Pettit, an independent author and poet, has written this historical account of the Cowdens, a family who were influential ranchers in both Texas and New Mexico over the last 150 years. The author is a descendant of the Cowdens, and he offers insights and tours of the family's ranches over the years as well as the trails that were blazed during cattle drives. General readers and Old West aficionados will enjoy the wealth of historical photographs, maps and illustrations. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)