"The Day the Cowboys Quit" is a novel written by Elmer Kelton, an American author known for his works in the Western genre. Published in 1971, the book is set in the late 1880s in the Texas Panhandle during a period of significant changes in the ranching industry.
The story revolves around a group of cowboys who work on the LS Ranch, which is owned by an absentee English cattle baron named Kenedy. The cowboys face harsh conditions, low wages, and mistreatment from the ranch's managers. Frustrated by their circumstances, the cowboys decide to go on strike and quit their jobs in protest.
Led by their charismatic and respected foreman, Hugh Hitchcock, the cowboys form an association to negotiate better working conditions and fair pay. Their strike soon gains attention and support from other ranchers, as well as local townspeople who rely on the cattle industry.
However, the ranch owners and managers refuse to negotiate and instead employ ruthless tactics to break the strike. As tensions escalate, the conflict between the cowboys and the ranch owners becomes increasingly volatile, leading to violence and bloodshed.
"The Day the Cowboys Quit" explores themes such as labor rights, justice, and the struggle for dignity in an era when cowboys were seen as essential yet expendable figures in the American West. The novel provides an in-depth portrayal of the challenges faced by the working class and sheds light on the complex dynamics of power and control in the cattle industry.
Elmer Kelton's work is highly regarded for its historical accuracy, vivid descriptions, and well-drawn characters. "The Day the Cowboys Quit" is considered one of his most influential novels and has contributed to his reputation as one of the finest writers of Western fiction.
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