31 is a collection of stories by Lawrence Clayton. Clayton, author of many books about ranches in Texas, tells his favorite stories about ranches and cowboys in the West Texas area, particularly in Shackleford and Throckmorton counties. It is a good collection, particularly to those who are interested in the history of Albany, Texas, and the cowboy culture that still exists there.

As a Texan, I found this book to be a wonderful heartfelt tribute to Mr. Graves love of the Brazos River which included a lot of local history. I formerly lived in that area and have also canoed on the river and so I enjoyed his thoughts very much. I now live in the Hill Country and he wrote a book called "From A Limestone Ledge" that deals with his ruminations on life in our area! It is a pretty good one too! I agree that sometimes he gets a little "wordy" but I think it is still worth reading!

A great story that incorporates history, the outdoors, and philosophy. With the rugged country of the upper Brazos river as his backdrop, Graves takes you on an enjoyable journey that you hope will never end. You hear tales of the "Old West" and modern Texas as well. Graves' thoughts as he travels alone on the Brazos are classic for their insight and humor. I highly reccomend this book to all Texans, or anyone who wants to feel like a Texan for a while. I'm buying another Graves book soon.

I live 25 miles from the spot on the Brazos river where John Graves begins his tale. I have floated this section of the river many times. Reading this book before making the trip makes the float immeasurably more interesting. Each time you come to a certain spot or bend in the river, you recall the tale the author related about the history surrounding that particular spot. This is a great book for anyone who has ever floated or would like to float this section of the Brazos river.

Stop long enough to notice the clump of old men standing under the shade trees on the courthouse lawn. And listen. Or if they go silent when you approach, notice the murmur that resumes when you're out of earshot. In Thornham, Texas, those up-in-years menfolk standing under that big, old fig tree are the town gossips, and they're ready to pass judgment on anyone in their ken, based on hear-say or outright prevarications. Once the word is out, woe be unto the targets of their barbs of scorn. If you are a sucker for Texana and a good yarn, you won't be disappointed in "Under the Man Fig." Fans of Eudora Welty, William Faulkner, Carson McCullers and Bulwer-Lytton may recognize the meter, dialect and shrouded tone. If you're offended by outdated/unkind/never-appropriate words referring to African-Americans, you'll find plenty to fault in this 1890s novel. But readers who are able to set revisionism aside and accept this work for something true to its era (although over-romanticized here and there) will find much to appreciate. Make sure to absorb the afterword by Sylvia Ann Grider, but I suggest reading it before jumping into the text. It has a whetting effect that makes the book even more enjoyable.