Kliatt: Price, Steven D., ed. The greatest horse stories ever told; thirty unforgettable horse tales

PRICE, Steven D., ed. The greatest horse stories ever told; thirty unforgettable horse tales. Lyons Press. 257p. c2001. 1-59228-011-0. $14.95. JSA

These "stories" are a mix of fiction and nonfiction, excerpts from literary, journalistic or technical writing for horse people and horse sporting fans. The first three pieces have two horses dying; a bad choice of placement, in this reviewer's opinion. There are some excellent stories here. You can't go wrong with Dick Francis, James Herriot, Felix Salten and Esther Forbes. A firsthand account of Secretariat's last months on earth is included here as well as some things to be learned about fox hunting, rodeo, show horses, Lipizzaners, and the interactions of people and horses. "The Champion" is a touching story about a racehorse turned therapeutic mount for handicapped children as a result of an injury.

Several entries are diverse types of poetry. There are three Pulitzer Prize winners included in the authors and the story that inspired the movie The Horse Whisperer. Some of the stories are about human characters in the setting of the horse culture of training programs and the racetrack gambling atmosphere. Many have interesting literary takes and odd twists. Others are a bit boring. There are a total of 30 stories and they do not include Will James and Zane Grey, as the cover description suggests. Each story has a short introduction. Ann Hart, Trustee, Juniata County Library, Mifflintown, PA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.