Cowboy Boot: History, Art, Culture, Function

by David R. Stoecklein

This series of books by photographer David R. Stoecklein brings into focus a few of the most important elements of cowboy gear-boots, spurs, and buckles. The quality and superb craftsmanship of some of these exquisite pieces shine through in these images. In these pages you will find spurs from all across the West, handcrafted belt buckles, and weathered cowboy boots. There is a story behind each one that speaks of the tradition and rich heritage...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931153264
• ISBN13: 9781931153263
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Stoecklein Publishing
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 2.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 9.8" x 9.8"

Customer Reviews

Great book. I just don't get the first two reviews

Bootfan must have been expecting a picture book of newer type custom boots. That's fine, as he said, buy Tyler's books or better yet, Jennifer June's new book, "Cowboy Boots, The Art & Soul". As for Donna Foster...Huh? This book is not by Tyler Beard, she is confusing this with one of Tyler's books, it's not. Now for the book. I own all of Tyler Beard's books, Jennifer June's and Sharon DeLano's. I found this book to be in good company with them. I particularly liked the photos of the older antique boots (pre 1900s). I found the book to be well laid out and refreshingly different from the others. Mr. Stoecklein has chosen not to follow the "formula" for a Cowboy boot book that is quickly becoming predictable and redundant. Mr. Stoecklein touches on more than boots, he shares the life, the culture, the essence of living in the west through his photos of not only the boots, but the people who wear them. Many of the shots of the boots are not static arranged shots set up in a studio under controlled lighting conditions, they are instead "action" shots taken on the range, in the mud; real time photos of cowboys and cowgirls doing their jobs or just relaxing. Mr. Stoecklein is a photographer so to expect anything more than a photo book form him may be unfair. That being said, I enjoyed the text very much but would have liked to have seen more, especially of the history of not just boots, but of the west, the cattle drives, etc. Maybe even a little more insight into the life and personality of the cowboy, his day to day challenges and why he would have chosen the footwear that became the cowboy boot. In summary, the photos are very good but the text a little weak, at least for what I was looking for. All in all, I would recommend this book as a top shelf pick, in a niche genre with scarce but fierce competition.