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A Texas Cowboy; or, Fifteen Years on the Hurricane Deck of a Spanish Pony
Charlie Siringo punched cattle for Shanghai Pierce, “rid the Chisholm trail, “ once roped a buffalo, and joined in the chase for Billy the Kid. His chronicle of his years as itchy-footed boy, cowhand, range detective, and adventurer was originally published in 1885.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1885
104 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Charles A. Siringo
56 books9 followersCharles Angelo Siringo (February 7, 1855 – October 18, 1928) was an American lawman, detective, bounty hunter, and agent for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 15, 2023
A very entertaining Wild West autobiography.
December 6, 2018
This is an utterly exasperating book. It has been called a classic and the quintessential book of cowboy life. Unfortunately, Siringo's youthful life is an endless round of getting drunk, fighting, spending money until he's broke and desperate and losing his job. The cycle repeats over and over, and it grows very tiresome. Though the writing is competent, I got sick of the book and quit reading it. Even his section on Billy the Kid failed to impress. As for 'authentic portrayal of cowboy life', I'd like to think they were occasionally smarter than this.
April 16, 2012
At the age of 28, when he wrote his memoir, Charles Siringo had already been a cowboy for 15 years. Born in 1855 on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Siringo worked in one job after another across the Midwest and Southwest, ranging from St. Louis to New Mexico. Still a teenager, he settled on cowboying at the time of the great cattle drives and was apparently very good at it, though no luckier than most at making a living from it. He worked for many years for the LX ranch in the Texas Panhandle, for a while rounding up cattle that had drifted away or were stolen. This occupation put him in New Mexico at the time of Billy the Kid, who was four years his junior. He never met Billy but knew men who did, and his imagination seems to have been fired by the stories they told about the pursuit and eventual shooting of this young outlaw. Though by his own account Siringo never shot a man himself, he was a dead aim with a six-shooter.
His memoir was written, as he admits in his preface, to make money "and lots of it." It's not great literature, beginning with his earliest childhood memories and recounting the events of his life with no particular sense of compelling storytelling. It's just one darn thing after another. But a reader with some patience will be rewarded in the latter part of the book as his adventures begin adding up to something like a real narrative - working for the LX as a range detective - and he begins emerging as more of a coherent protagonist in his own story.
And it's not all about the work of cowboying, herding and rounding up cattle, and taking them to market. There are some close scrapes and some fearless derring-do. And there are also matters of the heart, as the young cowboy falls in love with a string of sweethearts he meets along the way, finally marrying one he meets in Kansas and ending his career as a cowboy. I'm happy to recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Wild West, cowboys, ranching in the days of the open ranges, and social history of the late 19th century. [The 1950 edition is worth having for the wonderful introduction by Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie.]
His memoir was written, as he admits in his preface, to make money "and lots of it." It's not great literature, beginning with his earliest childhood memories and recounting the events of his life with no particular sense of compelling storytelling. It's just one darn thing after another. But a reader with some patience will be rewarded in the latter part of the book as his adventures begin adding up to something like a real narrative - working for the LX as a range detective - and he begins emerging as more of a coherent protagonist in his own story.
And it's not all about the work of cowboying, herding and rounding up cattle, and taking them to market. There are some close scrapes and some fearless derring-do. And there are also matters of the heart, as the young cowboy falls in love with a string of sweethearts he meets along the way, finally marrying one he meets in Kansas and ending his career as a cowboy. I'm happy to recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Wild West, cowboys, ranching in the days of the open ranges, and social history of the late 19th century. [The 1950 edition is worth having for the wonderful introduction by Texas folklorist J. Frank Dobie.]
February 7, 2018
I can only echo other reviewers and say that while this might not be quality literature, bits of it were great fun to read. The best parts reminded me a lot of the tall tales I loved growing up, with everything exaggerated into pure silliness.
Other parts were more like a list of events or actions, and they lost all of the energy of the rest of the book.
Still fascinating to get a glimpse, however embroidered, into what life was like back then.
Favorite Quote:
A little circumstance happened, ... which made me a better boy and no doubt a better man than I should have been had it never happened.
Other parts were more like a list of events or actions, and they lost all of the energy of the rest of the book.
Still fascinating to get a glimpse, however embroidered, into what life was like back then.
Favorite Quote:
A little circumstance happened, ... which made me a better boy and no doubt a better man than I should have been had it never happened.
May 25, 2025
I love this book (except for the part where he “falls in love” with a 15 year old girl— three separate times)
March 1, 2022
A wide-ranging account of life as a cowboy and foreman in the early days of ranching.
A fascinating account of the life, times, people, and lifestyles of the old west with everything from dances to diseases, outlaws to church services, trailing cattle over hundreds of miles to confronting cattle thieves and gangs such as Billy the Kid’s, and working with law enforcement and far more. Outstanding in its variety and people and places. Well worth the time.
A fascinating account of the life, times, people, and lifestyles of the old west with everything from dances to diseases, outlaws to church services, trailing cattle over hundreds of miles to confronting cattle thieves and gangs such as Billy the Kid’s, and working with law enforcement and far more. Outstanding in its variety and people and places. Well worth the time.
November 15, 2013
If anyone wants to know what the American west was really like this is probably one of the best accounts to read. Fully authentic and written with great candour and some fairly big dollops of (sometimes unintentional) humour this recounts the early years of someone who became one of america's most famous early detectives. He describes wonderfully the conditions in which the early cowboys worked and their attitudes to life, their ups and downs and the struggle to make their way in the world. Very entertaining.
December 2, 2020
I very much enjoyed this little book. It recounts the early life and adventures of one Charles A. Siringo, a cowboy among other things, during the latter half of the 19th century. Spanning Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma (then Indian Territory), Kansas, Missouri and Illinois; ‘A Texas Cowboy’ is a riveting true story, fully autobiographical, and yet so brimful of adventure and excitement, that it is at least as entertaining as any novel of the genre; whilst having the added value of being an authentic and historically valuable account of life in the Old West.
September 27, 2017
Pretty tough book to get through. In parts i feel like I'm reading a long list of things that occurred.
Thats not to say its not enjoyable for someone who loves Western Culture -- which i certainly do. I will say i think its a slow burning book that needs a lot of time to face.
Not for you average reader -- think its a little too dry.
Thats not to say its not enjoyable for someone who loves Western Culture -- which i certainly do. I will say i think its a slow burning book that needs a lot of time to face.
Not for you average reader -- think its a little too dry.
August 13, 2012
classic! classic! classic! What I love about T E X A S
April 22, 2018
Excellent
Outstanding first hand account of cowboy life on the Western Plains in the mid 19th century. All thumbs up. Recommended.
Outstanding first hand account of cowboy life on the Western Plains in the mid 19th century. All thumbs up. Recommended.
December 19, 2025
I have no idea what I just read. And don't get me wrong, I loved it.
Now, if you go into this thinking it'll be a literary masterpiece, with gripping tales of near death experiences, you'll be sorely disappointed. It's just the story of a cowboy, as he drifted through Texas, New Mexico, sometimes Chicago and Arizona. And honestly, I felt like I was the one on the hurricane deck of a Spanish pony.
I don't know how much of this I really believe, because most of it is...rather unbelievable. That doesn't mean it can't be true, and I guess we can never truly know. Or maybe someone does. I dunno. But I sure don't.
What's really funny, is that in the course of the book, I think four women are mentioned, maybe it's three. Theres Beulah, there Magadalina, and I'm pretty sure one more. But here's the thing. All three are mentioned by name, accept one. And thats the girl he marries. She's just a passing mention really, and it's kinda funny.
Anyways, I did enjoy this, and I'd read it again. Is it true? Not sure. But I do love the last lines.
"Now, dead reader in bidding you adieu, will say: should you not be pleased with the substance of this book, I've got nothing to say in defense, as I gave you the best I had in my little shop, but before you criticize it from a literary standpoint, bear in mind that the writer had fits until he was ten years of ago, and hasn't fully recovered from the effects."
And it's true. The grammars subpar, sorta like mine, and the quips are very much those of a cowboy. But it was amazing, and I'd read it again.
4.5 stars.
Now, if you go into this thinking it'll be a literary masterpiece, with gripping tales of near death experiences, you'll be sorely disappointed. It's just the story of a cowboy, as he drifted through Texas, New Mexico, sometimes Chicago and Arizona. And honestly, I felt like I was the one on the hurricane deck of a Spanish pony.
I don't know how much of this I really believe, because most of it is...rather unbelievable. That doesn't mean it can't be true, and I guess we can never truly know. Or maybe someone does. I dunno. But I sure don't.
What's really funny, is that in the course of the book, I think four women are mentioned, maybe it's three. Theres Beulah, there Magadalina, and I'm pretty sure one more. But here's the thing. All three are mentioned by name, accept one. And thats the girl he marries. She's just a passing mention really, and it's kinda funny.
Anyways, I did enjoy this, and I'd read it again. Is it true? Not sure. But I do love the last lines.
"Now, dead reader in bidding you adieu, will say: should you not be pleased with the substance of this book, I've got nothing to say in defense, as I gave you the best I had in my little shop, but before you criticize it from a literary standpoint, bear in mind that the writer had fits until he was ten years of ago, and hasn't fully recovered from the effects."
And it's true. The grammars subpar, sorta like mine, and the quips are very much those of a cowboy. But it was amazing, and I'd read it again.
4.5 stars.
August 12, 2023
If this were not an autobiography, one would think it’s a hagiography based upon its presentation of the author’s life as a series of events that led him onto the path of the righteous, foregoing alcohol and gambling. Much of it is dull and uninteresting as there are few detailed descriptions of the author’s life, or the events that occurred during it. Instead, the author provides, for the most part, a recitation of the names of people that he encountered, and the places where he lived and worked, and the events that occurred in which these people and places were involved. He also includes what, for the most part, may be considered tall tales, as there are digressions from the historical records in the stories. Little can be learned about his motivations for his actions other than the statement provided at the beginning of the saga, which is repeated in different incarnations at various times throughout the saga … that he is seeking to earn money since the author constantly moves through boom and bust cycles.
Nevertheless, this book provides a few insights into the actual lives of those who were employed as cowboys on cattle ranches and drives in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico from the later part of the 1860s until the end of the 1880s.
Nevertheless, this book provides a few insights into the actual lives of those who were employed as cowboys on cattle ranches and drives in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico from the later part of the 1860s until the end of the 1880s.
May 7, 2017
Siringo mi mancherà.
Si tratta della sua prima autobiografia, scritta a 28 anni quando era già stato un cowboy per 15 anni. Di qui a poco interromperà la "carriera" per amore (e il metodo di corteggiamento/fidanzamento/matrimonio seguirà a pieno il suo modo di essere). Lo conosciamo scavezzacollo, irascibile, litigioso, generoso, gran lavoratore, un po' sbruffone. In una parola, adorabile. Il suo "regno" è il Texas (lavorerà soprattutto per il ranch LX nel Panhandle) ma lo vediamo andare avanti e indietro con le mandrie o senza, in un territorio ben più vasto, in una sorta di movimento perpetuo. Che dire? La vera vita del cowboy senza fronzoli nè abbellimenti.
Il valore aggiunto l'introduzione e la post fazione che hanno inquadrato meglio il periodo storico e le vicende (a me poco conosciute) di Billy the Kid.
Si tratta della sua prima autobiografia, scritta a 28 anni quando era già stato un cowboy per 15 anni. Di qui a poco interromperà la "carriera" per amore (e il metodo di corteggiamento/fidanzamento/matrimonio seguirà a pieno il suo modo di essere). Lo conosciamo scavezzacollo, irascibile, litigioso, generoso, gran lavoratore, un po' sbruffone. In una parola, adorabile. Il suo "regno" è il Texas (lavorerà soprattutto per il ranch LX nel Panhandle) ma lo vediamo andare avanti e indietro con le mandrie o senza, in un territorio ben più vasto, in una sorta di movimento perpetuo. Che dire? La vera vita del cowboy senza fronzoli nè abbellimenti.
Il valore aggiunto l'introduzione e la post fazione che hanno inquadrato meglio il periodo storico e le vicende (a me poco conosciute) di Billy the Kid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
A Texas Cowboy written by Charles A. Siringo: A Texas Cowboy is an autobiography, it talks about life as a cowboy and a kid in the 1860’s. He does some pretty bizarre things as a kid being an adventures little guy. As he starts to mature you see his his goals and ideas change. He ends up finding work as a rancher and tells his tales of living out in the desert rangaling cattle. It is quite an interesting tale for anyone into cowboys. You get to learn about the work part of being a cowboy and not the guns ablazing type of cowboy. If you enjoy history this is a great book about normal life in the 1800’s it does get a little bland at some points because his life wasn’t SUPER exciting at every moment but for the most part its a real good story.
January 16, 2022
(3.4/5) "I hadn't been at home but a few days when I came very near getting killed by a falling house." A quote from Siringo that I believe sums his personality and history perfectly.
While his book certainly leaves a romanticized view of the old West as well as a fascinating look at the famed outlaw, Billy the Kid, I found many parts to be quite slow, possibly because I found myself lost among the large amounts of new names and towns. It paints a wonderful picture of the West and the cow-trade, so if you are looking for that, this is the book.
While his book certainly leaves a romanticized view of the old West as well as a fascinating look at the famed outlaw, Billy the Kid, I found many parts to be quite slow, possibly because I found myself lost among the large amounts of new names and towns. It paints a wonderful picture of the West and the cow-trade, so if you are looking for that, this is the book.
May 4, 2025
For a story of such an amazing, interesting, action-packed life, directly on the frontier, this was a pretty dull book. I listened to it as an audiobook and although the narrator sounded very genuine, I had a hard time following all the details of every vignette. There were a few fascinating moments, but the majority of it went in one ear and out the other. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I’d read it in print.
September 24, 2017
First off, sorta racist. Sorta crazy racist. Sorta crazy racist even by the standards of its day, which were crazy racist.
Also, this guy strikes me as the least reliable narrator I've ever read. Not sure I believe one single thing he says.
That said, it was interesting as hell. The guy had one hell of an interesting childhood.
Also, this guy strikes me as the least reliable narrator I've ever read. Not sure I believe one single thing he says.
That said, it was interesting as hell. The guy had one hell of an interesting childhood.
April 12, 2021
This book was a page turner in places. How could one human being endure and survive all that befell Chas. Siringo. He was tough as they come but seemingly he was just "ordinary" for the day and the profession. The book at once made me laugh out loud then cry my eyes out. An incredible account of what cowboying was really like.
February 7, 2023
This book is interesting, but a bit jarring at times. If you are sensitive to language, I would not recommend this. The N word and other insensitive language are used quite a bit, which I realize was “normal” at the time this book was written but still was challenging to listen to at times. Fair warning.
May 8, 2024
Great read about a long past time
These are the experiences of a cowboy in the old southwest. Some of the places that he traveled to still exist but the experiences that he related are mostly gone. This is a well composed story that flows well and keeps your interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to another from Charles Siringo.
These are the experiences of a cowboy in the old southwest. Some of the places that he traveled to still exist but the experiences that he related are mostly gone. This is a well composed story that flows well and keeps your interest. I enjoyed this book and look forward to another from Charles Siringo.
June 16, 2019
Forgotten History
For those interested in the history of the West, this quick read is worth the time. Very interesting to be able to read what is basically a first hand account those times an places.
For those interested in the history of the West, this quick read is worth the time. Very interesting to be able to read what is basically a first hand account those times an places.
May 20, 2020
he starts off in an honest way by telling us he wants to make money with this book...fair enough...this old boy had a tough life.....should get a PHD from the school of hard knocks ...easy read and entertaining....
May 4, 2025
A great read from the old west 1870-1885 and what it was like on the frontier; riding on horseback aimlessly and who you meet. It has a little information on Billy the kid which I loved. I love this Era. just the idea of being on horseback for days on end is my fun.
February 5, 2018
A good old fashion (true) tales of cowboying when cowboying was in its heyday. Love the language.
July 26, 2018
Sry very very good book
I tour this this book to be captivAting U loved it from having to end. It wasn't the the kid you wanting down because th became boring it n3verdoes.
I tour this this book to be captivAting U loved it from having to end. It wasn't the the kid you wanting down because th became boring it n3verdoes.
May 15, 2019
Cowboy story telling
Whether or not any of the stories told here are true, the life of the cowboy was hard. The book got boring with the cowboy recounting his many trips.
Whether or not any of the stories told here are true, the life of the cowboy was hard. The book got boring with the cowboy recounting his many trips.
August 7, 2023
Old West memoir. I listened to a LibriVox recording.
May 1, 2024
Good background about a real cowboy's life. It reads like I expect he talked. Good read for those who like non-fiction about cowboy life.
August 16, 2025
Wow, super good read and insightful on what a cowboy's life looked like!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews