Texas, an Illustrated History by David G Mccomb

Texas, an Illustrated History by David G Mccomb

Texas: An Illustrated History covers a lot of history and a lot of ground. Everyone notices how different Texas is from other states. For one thing, it's bigger than all of them (except Alaska). For another, it's got so many different types of land in it that it seems like at least four states in one--mountains, gently sloping plains, three mighty rivers (and many lesser ones), prairies, wetlands, islands, not to mention miles and miles of highways passing through farm country and vast cities. And then there's the weather. It rains a lot in the eastern and central part but hardly at all in the west. Snow and sleet are unusual, but there can be blizzards on the Great Plains and in the Panhandle. There are also parts of Texas that experience droughts and other parts that are prone to flooding. Texas weather can include dust storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even "blue northers' that blow through, breaking tree limbs, shaking the windows, and lowering the temperature as much as 24 degrees in one hour. It should come as no surprise that a state so full of variety has a history as distinct and unpredictable as its weather and geography. In 9200 B.C. the first humans migrated into the Texas Panhandle. What followed--exploration and settlement by the Spaniards, Mexican rule, the years as an independent republic, statehood, secession, and the Civil War--and what is still unfolding today are fascinating stories. Distinguished Texas historian David G. McComb has gathered anecdotes, tall tales, and little-known facts to bring to life the drama, humor, and far-reaching consequences of Texas history. He writes of the Native Americans in Texas, of the armadillo (a whimsical folk symbol but not, as most suppose, the official state animal), the Alamo, barbed wire, longhorn cattle, the Texas Rangers, and the supreme importance of football to the average Texan. He profiles such Texans as Jim Bowie, Audie Murphy, Van Cliburn, Willie Nelson, Barbara Jordan, Michael DeBakey, and many others who have left a mark not only on Texas but on the world. The long and complex history of Texas falls into place in an entertaining text, brimming with facts and filled with fascinating photographs and illustrations from the past and present.It is safe to say that the United States could not survive without Texas if it had to. But after reading Texas: An Illustrated History, you will agree that Texas, has, over the years, added much to the history of our country and that is has a special brand of humor and style that enriches us all.

David G. McComb is professor of history at Colorado State University, where he teaches sports history. He holds an M.A. from Rice University, an M.B.A. from Stanford University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author of over 100 articles and several books, including
Texas: An Illustrated History (Oxford University Press, 1995). He competed in age-group swimming in junior high school, high school, college, and at the master's level, cementing his life-long interest in sports both as a participant and a spectator. Like many of us, David McComb reads the sports
pages first.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780195092462
ISBN 10	0195092465
Title	Texas, an Illustrated History
Author	David G Mccomb
Series	Oxford Illustrated Histories Ser
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Oxford University Press Inc
Year published	1995-06-29
Number of pages	142
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.