Customer Reviews

My Revelation (Horse Memoir)

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This is the one book my father read because it captured a time he lived. This book captures a dream come true when all things seemed lost. It is a part of Kansas City history so few know and is being slowly lost by time and forgetfulness. It is a story of a dream come true, a story of horses, a story of goodness in a desperate time for so many. It is a story worth reading many times.

Having just been shown a copy owned by my aged (82) aunt, I am amazed at the price this book seems to be commanding - anywhere from $190 to $340 at various out-of-print booksellers. The book does show an interesting portrait of the wealthy, landed horsey set of the early 1900s. Ms. Combs seems rather self-absorbed, to be sure, and her condescension to those less fortunate is in itself rather fun.
I also note that my now-deceased uncle, Horace Neal, was one of Ms. Combs' hired labourers, and is present in several vignettes. It is interesting that Ms. Combs protrays his grammer as representative of the worst of the American backwoods, while in fact Horace was quite well-spoken. Perhaps she could not imagine that one of limited education and lowly station would speak well. Such attitudes are no doubt as old as class distinction.
I recommend the book, but also suggest that the reader borrow instead of purchasing one.