P. David Smith and Lyn Bezek
1 book in the catalogue, published 2010.
P. David Smith and Lyn Bezek share one book in our catalogue, On the Backs of Burros: Bringing Civilization to Colorado, published in 2010 according to Open Library's record. It is a history of the burro in Colorado, from its African origin to its uncertain future.
About P. David Smith and Lyn Bezek
We found no biography for the pair that we could read and verify, so none is given. The catalogue credits them jointly on the burro book, and that credit is the whole of what we can state about the partnership.
Each has an entry of their own as well. P. David Smith appears in our catalogue with several Colorado history books, including A Quick History of Ouray and Ouray, Chief of the Utes. Lyn Bezek appears with three children's books and this one. That is as far as the record goes, and we don't extend it.
Books
What the books share
The burro book follows an animal across Colorado history: early Spanish settlers, prospectors, pack-train operators and present-day burro employment. Its subjects on record are pack transportation, frontier and pioneer life, donkeys, miners and history. Its description adds that a portion of the proceeds goes to Colorado's Long Hopes, a donkey rescue mission. That blend of history and animal care is the through line of the joint credit.
The subjects this author is catalogued under. Open Library record.
Next steps for readers of this author
Supporting donkey rescue after reading
If the book moves you, look at the shelter's site to see how sponsorship and tours work, and ask how your help would be used.
Seeing where burros worked
Pick a San Juan mining town, visit its museum, and ask staff whether any local pack train history is on display.
Comparing burro books
Our library also has Lyn Bezek's children's books about donkeys. Set the history beside them for an age by age reading list.
Go deeper
On the Backs of Burros follows the burro through Colorado's mining past, and the animal's story connects to rescue work and to museums in mining towns.
Longhopes Donkey Shelter
A donkey rescue whose site says it has been saving burro buddies since 1999. The book's description names Long Hopes as a recipient of proceeds.
San Juan County Historical Society
Operates a mining heritage center in Silverton, where pack trains once served the mines. Its site says the season ends in fall.
Ouray County Museum
The county museum houses displays on mining, ranching and railroading, the trades that relied on pack animals.
Good to know
What is On the Backs of Burros about?
Who gets part of the proceeds?
Do these authors have other books with us?
Writers like this one are how the list was built
We have published Colorado and Western writers since 1996, and every submission is still read by a person. Send yours, finished or half written.