Cowgirls: Women of the American West

By John Barrett Kelly

American lore has slighted the cowgirl, although at least one can still be found in nearly every ranching community.

Like her male counterpart, she rides and ropes, understands land and stock, and confronts the elements. The writer and photographer Teresa Jordan traveled sixty thousand miles in the American West, talking with more than a hundred authentic cowgirls running ranches and performing in rodeos. The result is a fascinating book that also situates the cowgirl in history and literature. A new preface and updated bibliography have been added to this Bison Book edition.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803275757
• ISBN13: 9780803275751
• Release Date: April 1992
• Publisher: Bison Books
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful real ranch lives

I loved this book! It is so exciting to know that other ranch woman are living and doing the same kind of things that you are. I think that sometimes you feel alone and this book lets me know that i am not. I really related to a lot of what was in the book, and it made me want to do more in the ranching field and also to verify that ranch life is not "dead and gone". Teresa has such a wonderful and colorful way with...

Real Women - Real Life

This book really put life into perspective for me. As a woman rancher, I really felt a kinship with a lot of the women and found renewed strength and courage through their experiences. I realized how much I really enjoy what I do. My only regret is that I did not read this book earlier in my life. Ms. Jordan did an excellent job of capturing these women's spirit and drive. I was thankful that she updated the original...

Real women of the American West, not Hollywood!

Each chapter contains a photo and a unique and interesting interview with a real woman of the west, ranchers, cowgirls, young and old alike. Every night, after my own chores were done, I'd read about another woman, who like me, loved hard work, the outdoors, and animals. It was like visiting with a new friend, some I liked more than others, but all of us similar in some way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and want to...