The Montana Cowboy: Legends of the Big Sky Country [Hardcover]

Patrick Dawson (Author), Dave Powell (Illustrator), David R. Stoecklein (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1998

This elegant book pays tribute to the cattleman's way of life, and ultimately, the Montana cowboy. These mixed-luck, big-hearted folks have been galloping along the ranges of the Big Sky State, pushing cattle for over a hundred years. Through the lens of David R. Stoecklein, these cowboys-with their rich culture and untamed country- triumphantly come into focus to show the world what they are all about. Featuring over thirty of Montana's grandest ranches including the Padlock, the Cornwell, and the Binion, along with the roughest rodeos and some of our country's most magnificent scenery, this book is a standing ovation to Montana and its people.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dawson is a fourth-generation Montanan who has written and reported on the state's land and people for several publications.

David W. Stevenson is the founder and co-owner of Two by Four, an advertising agency based in Chicago. Two by Four's clients include work for Western brands like Wrangler Jeanswear, Ariat boots, sooner Trailers, and more. Growing up in Dallas, David has always been around the western lifestyle. Additionally, through the many television and photography shoots he has art directed, he has developed a respect of the Western culture, its people, and imagery. David lives just outside of Chicago with his wife Becky, three kids, two dogs, two mice and a fish named Justin.
David R. Stoecklein has worked closely with ranchers and cowboys from every Western state. Through his work, he has gained a deep understanding of and respect for cowboys. His quest to keep the spirit of the West alive is heartfelt and uncompromising. David spends every free moment photographing cowboys and all elements of their lives, preserving their heritage and traditions. David resides in Sun Valley with his wife, Mary, and their three sons.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 204 pages
• Publisher: Palace Press International; 2nd edition (August 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0922029679
• ISBN-13: 978-0922029679
• Product Dimensions: 14.7 x 11.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,002,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Montana
  • #80 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Color

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Big Sky experience, in living color and emotions., December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Montana Cowboy: Legends of the Big Sky Country (Hardcover)

Having lived in Montana and grown up on a ranch, this book was like going home. If you have never been on a working ranch to experience the wonder of the cattle and horses there is no place better than one in Montana. The Big Sky country is indeed the "last best place" and David Stoecklien has photographed it beautifully. It amazed me how an outsider could come in and really capture the essence of ranch life and the country around it. He truly depicts the struggle of working nature in all it's elements, even at 40 below zero. That is what cattle ranching is all about.

Along with the pictures are wonderful biographies about the ranches. History is the romance of a cowboy's life and many people don't know they still exist today. History in the making!

I for one,am very excited that these ranches have been now captured in history to show and tell to everyone interested the way of life these families have built. I grew up in the Milk River Valley next to the Cornwell Ranch, one of the many depicted in this book, and to see the pictures and share them with my family and friends was exciting.

The cowboy ways in moving cattle, putting up hay and rounding up horses are so excellently photographed by Mr. Stoecklein. No one has his talents to zero in on the boots, dogs, ropes, calves and other details that you know are authentic to their equipment and hardwork. It explains the life without the needs for words. You can experience the moments in the breathtaking scenery of the Big Sky country. In the cold, clear water, the mountains and the valleys all have a personallity of their own to share with us. We have purchased these books to give out at Christmas to our family in Montana to have a record of what they have been a part of.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, March 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Montana Cowboy: Legends of the Big Sky Country (Hardcover)

The photographs make this book. I have never visited a ranch, but I now feel like I have. "The Montana Cowboy" shows the real working life of the American cowboy, not the fluffy romantic stuff that comes out of Hollywood. This book offered me the chance to experience the realities of ranching first-hand. It holds a prominent place on my bookshelf, and it is well worth the buy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, insightful photos, September 22, 2002

By 

M. Larsen "diamond" (Vernon Hills, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Montana Cowboy: Legends of the Big Sky Country (Hardcover)

Stoecklein's use of shading and shadow in his photography in this book really capture the Montana spirit. My wife, a born and bread Montana gal, really loved this book. She was really moved by some of the pictures. This is really a great book for the die-hard Montana resident (and you know who you are...) and anyone who likes the spirit of the northwest.