Purported to be the memoir of Will James' life, it is actually the story of how he wished his life had been. Or perhaps a romance of how his life was. Especially in the early years. I have no doubt that he experienced many of the events in this book, but I think he probably laced it with some of the experiences of his fellow cowboys to make a good tale. He also romanticized some of the darker moments in his life such as cattle rustling and jail. Still, it makes a good story which is fun to read.

The illustrations are lovely sketches of a cowboy's life. James tells of the various differences in the life of a trapper, a northern cowboy, a southern cowboy, Hollywood cowboy extras and a desert cowboy. He also tells of his time in jail and in the army during the first World War. Armistice was signed before he had to go overseas. Many details, interestingly told, of life on the range and handling cattle and horses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. ( )

An amazing life story, somewhat embroidered perhaps, but most interesting. A very talented and readable author. ( )