Long Way to Texas

By Elmer Kelton

A Forge Hardcover

ISBN: 978-0-7653-2976-9

Western novelist Elmer Kelton died more than two years ago, at the age of 83, but he left readers a rich legacy that continues to give pleasure and insight.  Newly released by Forge Press is an Omnibus Hardcover edition of three of his novels, all with roots in the Lone Star State.

In Joe Pepper, the title character is awaiting the hangman’s noose as he reveals the story of how, while seeking revenge, he discovered a lust for violence.  The irony is that it was Joe’s keen sense of justice that put him on the wrong side of the law. Unfortunately, he tarried there long enough to get caught and receive a death sentence.

The novel Long Way to Texas gives its title to the omnibus volume.  The story takes place just after the Civil War battle of Glorieta Pass in New Mexico. (In history there were some Lincecums involved there, but Kelton didn’t use the family name).  It is a narrative complicated by the self doubt and fear of failure of Lt. David Buckalew, whose remnant of Confederate riflemen is under siege and low on water and supplies.

In Eyes of a Hawk, the protagonist, Thomas Canfield, is known to the Mexican citizens of Stonehill, TX, as El Gavilan (the Hawk).  Not one to forgive a wrong, he sets out to even the score with an insolent ranchman rival intent on building a fortune at Canfield’s expense.  Unfortunately, the Hawk is willing to go so far as to destroy the town before yielding to his enemy.

The volume features an introduction by Dale L. Walker, himself a noted author and a past president of the Western Writers of America. Not only is the book a must for those who already know Kelton, it would also make an excellent gift for someone who appreciates good fiction and has yet to discover our Tejano treasure.  To learn more about him and his fifty western novels, go on the internet to: www.elmerkelton.net.

Having hosted Elmer Kelton at Austin College and then visited with him many times as he sat near the front at annual meetings of the Texas Folklore Society, I look forward to perusing the almost 500 pages in this handsome volume.

Dr. Jerry Lincecum is emeritus professor of English at Austin College and a past president of the Texas Folklore Society.