novel.

This book takes the reader inside the man who almost single-handedly brought ranching to the south plains and beyond. Excellent reading.

Great Book. Everyone is Texas should read this book. It potrays what our Texas fore fathers had to go through to establish this great state.

Being a shirtail relative of Charles Goodnight, Ihave been anxious to learn more of him. My mother was a Goodnight, but not a direct descendant. More like a great-great niece. Would like to here from anyone who may be related. The book is very informative. I have an early copy from about the 1940's.

Prior to purchase I wanted to know if this book covered Charlie's
life completely, to include the history making accomplishments
as wellas those things in his life that were not exactly acceptable
in the panhandle of Texas.