The Old Boys Network Triumphs Yet Again

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January 28, 2010 Waven rated it it was astonishing

The truth inside stories is what makes them good, in whatsoever genre, and I call up Kelton did a wonderful job with this book. Shut to his own heart, and based in part on his own family and experiences, Kelton's story of the Calloways is i of the all-time westerns I've e'er read. (The movie of the same proper noun with Tommy Lee Jones and Sissy Spacek was very skillful, besides, and stays quite true to the book.) There aren't a lot of unexpected plot twists or blazing shoot-outs, no lovely rancher daughters in distress The truth within stories is what makes them expert, in any genre, and I retrieve Kelton did a wonderful job with this book. Close to his own eye, and based in function on his own family unit and experiences, Kelton's story of the Calloways is one of the best westerns I've ever read. (The picture show of the same name with Tommy Lee Jones and Sissy Spacek was very good, likewise, and stays quite truthful to the volume.) There aren't a lot of unexpected plot twists or blazing shoot-outs, no lovely rancher daughters in distress or indians swooping downwardly hillsides in total war paint. And while there is romance (not to mention more than a few good laughs), this book is also very much virtually familial love, friendship, sacrifice, determination, and integrity. It is a story of the early 20th century West where farmers and ranchers butted heads, where good land was as deficient as proficient water, open range was condign obsolete, and automobiles invaded like scouts of an advancing enemy army. It is a story virtually choices and consequences, and how getting something important about ever means losing something else just as valuable. And it'southward virtually mutual men trying to make their way in a world that keeps sliding out from nether them. Yes, five stars, in any genre. ...more

One of Kelton's best. Published by TCU Press. How oftentimes do universities publish 'westerns'?
Multiple high praise reviews.
Here'south a review I liked
"My old friend, Elmer Kelton, was about as West Texas as anybody could exist. He was born in West Texas, grew up in West Texas, wrote books that were virtually places like West Texas, and in 2009 died in West Texas.

But of all his books — and there were many — ane, "The Expert One-time Boys" — reeks of W Texas. To a swell extent that is because the book's chief chara

One of Kelton's best. Published past TCU Press. How often do universities publish 'westerns'?
Multiple high praise reviews.
Here'south a review I liked
"My old friend, Elmer Kelton, was well-nigh as West Texas as everyone could be. He was born in West Texas, grew upwardly in Westward Texas, wrote books that were most places like West Texas, and in 2009 died in Due west Texas.

But of all his books — and at that place were many — one, "The Adept Onetime Boys" — reeks of West Texas. To a great extent that is because the book's main character, Hewey Calloway, is exactly like a lot of the people I have known in my lifetime. They talk, act and, yes, fifty-fifty make the aforementioned stupid mistakes that the people in real life do. But that is what made Kelton'due south books and then enjoyable. His characters were believable because they were just like united states of america. ..."
https://www.oaoa.com/community/good_n...

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Mar fifteen, 2016 Anthony Whitt rated information technology it was amazing

Kelton does it once more. When he'southward on his game, he's a hard author to top. Ranks upwardly in that location with "The Time it Never Rained" and "The Day the Cowboys Quit." You don't need to exist a fan of the western genre to appreciate his storytelling talents that expand beyond the typical. Kelton does information technology again. When he's on his game, he'south a hard author to top. Ranks upwards in that location with "The Time it Never Rained" and "The Solar day the Cowboys Quit." You don't need to be a fan of the western genre to appreciate his storytelling talents that aggrandize beyond the typical. ...more

Kelton's story of the disharmonism between the onetime and new means is set in early 1900's west Texas, but the themes he raises are relevant today. Hewey Calloway, the old time cowpunching hero of the novel, decides to visit his blood brother on his farm subsequently a wintertime on a New Mexico ranch. During his travels and visit, he encounters officious lawmen, spinous wire, and rules and conventions that go confronting his complimentary roaming philosophy. While successfully avoiding the traps that the new means of doing things have 50 Kelton'due south story of the clash betwixt the old and new ways is set up in early 1900's west Texas, but the themes he raises are relevant today. Hewey Calloway, the old time cowpunching hero of the novel, decides to visit his brother on his subcontract afterward a winter on a New Mexico ranch. During his travels and visit, he encounters officious lawmen, barbed wire, and rules and conventions that go against his free roaming philosophy. While successfully fugitive the traps that the new ways of doing things have laid for him, he is surprised and pleased by the attentions of Spring Renfro, the 'quondam maid' school teacher who catches his eye.

I suggested this book a few years ago for our local book group and was curious to hear the feedback from the group. I am a native Texan currently living in southern Connecticut, and Kelton'south novels always breathe a breath of abode for me. I'k a natural part of the audience for his books. Withal, the book group I attend is made up of mostly female (only one other homo as well myself) New England natives who, although they accept wide ranging taste in books, have expressed zero interest in books of the Western genre. Afterward assuring them that this wasn't a traditional Western in the Zane Gray-Louis 50'Amour vein, the group indulged my choice. I was pleasantly surprised at the universal praise for 'The Good Old Boys'. There were no dissenters (which is unusual, bordering on unheard of); anybody at the meeting loved the volume! Some members have gone on to read other of Kelton's works.

This volume is the number one of my Top five Desert Isle books. You lot read it at present!

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Dec 23, 2014 Alyx Hackebeil rated it really liked it

This book..
This book was heartbreaking to me. Without including major spoilers, I will tell you I admittedly loved this book. And going into the final affiliate or two, it was receiving v stars from me.
Again Kelton wins at character development and the trivial details. And George Guidall narrating on the audiobook, you lot have a perfect reading storm.

And the plot twists and turns will keep you on your toes and remind you that with a Kelton volume, never try to predict an ending!

Must read. Although, plea

This book..
This volume was heartbreaking to me. Without including major spoilers, I volition tell you I absolutely loved this volume. And going into the final chapter or two, it was receiving 5 stars from me.
Over again Kelton wins at character development and the petty details. And George Guidall narrating on the audiobook, yous accept a perfect reading storm.

And the plot twists and turns will keep you on your toes and remind you lot that with a Kelton book, never try to predict an ending!

Must read. Although, delight read Six Bits A Day first, the prequel to this and the adjacent book. It adds even more dimension to the already stellar plot and characters.

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Nov 11, 2008 Tere rated it information technology was amazing

I of the men this book is dedicated to was very special to me during my childhood. He fabricated a big impact on my life. During the drought of the 1950s, my Daddy left to go piece of work in the oil patch leaving my Mom at home with iii little girls. Raymond Glasscock stopped past every day to check to exist sure we were all OK.
Mr. Kelton worked with him on the McElroy ranch....
I picked up my re-create at i of Mr. Kelton's book signings held at the Cactus Bookstore in San Angelo, TX. One of the men this book is dedicated to was very special to me during my childhood. He made a large bear upon on my life. During the drought of the 1950s, my Daddy left to go work in the oil patch leaving my Mom at home with 3 lilliputian girls. Raymond Glasscock stopped by every day to bank check to be sure we were all OK.
Mr. Kelton worked with him on the McElroy ranch....
I picked up my copy at one of Mr. Kelton's book signings held at the Cactus Bookstore in San Angelo, TX. ...more

February 21, 2018 Steven rated information technology actually liked information technology

I oasis't read nearly enough of Elmer Kelton's books yet, though I look frontward to working on that deficit. He's billed equally a Western author, but so far the books of his that I've read are really fantastic graphic symbol studies about people who happen to live in the Quondam West, or just thereafter. Kelton doesn't go in for the shoot-em-ups. I tin't recall a single shot existence fired in The Expert Sometime Boys. This is the story about a cowboy watching his style of life dying out, seeing his brother take to the pl I haven't read nearly enough of Elmer Kelton'south books yet, though I look forrard to working on that deficit. He'southward billed as a Western author, but so far the books of his that I've read are really fantastic character studies nigh people who happen to alive in the Old West, or just thereafter. Kelton doesn't go in for the shoot-em-ups. I can't recall a single shot being fired in The Good Old Boys. This is the story about a cowboy watching his way of life dying out, seeing his brother take to the plow, to see an older version of himself dying alone, and having to make up one's mind what he'southward going to do every bit he's faced with those changes.

The volume has a lot of humour in it, but it's never over the superlative or out of identify and never detracts from the story, but grows from it. Huey Calloway truly is a skilful quondam male child, i who'll work hard when he needs to, loves to play, and is ever likable. He'due south the uncle every boy would want, and the kind of influence women don't desire around their husbands or sons considering he's got itchy feet and the power to talk people into joining him.

The Good One-time Boys is my favorite Kelton novel and so far and one I highly recommend to anyone willing to read a story about an one-time cowboy looking at the world of west Texas in 1906.

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Hewey is a cowboy without a dwelling house, always on the motility and looking for an risk. He gets caught up helping his brother salvage his subcontract while deciding whether or not he wants to settle downwards for skilful.

The buildup was really slow and the chief tension of the story was pretty shaky. It'southward possible that I'm merely not a fan of Westerns.

Hewey is a cowboy without a domicile, always on the move and looking for an chance. He gets caught upwardly helping his blood brother save his subcontract while deciding whether or not he wants to settle down for good.

The buildup was really ho-hum and the main tension of the story was pretty shaky. It's possible that I'm but non a fan of Westerns.

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Aug 17, 2021 David Brimer rated information technology it was amazing

A perfect elegiac western. Smart, funny, and nostalgic for the sometime days. If you lot similar more than human drama in your westerns, look no further.

For me the writing style of Kelton does not measure up to Zane Grey or Louis Lamore.

Sometimes you read a book at but the right time for information technology to be most impactful. This is my time for this book.
When Hewey speaks to Eve about them still belonging to the old century, I tin empathise that now in a way I wouldn't have been able to if I had read this when it came out in 1978. It is much more personal, and much more powerful with the electric current change in i's surroundings, in 1's country, in one'south ain self.

But if I had read information technology and so, I would still accept found this to be a bully story, due west

Sometimes y'all read a book at just the correct time for it to be near impactful. This is my time for this book.
When Hewey speaks to Eve nigh them still belonging to the onetime century, I tin understand that now in a way I wouldn't have been able to if I had read this when it came out in 1978. It is much more personal, and much more powerful with the current change in one's surround, in 1's country, in one'south own self.

But if I had read it and then, I would nonetheless take constitute this to be a not bad story, written by a great storyteller. Kelton was such a gifted writer. His stories, though fictional, have and then much truth in them.

Elmer Kelton is becoming ane of my favorite authors, with works that I know I will be returning to again and again.

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My former father in law has impeccable gustatory modality in books. He persuaded me to try Elmer Kelton, an best-selling master of the American western. THE GOOD OLD BOYS is Kelton'southward attempt at a humorous novel.

A fancy-free cowboy is forced to settle down for a season and deed with unaccustomed responsibility to bring in the crops and salvage his brother'south ranch in 1906 westward Texas. I bet you can estimate whether he manages to pull it off.

Part of the fun is the predictability and this book is fun. But it'due south not my thi

My former begetter in law has impeccable taste in books. He persuaded me to effort Elmer Kelton, an acknowledged master of the American western. THE Expert Quondam BOYS is Kelton's attempt at a humorous novel.

A footloose cowboy is forced to settle down for a flavour and deed with unaccustomed responsibility to bring in the crops and save his brother's ranch in 1906 west Texas. I bet you tin can guess whether he manages to pull it off.

Part of the fun is the predictability and this book is fun. But information technology's not my matter. I probably won't be reading a western again for a while.

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Not your cowboy movie West but the West that lies beneath and still shapes the culture and politics and economic science of today'due south Texas. Also a damn readable story about a graphic symbol who is larger than well-nigh life, but well within the boundaries of real people. Not your cowboy film West but the Due west that lies beneath and still shapes the culture and politics and economics of today'south Texas. Also a damn readable story about a character who is larger than most life, but well within the boundaries of real people. ...more

Jun 26, 2008 Mary Lou rated information technology information technology was amazing

The only Kelton volume made into a movie. I often wonder why, peradventure because at that place is non enough sexual activity and violence for hollywood in the true to life stories written past this very talented writer.

Sep 07, 2018 Susan Miller rated it really liked it

Hewey Calloway is a confirmed bachelor cowboy. He loves to ride his horse into new territory, stay a while on a job, then ride away to something different. He has the makings of existence a boss, but he'd rather only be a cowboy, keep peace and have friends.

Hewey has a brother named Walter that has a small Texas spread with a wife & 2 boys. When Hewey stops in for a visit he discovers Walter in a bad way, in need of assist to get out from under a note that the bank is adamant to call them on. The o

Hewey Calloway is a confirmed bachelor cowboy. He loves to ride his horse into new territory, stay a while on a job, and so ride away to something dissimilar. He has the makings of being a boss, but he'd rather merely be a cowboy, keep peace and take friends.

Hewey has a brother named Walter that has a small Texas spread with a wife & ii boys. When Hewey stops in for a visit he discovers Walter in a bad way, in need of aid to get out from under a note that the bank is determined to call them on. The owner to the bank has the biggest ranch and Walter'south pocket-size bundle is something he'd like to add together to his drove of country.

Some misadventures happen and Hewey is nearly saddled into a marriage he'due south not actually sure he wants as well as needing to help Walter get his cattle sold & crops sold to pay off the note.

A good read with a look into the ideals of the cowboy and how urban sprawl has affected their way of life. How some folks are built-in with a wandering centre of the past and some are born with the spirit to forge new things and conform to alter.

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January 14, 2018 Marilyn rated it actually liked it

50 States and At Least fifty Authors 2017 Reading Challenge. TEXAS.

Hewey Calloway is part of a dying breed; his nephew is desperate to be role of the future. The yr is 1906 and cowboys who wandered an open range from United mexican states to Canada are all but gone; there are fences everywhere. Automobiles are showing up even in places like Midland, Texas. Aye, some predict that this fad will soon dice out, merely Cotton wool Calloway doesn't believe that. He wants to build things, prepare things, operate machines, etc. Wil

fifty States and At Least 50 Authors 2017 Reading Challenge. TEXAS.

Hewey Calloway is function of a dying breed; his nephew is desperate to be part of the future. The year is 1906 and cowboys who wandered an open range from Mexico to Canada are all but gone; in that location are fences everywhere. Automobiles are showing up even in places similar Midland, Texas. Aye, some predict that this fad will shortly die out, only Cotton Calloway doesn't believe that. He wants to build things, fix things, operate machines, etc. Volition Hewey always settle down on a slice of land with a adult female like his blood brother has?

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This was recommended to me past a friend, and I ever try and read my friends favorite books. I don't oft read westerns, but this book is well worth the read. An exceptionally well written volume with a groovy story.

Information technology will drib you lot back in fourth dimension to 1906 where cowboys were yet prominent, but the dawn of the automobile was simply starting. If y'all know any skillful 'ol cowboys or hard working ranchers, this book will definitely remind you of them.

Information technology has some wonderful humorous moments, making it a bit o

This was recommended to me by a friend, and I always try and read my friends favorite books. I don't often read westerns, but this volume is well worth the read. An exceptionally well written book with a smashing story.

It volition drop you lot back in time to 1906 where cowboys were nonetheless prominent, but the dawn of the automobile was only starting. If y'all know whatever good 'ol cowboys or hard working ranchers, this volume will definitely remind you of them.

Information technology has some wonderful humorous moments, making it a bit of a one-act at times. It has moments of excitement and hard lessons learned.

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Apr 20, 2020 David Mann rated it information technology was amazing

Hands downwardly, i of the best novels of the waning-Old West. Kelton's protagonist, Calloway, is the perfect character written report of the cowboy. The themes are surprisingly gimmicky. Kelton drives the drama in this story with rock-solid grapheme development, wry humour, and geographic and cultural accurateness -fugitive the cheap tricks of violence, sex activity or profanity.

Well worth the read. This is on par with The Virginian by Wister, or novels by Eugene Manlove Rhodes: true literature of the Erstwhile Due west.

Dec 03, 2017 Celso rated information technology it was amazing

This book for me was every bit expert equally "The Time It Never Rained" by ElmerKelton. I was born and raised in west Texas and so I could relate to these books. Hewey Calloway a grapheme in The Skillful Sometime Boys reminded me of men I've known. Mr. Kelton's description of the environment in this book was accurate and the time setting was real. Mr. Kelton is one of my favorite authors. This book for me was as good every bit "The Time Information technology Never Rained" past ElmerKelton. I was born and raised in w Texas and then I could relate to these books. Hewey Calloway a character in The Good Onetime Boys reminded me of men I've known. Mr. Kelton'due south clarification of the surroundings in this book was accurate and the time setting was real. Mr. Kelton is one of my favorite authors. ...more than

I am a sucker for an engaging western novel. This novel conspicuously illustrates the hardships and triumphs of regular people at the turn of the 20th century in West Texas. Compelling characters, engaging story line and the triumph of "regular" folks over big business and overzealous lawmen make this a terrific read. I am a sucker for an engaging western novel. This novel clearly illustrates the hardships and triumphs of regular people at the turn of the 20th century in W Texas. Compelling characters, engaging story line and the triumph of "regular" folks over big business concern and overzealous lawmen brand this a terrific read. ...more

Sep 01, 2019 Mark Ballard rated information technology information technology was amazing

Loved this book! Kelton did a masterful job building the characters in this story. I could feel the struggle that the principal character, Hewey Calloway, went through deciding whether to stay truthful to his love of liberty on the range and "settling downwards" with Spring Renfro. I found myself cheering at the terminate!

This is a high quality novel. Kelton goes beyond the formula of the traditional Western and explores complex themes--the inevitability of modify and the difficulty of adapting to it, the nature of "freedom" and what, exactly, it is. To pursue these themes, Kelton creates interesting, memorable characters and a well constructed, entertaining plot. This is a high quality novel. Kelton goes beyond the formula of the traditional Western and explores complex themes--the inevitability of change and the difficulty of adapting to it, the nature of "freedom" and what, exactly, information technology is. To pursue these themes, Kelton creates interesting, memorable characters and a well synthetic, entertaining plot. ...more

Jul 01, 2018 Brenda H. rated it it was amazing

I decided to read this volume in honour of my granddaddy who loved Elmer Kelton and probably endemic every single one of his books. I understand why he loved his writing all much and it makes it all the more than interesting since information technology takes place in the area where I grew upwardly.

Jun 03, 2018 Charles rated information technology really liked information technology

A slow showtime, a man with a moral quandary, and a disappointingly stereotypical end.

Aug 30, 2019 Anna Grady rated it really liked it

But an enjoyable read ! Not bad characters, realistic scenarios, some sense of humour, good writing and some deeper stuff about families and life changing.

An awesome volume! Hewey is a grapheme yous won't forget! Half of the volume I wasn't certain who to experience sorry for and the other half who to be mad at.

Loved this book! It is the struggle for an old way of life.

Jun 03, 2018 Cindy Lopez rated it it was amazing

This is such a groovy book past Elmer kelton. It draws you in and transports you to another identify and time! Hewey is and then relatable and makes readers truly long for the liberty he has had the privilege to know.

Sep 24, 2019 Lesley rated it information technology was astonishing

The Lord fabricated every person dissimilar. He could non understand why people were determined to make anybody the same.'

That was what had started the quarrel the terminal time, and most of the others he could recall. Eve was always lecturing him nigh settling downward, most responsibleness, respectability, ever trying to change him. The style Hewey saw it, the Lord had purposely fabricated every person different. He could not empathize why so many people were adamant to thwart the Lord's work by making eve

The Lord made every person different. He could not understand why people were determined to make everyone the same.'

That was what had started the quarrel the concluding fourth dimension, and near of the others he could think. Eve was ever lecturing him well-nigh settling down, about responsibleness, respectability, always trying to change him. The way Hewey saw information technology, the Lord had purposely made every person different. He could non empathise why so many people were determined to thwart the Lord's piece of work by making everyone the same.'' (51)

This seems to be the underlying message. Why practise some demand control of others? All kinds of people - wives, sheriffs, friends, brothers, sweethearts, etc., etc., desire control. Hewey and his resistance to equality, that is, 'making everyone the same' drives the drama. Both submitting to people (sister-in-police) and submitting to their ideas (making money) are addressed in a heart-touching manner. Well done!

This work is closer to a graphic symbol written report, revealing Hewey'south opinions. And fascinating opinions they are. If you agree with him, you lot will rejoice with him. If yous value group approval, collective activity, you might not savor spending time with Hewey. For example. . .

"Grass was what it raised best, and it ought to be left that way. But this was not a popular time to exist expressing such a sentiment. In fashionable circles information technology was considered non progressive, the outmoded defense of the sometime-line gratuitous-range cattlemen like C. C. Tarpley who didn't desire to surrender individual possession of land that rightfully belonged to all the citizens of Texas.''

"Anyone who spoke such a sentiment was allying himself with the forces of monopoly and greed, the reformers shouted. He was setting himself against progress and the uplifting of the common man. He was to be shunned past all practiced Christian soldiers dedicated to God'due south piece of work.''

" Hewey had already seen many of God's good common men starve off of the plow and desert the land they had cleaved out in His name. The stale fields would scour and blow away in the hot w wind, leaving a sore that wouldn't heal in a hundred years.''
"You lot oughtn't to ever plow it," he said, unintentionally putting his thoughts into words.
Cotton was caught off balance, his thoughts elsewhere.

"The homestead constabulary … I say it'due south incorrect to make a man plow out a field to hold his claim. He ought not to rip up land that God has already planted to grass and handed to him as a souvenir."
Cotton'south vanquish seemed to crack a little.
"You meliorate non say that where Mama can hear it."
Hewey nodded.
"There's a lot she don't agree with me about."
"She says leaving skilful state in grass is slothful, that the Lord wants u.s. to cultivate information technology and go far blossom like the rose."

No farming? What? Hewey has his ain listen.

One subplot explains Hewey's confrontation with a corrupt sheriff. Now hears sheriff is after him, however. . .

"Wes Wheeler was one he had always put in the good category. He didn't go around arbitrarily telling people what to do or trying to run their lives with the excuse that it was for their own skillful. He recognized that his main office was to keep the peace, and he seldom raised much hell in doing it. He never bothered a man unless he was convinced that a little bothering was going to benefit the community.'' (78)

Hewey knows their are bad authorities. He does not rebel against all authority. He understands the benefits - if used justly!

Wes Wheeler explains -

""Son, I'1000 a peace officer. It's my job to enforce the police. I'1000 non allowed to make the law; that's for somebody else to do. If I go to making it, I tin make information technology anything I want it to be. First thing you lot know I'll use it to help me and my friends. I'll use it to hurt people I don't similar. If that ever happens, I'm dangerous. That marshal upwards yonder, he was going beyond his rightful dominance. That 77 makes him dangerous. You lot permit people like that get away with it, pretty soon they'll take you lot over." (fourscore)

The alter from this (old) respectful, dignified use of power, to the (modern) controlling, demeaning misuse of authority, is carefully drawn. Wonderful!

Every bit author explains in the introduction, this work is intended to draw a picture of the transition from the quondam, rural Texas cowboy life that he knew equally a boy, and the appearance of the mod, urban mechanical world.

He succeeds.

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Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) was honor-winning author of more than than twoscore novels, including The Time It Never Rained, Other Men'south Horses, Texas Standoff and Hard Trail to Follow. He grew upwards on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His starting time novel, Hot Fe, was published in 1956. Amidst his awards accept been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) was accolade-winning author of more than than forty novels, including The Time It Never Rained, Other Men'south Horses, Texas Standoff and Hard Trail to Follow. He grew upward on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Atomic number 26, was published in 1956. Amidst his awards take been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His novel The Good Old Boys was made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones. In add-on to his novels, Kelton worked as an agricultural journalist for 42 years. He served in the infantry in World State of war 2. He died in 2009.

http://usa.macmillan.com/author/elmerk...

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