The Cowgirl Companion

An eclectic collection of tales (as well as essays, poems, and historical photos) from the feminine — but no less wild — West. Chapters on hair and wardrobe musts (if you can fit a dollar bill in your Levis, they're too loose) and ''Ranch Romance'' are amusing; unfortunately, Gail Gilchriest's humor sometimes seems to skewer the same women she's attempting to honor. But with its Preppy Handbook-like approach, complete with roping instructions and a recipe for no-frills, no-fuss biscuits, The Cowgirl Companion should ensure that even urban wannabes feel at home on the range. B