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Walter Prescott Webb's book about the Great Plains is if nothing else, interesting reading material. It like many other books does have it's flaws. Webb was from Texas and therefore many of his views and opinions are based on his opinions from Texas. If the plains were constructed in the exact way that Webb describes much of the plains would be raising cattle, and wearing spurs. Not all of his views are Texan based however, despite his small amount of personal experience he does do a pretty fair job at giving information about the entire plains.

One of my favorite parts about this book is that it does a good job at characterizing different aspects of the Great Plains. A lot of other papers on the plains that I have seen before talked many from feelings and thoughts, not structured like I found in this book. For instance when Webb goes to describe the three factors that a region needs to be a part of the Great Plains. Being a treeless landscape, flat terrain, and being semi-arid. Before I had not found any text that had defined these factors so clearly let alone stating the requirements as an area needing at least two out of the three factors to be a part of the plains.

Webb later goes to describe some of the inivations that were redefined after settlers crossed the "fault" into the Great Plains. This fault is what Webb uses to describe the transition from an area where the settlers were capable of farming and living comfortable. This section reminded me of the rough nature that I have grown to love about plains people. When coming to the plains settlers had to mind new ways to grow crops, build houses, and many other aspects of everyday life.

Justin