
The Way I Heard It
Tales of the Big Bend
Walter Fulcher(Author)
Elton Miles(Editor)
University of Texas Press
Published on 1. January 1974
Book
Paperback/Softback
113 pages
978-0-292-79027-8 (ISBN)
Description
The folklore of Texas' Big Bend region was still in the making during Walter Fulcher's lifetime. Born in Lampasas County in 1887, he worked on the Martin Ranch near Sheffield when a young man. There he witnessed events in the last outlaw activities of the Black Jack Ketchum gang.
He also listened to legends told almost as gossip, and some of the legendary figures were still alive-or said to be alive, usually in hiding. In every village there was sure to be some ancient with a good memory and a better imagination, and Walter Fulcher heard many versions of many tales. He has set them down as he heard them, as simple folk tales that reflect the color of a wild and vivid country in 400 years of its settlement.
The book has been edited, with introduction and notes, by Elton Miles, Professor of English at Sul Ross State College.
He also listened to legends told almost as gossip, and some of the legendary figures were still alive-or said to be alive, usually in hiding. In every village there was sure to be some ancient with a good memory and a better imagination, and Walter Fulcher heard many versions of many tales. He has set them down as he heard them, as simple folk tales that reflect the color of a wild and vivid country in 400 years of its settlement.
The book has been edited, with introduction and notes, by Elton Miles, Professor of English at Sul Ross State College.
Reviews / Votes
This collection by Walter Fulcher, edited by Elton Miles, is far better than most assortments of folklore, having the ring of authenticity.... attractively printed and beautifully illustrated with photographs of the spectacular Big Bend country. (Los Angeles Times) These tales are plain wonderful and make you wish there were more. (True West) All who love that wild land and its tall tales will enjoy an hour or so with this self-taught and unpretentious raconteur. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) Imagination, artistry, careful and perceptive research, and skillful writing all combine to make this a moving and convincing portrait of a man and his times. (Southwestern Historical Quarterly)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Austin, TX
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
197 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-292-79027-8 (9780292790278)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Elton Miles (1917-1995) was Professor of English at Sul Ross State University.
Content
Who was Walter Fulcher? by Elton Miles
Foreword
1. Oxcarts and Chihuahua Wagons
The Double Wedding at Terlingua
El CIbolo and the Indians
El CIbolo and the Spaniards
2. Romance in a Wigwam
3. Places, Names, and What Happened
El Cerro Santiago
El Caballo Muerto
That Word "Chisos"
The Chisos Mine
4. Will James: Big Bend Superman
5. Outlaws and Bandidos
The Ketchum Train Robbery
RIo Grande Justice
6. Despedida: Farewell
Foreword
1. Oxcarts and Chihuahua Wagons
The Double Wedding at Terlingua
El CIbolo and the Indians
El CIbolo and the Spaniards
2. Romance in a Wigwam
3. Places, Names, and What Happened
El Cerro Santiago
El Caballo Muerto
That Word "Chisos"
The Chisos Mine
4. Will James: Big Bend Superman
5. Outlaws and Bandidos
The Ketchum Train Robbery
RIo Grande Justice
6. Despedida: Farewell