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Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World's Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West

Name: Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World's Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West
Price: 17.59 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (484 reviews)

4.6 of 5 Stars: Miscellaneous - Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World's Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West

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Book Synopsis: The triumphant true story of the native Hawaiian cowboys who crossed the Pacific to shock America at the 1908 world rodeo championshipsOregon Book Award winner * An NPR Best Book of the Year * Pacific Northwest Book Award finalist * A Reading the West Book Awards finalist

“Groundbreaking. … A must-read. ... An essential addition.” —True West

In August 1908, three unknown riders arrived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, their hats adorned with wildflowers, to compete in the world’s greatest rodeo. Steer-roping virtuoso Ikua Purdy and his cousins Jack Low and Archie Ka’au’a had travelled 4,200 miles from Hawaii, of all places, to test themselves against the toughest riders in the West. Dismissed by whites, who considered themselves the only true cowboys, the native Hawaiians would astonish the country, returning home champions—and American legends.

An unforgettable human drama set against the rough-knuckled frontier, David Wolman and Julian Smith’s Aloha Rodeo unspools the fascinating and little-known true story of the Hawaiian cowboys, or paniolo, whose 1908 adventure upended the conventional history of the American West. What few understood when the three paniolo rode into Cheyenne is that the Hawaiians were no underdogs. They were the product of a deeply engrained cattle culture that was twice as old as that of the Great Plains, for Hawaiians had been chasing cattle over the islands’ rugged volcanic slopes and through thick tropical forests since the late 1700s.

Tracing the life story of Purdy and his cousins, Wolman and Smith delve into the dual histories of ranching and cowboys in the islands, and the meteoric rise and sudden fall of Cheyenne, “Holy City of the Cow.” At the turn of the twentieth century, larger-than-life personalities like “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Theodore Roosevelt capitalized on a national obsession with the Wild West and helped transform Cheyenne’s annual Frontier Days celebration into an unparalleled rodeo spectacle, the “Daddy of ‘em All.”

The hopes of all Hawaii rode on the three riders’ shoulders during those dusty days in August 1908. The U.S. had forcibly annexed the islands just a decade earlier. The young Hawaiians brought the pride of a people struggling to preserve their cultural identity and anxious about their future under the rule of overlords an ocean away. In Cheyenne, they didn’t just astound the locals; they also overturned simplistic thinking about cattle country, the binary narrative of “cowboys versus Indians,” and the very concept of the Wild West. Blending sport and history, while exploring questions of identity, imperialism, and race, Aloha Rodeo spotlights an overlooked and riveting chapter in the saga of the American West.

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Experience the thrilling and captivating journey of the native Hawaiian cowboys in Aloha Rodeo: Three Hawaiian Cowboys, the World's Greatest Rodeo, and a Hidden History of the American West. This Oregon Book Award-winning masterpiece delves deep into the untold story of Ikua Purdy, Jack Low, and Archie Ka’au’a – three riders who dared to challenge the toughest cowboys in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and emerged as champions. Prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary tale that will leave you inspired and breathless.

Groundbreaking and truly remarkable, Aloha Rodeo takes you on a mesmerizing adventure that will forever change the way you perceive the American West. Immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant history of the Hawaiian cowboys, known as paniolo, whose remarkable journey to Cheyenne in 1908 shattered stereotypes and challenged the conventional narrative of the Wild West. Discover the deeply rooted cattle culture of the islands, built centuries before white settlers arrived on the Great Plains, and embrace the legacy of the paniolo for its profound impact on American legends.

Aloha Rodeo, a highly acclaimed NPR Best Book of the Year, dares to explore the unexplored, shedding light on the intertwined histories of ranching, cowboys, and Cheyenne's iconic Frontier Days celebration. Be transported to a time when larger-than-life personalities like "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Theodore Roosevelt dominated the national obsession with the Wild West, and witness the rise and fall of Cheyenne, the "Holy City of the Cow." Immerse yourself in the adrenaline rush of unparalleled rodeo spectacles and experience the power of sport and history intertwining in a true tour de force.

Join us on a breathtaking journey where the hopes and dreams of an entire Hawaiian nation rest upon the shoulders of three brave riders. Experience the legacy of a people struggling to preserve their cultural identity under the rule of distant overlords. Feel the heart-pounding excitement as the Hawaiians defy expectations, challenging the binary narrative of "cowboys versus Indians" and emerging as victors on foreign soil. Aloha Rodeo explores themes of identity, imperialism, and race, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a true cowboy and rewriting the history of the Wild West.

Don't miss out on this extraordinary and overlooked chapter in the saga of the American West. Dive into the pages of Aloha Rodeo and discover the incredible journey of the native Hawaiian cowboys that forever changed the course of history. Feed your curiosity for adventure, culture, and the human spirit as you unravel the hidden gems of the American West. Get your copy of Aloha Rodeo now and experience a gripping tale that will leave you breathless.

Grab your copy of Aloha Rodeo and embark on a literary adventure that will transport you to the heart of the American West. Unearth the hidden history, feel the adrenaline of rodeo glory, and be inspired by the resilience and triumph of the native Hawaiian cowboys. Step into their boots and let Aloha Rodeo ignite your passion for exploration and the untold stories of our nation's past.

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