Bob Kleberg and the King Ranch: A Worldwide Sea of Grass

By John Cypher

Book Overview

Ranching on the vast scale that Texas is famous for actually happened at King Ranch, a sea of grass that ultimately spread its pastures to countries around the globe under the fifty-year leadership of Bob Kleberg. This absorbing biography, written by Kleberg's top assistant of many years, captures both the life of the man and the spirit of the kingdom he ruled, offering a rare, insider's view of life on a fabled Texas ranch.

John Cypher spent forty years (1948-1988) on King Ranch. In these pages, he melds highlights of Kleberg's life with memories of his own experiences as the "right hand" who implemented many of Kleberg's grand designs. In a lively story laced with fascinating anecdotes he both recounts his worldwide travels with Kleberg as the ranch expanded its holdings to Latin America, Cuba, Australia, the Philippines, Europe, and Africa, and describes timeless, traditional tasks such as roundup at the home ranch in Kingsville.

Kleberg's accomplishments as the founder of the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed and a breeder of Thoroughbred racing horses receive full attention, as does his fabled lifestyle, which included friendships not merely with the rich and famous but also with Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, who shared his love of horse racing. For everyone interested in ranching and one of its most famous practitioners, this book will be essential reading.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0292711875
• ISBN13: 9780292711877
• Release Date: October 1996
• Publisher: University of Texas Press
• Length: 267 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

King Ranch of TX and owner

As TX Rancher this is one of the BEST books on Bob Kleberg and one of the most famous ranches in the state. Have been on this ranch numerous times, great book. Ranching takes work and dedication

An entertaining and insightful look at true Texas history.

This is a great book for anyone interested in the cattle business, Texas history, or the politics of big business in the middle of this century. One need not be a rancher or cattleman to enjoy this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone from any background.

unique insight to modern-day, multi-national ranch boss

If you have an interest in the King Ranch, you should read this book.