Through Time and the Valley

I grew up in the eastern Texas Panhandle and now that I am far away, to read John Erickson's book brings me back to simpler times and a slower paced life. It is very well written and he brings the same subtle sense of humor to this book as he does with his more famous Hank the Cowdog books. I also bought Panhandle Cowboy and will be reading that next. He has become one of my favorite authors.

Erickson's story of traveling through the Canadian River in the Eastern Texas panhandle on horse back with photographer and childhood friend Bill Ellzey is a wonderful tale told by a true to life cowboy/yarnspinner. Once in the late seventies I took a photography course under Ellzey and his photos tell a pretty good tale of their own. The cast of characters introduced are all very real and I know(or knew) most of them. Some are still around and some have passed on to their reward. But John's story and his cast will always be interesting reading for anyone that has ever dreamed of time in the saddle and sleeping under the stars. It should be required reading for any Texan or those that wish they were a Texan. Do yourself a favor and get this one.

In this book, Erickson proves that his ability to tell a story is not limited to tales for children, but the real jewel is in the work of Bill Ellzey. I first met Bill as a young teenager, and new even then that he saw things that other people did not see, and that he could get what he saw onto film. As we drove across the hot Texas Panhandle in his blue Dodge (with the windows down!) his dimples danced and shown through an already graying beard, and he began to teach me how to "see" like an artist. Bill's photographs will remind you of what you have seen, or let you see what you always hoped was out there somewhere. Enjoy this book, and let Erickson tell you tales, while Ellzey lets you see the indescribable. What a great combination these two boyhood friends have become!PS: Bill, I'm sorry that I didn't have enough sons to name one of them Ellzey.

In an overall sense, this is one of the best books I have ever read. Arguably, Erickson is the best author living in Texas. Over and over, I think children would definitely consider him a wonderful storyteller. And, who is a better judge of storytelling than kids. I don't generally read Hank the Cowdog books, but I was very fascinated with the idea of reading this book. It was outstanding. Erickson, a Perryton (Texas) rancher/author, has written a great book about the Canadian River valley. The author does a great job of taking the reader along the journey. Erickson, makes the reader understand the past events and people groups who have lived or live in the central to eastern Panhandle of Texas. I think many would agree that the Panhandle is not one of the most beautiful areas of our world. Afterall, it's not as popular as the European Alps, Hawaiian islands, or even the Chesapeake Bay region - but, it is distinctive. One thing can certainly be said about the Panhandle - the places and people are REAL. What you see is what you get, so to speak. I appreciate John Erickson for being a real writer and a real storyteller. I appreciate John Erickson for writing about something he has a great understanding of.