If your idea of Western wear is John Wayne in chaps and creased 10 gallon hat - forget it. Rolling Stone Press Editor Holly George-Warren and clothing designer Michelle Freedman have produced a luxe look at Western garb that is more Las Vegas than Laredo.

The iconic American cowboy typifies our country's spirit to many, from New York City sidewalk stompers who have no saddles but don boots to diamond encrusted Grammy award winners who twang with the best of them.

So, for those attracted by the lore and lure of ranching days, here is a photographed filled bow to all garb Western. It begins with the practical clothing needed by scours, traders, and ranch workers, then details how early movie stars such as Tom Mix, Gene Autry, Dale Evans and Roy Rogers spurred a popular trend in cowboy wear.

That vogue was to later influence British rock musicians and high end fashion designers such as Ralph Lauren.
"There's a little bit of cowboy in everybody," the foreword states and that would be seem to be true as the pages of How The West Was Worn reveal glimpses of tastefully displayed silver buckles, jauntily worn Stetsons, and rhinestone embellished rigs that never saw a range.

- Gail Cooke

A colorful and comprehensive examination of American style at it's most iconic - the authors have done a wonderful job telling the story of how cowboy duds came to symbolize America the world over. A must have for anyone interested in the West, design, decorative arts, fashion, pop culture or Americana/American History. The book is gorgeously presented, expertly written and endlessly entertaining, the photography is beautiful, and the interviews are rare and revealing. From the plains and frontiers, to Buffalo Bill to the Hollywood Cowboy, Country & Western, Rock & Roll, the current fashion craze, the authors leave no cowpie unturned as they reveal how the cowboy hat became our collective unconscious. The most complete record of the lives and work of N. Turk, Rodeo Ben, and Nudie to date. How did the famed North Hollywood rodeo tailor get men in the 20th century to wear fanciful embroidered and rhinestoned creations, that became more and more elaborate in a competitive fervor to outshine each other?(And how did Keith Richards cause him to draw the line?) Find out. From the fanatical to the casual observer, and especially anyone who has ever bedazzled denim or worn a pair of cowboy boots, all will treasure this book.

One of the best ways to win a case before going to trial is using preclusive devices, such as summary judgment.

Freedman discusses the techniques you can use to win your case or narrow your liability before a trial starts. This can mean a huge savings in bringing your case to a satisfying close.

Freedman outlines the major preclusive legal devices, such as summary judgment, and backs up his discussion with support from case law and court opinions. He does not simply present the mechanics of how the various devices work, but also when and how you can increase your chance of winning your case or your motion by using these techniques.

Freedman's introduction gives a basic outline of preclusive device practice, while later chapters cover summary judgment adjudication without a trial in depth with great clarity, precision, and thoughtfulness. Accelerated judgments are touched upon here, but without the same penetrating attention as summary judgment.

Other important devices Freedman covers include discovery (requests for admission which are essential for a summary judgment motion's accompanying statements of fact), release agreements, dismissal and settlement agreements, and bifurcation (trying a case first on the cause of action and then on damages, for instance). Additional chapters cover the preclusive doctrines of res judicata and collateral estoppel.

Freedman presents a well organized, contemporary approach to how summary judgment and preclusive devices are used in courts today. It will come in handy for recent law grads looking to enhance their motion practice or pro se litigants who want to learn how to avoid the cost and hassle of a prolonged trial.