New Edition of The Book of Mules: An Introduction the the Original Hybrid

 

The Book of Mules: An Introduction to the Original Hybrid has just been released and is available on Amazon.com in paperback.

 

Some of you may have already bought The Book of Mules (Thank you!). If that is the case, you probably don’t need the new one.

When the The Book of Mules became out of print, I decided to republish it myself. I made a few changes. First, I changed the subtitle to “An Introduction to the Original Hybrid.” That has always been my intention in writing the book – to introduce mules to first-time owners or folks who are still in the “thinking about it” stage. I think you more experienced owners will find some useful information, too.

You will find chapters on the origin and history of the mule, types of mules and their uses, how to care for them, health issues, raising mules, and some training principles. While a good deal of what’s true of horses is true of mules, a good deal is different. I updated some of the back-matter. Websites come and go, and a few did go in the eleven years since first publication, as well as farms and businesses.

I added a new chapter at the end titled “Some Mule Tales.” The reason I added the mule tales is because back in 2009 when The Book of Mules first was published, I met folks who shared their stories with me at some of my book signings. These people had farmed and worked with mules back in the days before tractors were the norm. Some stories were funny, and some were bitter-sweet. Thanks to social media when I asked for stories, I got some response. I am happy to include their stories because they are an important part of American’s heritage. I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did.

I didn’t get back all of the photos used in the book first time around. So, there are some different pictures. The book looks different in and out, but the information is the same except for minor tweaks here and there. Another thing, I really wanted to have this paperback edition printed in color, but it would have cost folks nearly $30, therefore the interior is in black and white. The Kindle version has color. All that being said, I am simply happy to have The Book of Mules: An Introduction to the Original Hybrid available for future readers to add to their library.

PS If you buy the book please leave a review as all of the previous reviews disappeared when the old editions came off Amazon. And, if you will email me that you’ve bought the book, I’ll be happy to send you a signed bookplate that you can stick inside of your copy.

Find me on Amazon at amazon.com/author/donnacampbellsmith

 

Sadie Mae at the Book Signing

Triangle Horse Sport hosted a book signing for The Book of Mules last Sunday. Shannon Hoffman brought her mule, Sadie Mae. Sadie Mae is on the cover of The Book of Mules and has to be the most patient mule in the world. She stood quietly for four hours while folks petted, sat on her, and little kids were led around the parking lot on her. Her feet stayed planted to the pavement in between rides and the most she showed interest of anything going on around her was to turn her head, look and then ignore it – be it traffic or people milling around.

Shannon took the opportunity to educate listeners about mules. Her poster, “What Can’t you Do With A Mule?” created questions about the personality of mules. Shannon explained that it is probably the mule’s intelligence that keeps it out of trouble, and that usually translate into an equine less likely to get over excited than horses. Sadie Mae certainly seemed to demonstrate that to be true. You can read about Shannon and all her mule activities at http://stclairredmulefarm.blogspot.com/

I am very thankful to Triangle Horse Sport for inviting me to sign books at their store, and for their gracious hospitality. You can still get a signed copy of The Book of Mules even if you missed the event. They have some extras on hand.

Press Release: The Book of Mules

The following press release may be used with my permission in your publication:

Donna Campbell Smith newest release, The Book of Mules (Lyons Press 2008) has hit the bookstore shelves just in time for the holidays. Smith launched the book’s debut with a book signing at The Coffee Hound Bookshop in downtown Louisburg, North Carolina with the cover mule, Sadie Mae, in attendance. Many of the book signing’s visitors shared their memories of having a mule on the farm when they were young. Children were allowed to pet Sadie Mae and give her special mule treats provided by owner, Shannon Hoffman. Hoffman is on the board of directors of the Carolina Mule Association.

The book is a celebration of mules, those long-eared hybrids that helped carry pioneers west, till the tobacco and cotton fields of the South, and serve in the military throughout America history. Today, they are still working hard in fields, working as pack animals, as favorite mounts for trail riders and are still used in the military. In fact, any place you find horses you are likely to find a mule whether it is it is the show arena or in the back forty.

While not a mule owner herself Smith has been involved in the horse industry for over thirty years. She interviewed mule experts from all over the country in writing this, her third book for The Lyons Press. Most of the photography is also by the author with other pictures submitted by various organizations and individuals.

The Book of Mules covers the history and origin of the mule and the care, selection, breeding and showing of mules. One chapter is devoted to festivals held across the country that celebrate the mule, an honor unique to the hybrids of the equine world. A list of resources and glossary will help readers who are new to the world of mules extend their knowledge.

Donna writes from her home in Franklinton, North Carolina. She has worked in the horse industry for over thirty years as a trainer, instructor and breeder of Arabian horses. She has an AAS Degree in Equine Technology from Martin Community College, where she also took extended courses in art and composition. She is a certified riding instructor and served many years as a Master NC 4-H Horse Program Volunteer.

Smith wrote her first non-fiction book, The Book of Miniature Horses, published by The Lyons Press three years ago, collaborating with photographer Bruce Curtis of Long Island, New York. Next, Smith both wrote and photographed The Book of Draft Horses.
In addition, Smith has two children’s historical fiction novels in print with Faithful Publishing. Pale as the Moon and An Independent Spirit are set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and were inspired by the wild horses that have roamed free there for over 400 years. She also writes for several regional and national magazines including Our State, Carolina Country, Stable Management Magazine, USA Equestrian, Young Rider, The Chronicle of the Horse, Boys Life, and The Gaited Horse.

The Book of Mules retail 22.95
ISBN 978-1-59921-283-8
Published in 2008 by The Lyons Press, an imprint of The Globe Pequot Press