Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 05/01/2015 MacLeod, whose book Bunny the Brave War Horse (2014) introduced an equine veteran of WWI, now presents six more stories of horses in history. Some are illustrious individuals, such as Bucephalus, the famous steed of Alexander the Great, and Seabiscuit, the celebrated twentieth-century racehorse. Others had notable roles in American history, such as the swift horses of the Pony Express and Star, who carried Sybil Ludington on her dangerous ride to summon her father’s Revolutionary War troops. The remaining chapters discuss pit ponies in American coal mines during the 1800s and mustangs, particularly in their role as “buffalo horses” in Blackfoot culture. In both the lively main text and sidebars, the writing is detailed and informative, though some sections are fictionalized. Sources are listed for each chapter, but the lack of notes makes it difficult at times to separate fact from fiction. The many color illustrations include photos, prints, and paintings. Readers drawn to the subject will enjoy the book’s topical approach. - Copyright 2015 Booklist.