Recollections of a Western Ranchman

by William French

Since its first limited American printing in 1928, Recollections of a Western Ranchman has been largely unavailable and, even when found, affordable only by collectors. Herein is Captain French's original volume in a reader's edition, the story of a man who lived through the wildest years of the New Mexico/Arizona border country to leave us a frontier memoir with a human voice. In the midst of the final astonishing stand of Geronimo and his renegades, French displays a perceptive and balanced admiration for both the soldiers and the Apache tribe. At the siege of Elfego Baca, the author deftly delineates the hero from the bullies. When the outlaw Black Jack steals his horses, the Captain delightedly steals them back. And nobody has written better of Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch than French. Finally, his descriptions of ranch life and the Southwest wilderness are those of a natural reconteur who still held to the facts. Never the hero, though often heroic, French saw it all, with balance, perception, and a droll British wit.

Genres: History

285 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

Reviews

[Jennifer Bohnhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

William French came over from Ireland in 1883 and became a rancher in southern New Mexico Territory. This memoir, originally published in 1828, recalls his time in the wild west, where gunbattles and horsetheft were common. French employed Butch Cassidy at one time, and was involved in the Elfuego Baca battle with the cowboys. His recollections are droll and sometimes hilarious. A great primary source for anyone who wants to know about ranching and the settling of the west.

[Mellanee · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading this personal history of Captain William French, it seems that most of the western movies and tv shows are more fact than fiction. This book chronicles ranching in the late 1800s, early 1900s when the west was still very wild and, for the most part, lawless. Enlightening.

[boundarycreek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!

Written in the old western style The book At times makes you think about what is being said. Nonetheless, The story That the author lays out is excellent And it is historically accurate... I highly recommend this book!

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

William French tells it like it was in the closing years of the "wild west." After his arrival from Ireland he proceeded to western New Mexico to manage a ranch near the closest town of size, Silver City. He tells about Apaches, the Army, cattle, rustlers, miners, killers, and Butch Cassidy and Sundance. This is a great read from a true raconteur.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book of memories of a rancher in the late 1880s. He was in Socorro County, New Mexico and traveled into familiar Arizona territory at times. I look forward to reading the second book.