Man & Horse

A memoir of a young man's 4,000-mile journey on horseback across 1970s America—an unforgettable adventure of self-discovery and close companionship that captures the world from a view like no other: as seen between a horse's ears

"One of those rare and splendid books that stay with you long after you finish the last page.” —Bill Bryson, author of A Walk in the Woods

In the spring of 1974, twenty-four-year-old John Egenes set out from Ventura, California, on a Quarter Horse named Gizmo he'd raised himself. He had $100, a beat-up cavalry saddle, and a dream of crossing the country—a dream he’d been harboring since his boyhood in a broken home.

Over the next seven months, man and horse traveled through eleven states, trekking across America’s deserts, mountains, prairies, and small towns. They navigated by worn U.S. Geological Survey maps and dead reckoning, slept in graveyards and abandoned shacks, drank from (and bathed in) cattle tanks, and shared what little food they had (including the occasional Snickers bar for Gizmo)--enduring lightning storms, belligerent drunks, elk herds, and even a black widow bite.

Part-travelogue, part spiritual quest, Man & Horse is a memoir of rare authenticity, humor, and candor. As he trots along at a horse's pace, slowing down to take in his surroundings, Egenes reckons with the widening chasm between the analog America of the 1970s and the reality on hyperdrive we live in now, reminding us of what’s truly worth holding onto.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs