Convict cowboys : the untold history of the Texas Prison Rodeo

Resource Information

The work Convict cowboys : the untold history of the Texas Prison Rodeo represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in City of Belmont - Ruth Faulkner Public Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

Convict cowboys : the untold history of the Texas Prison Rodeo

Title remainder

the untold history of the Texas Prison Rodeo

Statement of responsibility

by Mitchel P. Roth

Creator

• Roth, Mitchel P., 1953-

Author

• Roth, Mitchel P., 1953-

Subject

• Prisoners -- Texas | Huntsville -- Social conditions -- 20th century
• Texas Prison Rodeo -- History
• Texas Prison System -- History
• Texas, Department of Corrections -- History
• Texas, State Penitentiary at Huntsville -- History -- 20th century
• Huntsville (Tex.) -- History -- 20th century
• Prisoners -- Recreation -- Texas | Huntsville -- History -- 20th century

Language

eng

Summary

Convict Cowboys is the first book on the nation's first prison rodeo, which ran from 1931 to 1986. At its apogee the Texas Prison Rodeo drew 30,000 spectators on October Sundays. Mitchel P. Roth portrays the Texas Prison Rodeo against a backdrop of Texas history, covering the history of rodeo, the prison system, and convict leasing, as well as important figures in Texas penology including Marshall Lee Simmons, O.B. Ellis, and George J. Beto, and the changing prison demimonde. Over the years, the rodeo arena not only boasted death-defying entertainment that would make professional cowboys think twice, but featured a virtual who's who of American popular culture. Readers will be treated to stories about numerous American and Texas folk heroes, including Western film stars ranging from Tom Mix to John Wayne, and music legends such as Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. Through extensive archival research Roth introduces readers to the Convict Cowboys in both the rodeo arena and behind prison walls, giving voice to a legion of previously forgotten inmate cowboys who risked life and limb for a few dollars and the applause of free-world crowds

Member of

• North Texas crime and criminal justice series, 10

Biography type

contains biographical information

Cataloging source

TXA/DLC

Dewey number

791.8/409764169

Illustrations

• illustrations
• portraits

Index

index present

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography

Series statement

The North Texas crime and criminal justice series

Series volume

number 10

Target audience

adult