Through Time and the Valley

by John R. Erickson

The isolated Canadian River in the Texas Panhandle stretched before John Erickson and Bill Ellzey as they began a journey through time and what the locals call “the valley.” They went on horseback, as they might have traveled it a century before. Everywhere they went they talked, worked, and swapped stories with the people of the valley, piecing together a picture of what life has been like there for a hundred years. Through Time and the Valley is their story of the river—its history, its lore, its colorful characters, the comedies and tragedies that valley people have spun yarns about for generations.

Genres: History

230 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

John R. Erickson, a former cowboy and ranch manager, is gifted with a storyteller's knack for spinning a yarn. Through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog, a smelly, smart-aleck Head of Ranch Security, Erickson gives readers a glimpse of daily life on a ranch in the West Texas Panhandle. This series of books and tapes is in school libraries across the country, has sold more than 7.6 million copies, is a Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and is the winner of the 1993 Audie for Outstanding Children's Series from the Audio Publisher's Association. Publishers Weekly calls Hank a "grassroots publishing phenomena," and USA Today says this is "the best family entertainment in years."

Hank the Cowdog made his debut in the pages of The Cattleman, a magazine for adults, and when Erickson started getting "Dear Hank" letters, he knew he was onto something. So in 1983, he self-published 2,000 copies of The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog, and they sold out in 6 weeks.

When teachers began inviting Erickson to their schools, Hank found his most eager fans. Teachers, librarians, and students alike love Hank. According to some Texas Library Association surveys, the Hank the Cowdog books are the most popular selections in many libraries' children's sections. The lively characters make excellent material for reading and writing lessons, and turn even the most reluctant readers into avid Hank-fans.

Erickson was born in Midland, Texas, but by the age of 3, he had moved with his family to Perryton, Texas, where he and his wife live today on their working cattle ranch. They have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. His advice to young writers is, "Write about something you know. Try to leave your readers better off than they were before."

Reviews

[Heather Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description of this book is wrong. This is not from the Hank series. It is by Erickson, but it is nonfiction.

I admit that I'm biased on this one. I have a deep affection for the Texas Panhandle, it's landscape... and it's people. The local history, and the stories that Erickson relates, warmed my spirit. Although I'm familiar with most of the general locations mentioned in the book, this made me want to travel those paths and see those places.

[Macgregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book though I may be biased. My family is featured in the book.

[J]

The description here on goodreads does not reflect accurately what this book is about. This is not part of the Hank the Cowdog series, but it is penned by that series' author.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yup. It was a good ride through the Texas Panhandle along the Canadian River.

This is a book from the 1970's but the adventures of Erickson and Ellzey as they rode from place to place is as engaging as the day it was written. The story/yarn placement through the book enriched this travel tale. I personally enjoyed the easy to read trail map that showed each of their stopping points and the path they took. Pictures taken by Ellzey complimented the text and gave additional information about the people that they met and stayed with along the way.

[Josh Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories about the Texas panhandle

[Avis Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book documents a leisurely expedition Erickson and a friend took in the 1970s on horseback through the Texas Panhandle. Erickson tells you about the ranchers and cowboys they meet, the history of region, and recounts local folklore along with the highlights and lowlights of a horseback trip. This is my kind of travel book.

[Wesley Frizzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. I came to appreciate Erickson's descriptive language that really brought his horseback ride down the Canadian River to life. A enjoyable journey.