Eulalia Bourne (1895-1984)

American author. Sometimes known as 'Sister' Bourne, a nickname first given to her by a younger sister. As well as writing she worked as a teacher and a ran her own ranch. She is best known as something of a pioneer in the field of teaching, being one of the first to encourage bilingualism in the classroom, and encouraging pupils to work on their own newspaper called The Little Cowpuncher. She seems to have been a bit of a character. She was fired from her first teaching job for dancing, wore lipstick and blue jeans (not normal apparel for a school-marm in the early 20th century!) and had strong political opinions As a rancher, she was fairly unique, hating rodeos and animal cruelty.

Ms. Bourne wrote three acclaimed autobiographical books about her life as a teacher and rancher, with the best known probably being Woman in Levis. She also wrote one pony story for children.

Horse & Pony Books:

BLUE COLT
(NORTHLAND [USA] 1979)
ILLUSTRATED BY PAM FULLERTON
Reprinted by original publisher in paperback.
SUMMARY: Bill has to leave his blue yearling colt Pacifico with Manny when he goes into the army. Manny soon discovers that the colt is very fast….

Collector's Info:
The paperback is reasonably easy to find in the USA. The hardback is much rarer and may be expensive. Both editions are hard to find outside of America.

Books about the author:

WOMAN IN LEVIS
(UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA PRESS [USA] 1967)
Reprinted in paperback.
In print (print on demand).
SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of author's ranching and teaching life.

NINE MONTHS IS A YEAR AT BABOQUIVARI SCHOOL
(UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA PRESS [USA] 1968)
Reprinted in paperback.
In print (print on demand).
SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of the author's year in a rural school.

RANCH SCHOOLTEACHER
(UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA PRESS [USA] 1974)
SUMMARY: Autobiographical account of author's ranching and teaching life.

Collector's Info:
Two of these are in print at the moment as print on demand titles. Ranch Schoolteacher however does not appear to be available new. All are also easy to find second-hand in the USA. Those in print can also be bought new in the UK via Amazon, etc. Second-hand copies are harder to track down outside of the USA but not impossible.