Edwin Shrake (1931–2009)

Take equal parts of the practical mysticism in The Legend of Bagger Vance, the humanity and poignancy in any of Larry McMurtry’s Texas-based novels, and the rollicking, golf-infused tales of Dan Jenkins and you have some idea of what Bud Shrake was trying to accomplish when he penned Billy Boy. Sadly, this book is not as original as Bagger Vance, nor does it rise to the level of craftsmanship and insight of McMurtry at his best. And it certainly has none of the humor that Jenkins brings to show more everything he writes. Still, Billy Boy is a modestly affecting coming-of-age story and one that was, on the whole, pleasant to read.

Set in Fort Worth during the early 1950s, in this novel we spend a few months with 16-year old Billy, who is orphaned and left to provide for himself as a caddie at Colonial Country Club, where Ben Hogan still roams the fairways. Assisted by Hogan and two other legendary figures in Texas golf history—John Bredemus (who reportedly died five years before) and Harvey Penick—Billy confronts his rich, arrogant arch-rival in a four-hole match for honor, a girl, a lot of cash, and the right to remain at the club. Of course, all of this is fairly standard “haves vs. have nots” stuff based on class and social conflicts. Nevertheless, the ending, while both predictable and a little contrived, is sweet and satisfying enough to redeem the reader’s effort. show less

Bud Shrake is a natural story teller with a broad spirit of invention and a wild soul. This is an excellent collection of his work indeed, as I would read any longer version of the tales encapsulated here (and in the case of The Borderlands, already have). His tale of the English survivor of both 19th century Afghanistan and Hell itself is particularly promising. The ultimate tale about the UT poetry prof who sells his soul to win the championship of golf is kind of sad in its circumcision show more actually, a tight little gag wrapped in travel and sports details, shopping for a screenplay adapter show less

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An Epic of the Republic of Texas, March 3, 2008


In `The Borderland', Edwin Shrake has given readers a highly entertaining, if at times fanciful tale of the old Texas Republic. Shrake takes the reader back to the tumultuous days of 1839 and 1840 as the Republic struggles to stay afloat. The city of Austin has recently been named the new capital and settlers of all stripes are flooding to that beautiful locale on the Texan Colorado River. show more

Shrakes populates his tale with a number of real historical characters, such as President Mirabeau Lamar, Albert Sidney Johnston, the Cherokee Chief Bowl, and a seemingly highly fictionalized rendition of Texas Ranger Captain Matthew Caldwell (called `Old Paint' because of his oddly colored beard). Shrake also creates some quite original fictional characters like the half-Irish, half-Cherokee brother and sister team of Dr. Romulus Swift and Cullasaja Swift.

Shrake's epic takes in the major events such as the Council House Fight, where treachery by Lamar and the Texas Army caused the slaughter of more than a dozen Comanche chiefs who had been enticed to peace talks by promises of rich gifts. This double-cross infuriated the Comanche and led to the famous Great Raid by several thousands of `prime' warriors who swept down all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The Texans, led by the Rangers, made an improbably successful stand at the Battle of Plum Creek.

The book covers much the same time and territory as another work of historical fiction, Not Between Brothers: An Epic Novel of Texas by David Marion Wilkinson but in this reviewer's opinion, not as well. Shrake's treatment of the Comanches seems shallow by comparison. Shrake's main characters are just a bit too perfect; too strong and too beautiful. If I had to choose between them I would take Wilkinson's Not Between Brothers. But, fortunately I don't have to choose. Both books are well worth a read. show less

Beautiful instruction because of its simplicity. Perfect for the beginner but still excellent for the good player. Entertaining as well. You'll wish you had known Harvey