Charles Goodnight was a rancher and a pioneer of the early range cattle industry in Texas. This biography, the first in 70 years, looks at the role of ranching in the development of the Texas Panhandle and at Goodnight's role in the growth of the region. The book traces Goodnight's life from poor farmer to cattle baron and sheds light on his role in the Indian wars, his business arrangements and investments, his alliances with English and eastern financiers, and his connections with other Texas cattlemen. There are also descriptions of home life on the ranch and information on his two marriages (the second at age 91). An epilogue surveys his reputation after death, his status as an icon in the region, and scholarship on Goodnight. The book is illustrated with 10 b&w historical photos and three maps. Hagan is retired as professor of history at the University of Oklahoma. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)