Texas Books

Bone Justice continues the Seth Strummar western series with a storyline that is in equal parts horrific and romantic. Elizabeth Fackler's crime fiction has always been celebrated for its low-key but hard-boiled drama. Her careful and evocative prose depicts the outlaw Strummar trying to figure out if his partner has turned into a man who deals in women. In the course of the book we get to know the life stories of three different women who, while true to the era in which they're alive, also hold significance for today, especially in the way Fackler demonstrates the violence they have to endure. Fackler tops herself here by setting the youngest woman on an unspoken spiritual quest--and a believable one--that will redeem a broken life. Elizabeth Fackler has a unique approach to the novel and speaks in a voice all her own. She takes familiar elements and makes them seem startling and new through the dazzle of her prose and the humanity of her forgiving gaze. ED GORMAN'S BLOG.

In 1875 in Laredo, Texas twenty-six years old Seth Strummar wins $200 in gold and a Colorado ranch. Euphoric especially with the spread, he quits outlawing to become a rancher. Feeling he owes his mentor-boss Ben Allister to tell him in person he is leaving, he rides to the outlaw leader's cabin. Instead of Ben being there, Seth finds two females held prisoner by other gang members, who inform him that Ben purchased the two women from Comancheros and plans to sell them in Mexico. They also say that he gave them the wailing younger one thirteen years old Esther, but only Ben will use the older silent woman Oriana.

Seth abducts both females knowing that will anger Ben, but feels his former leader has gone too far when he begins to trade women as a commodity. Though he initially planned to dump the females on a small town sheriff, Seth finds the town of El Topo dead. He also realizes that Ben is coming for them and him so he can't abandon the females though the idea is tempting but he plans to escort the women to Esther's Granny in Kansas. On the road Angel Madera joins them, but shows he desires Esther leading to Seth not trusting him.

BONE JUSTICE is a terrific western thriller starring an outlaw with ethics as Seth feels impelled to rescue two women from his former mentor. Seth is a fascinating character struggling to do the right thing for Esther and Oriana, but not finding it easy as he tries to deliver the vulnerable Esther to her Granny while attempting to help her mentally recover from her ordeal; Oriana with her barriers is even more difficult for him. Fans who appreciate a powerful character driven tale of the old west will want to read Elizabeth Fackler's terrific Southwest frontier thriller and seek Seth's other novels (see ROAD FROM BETRAYAL) as this reviewer plans to do.

Harriet Klausner

Bone Justice is absolutely excellent! Kudos to Elizabeth Fackler for another well-written, fascinating novel.

BOWIE IS ONE OF THE BEST FICTIONAL BIOGARPHY I'VE EVER READ. A MAGNIFICANT ACHIVEMENT OF FACT SUPPORTING FICTION TO RE-CREAT A STORY IN WORDS THAT WILL BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES AND A LUMP TO YOUR THROAT.THE AWSOME TASK OF BIOGAPHICAL NOVELIST IS TO GATHER UP THE BONES OF LONG-DEAD PEOPLE AND BEREATH LIFE BACK INTO THEM.

The author seemed so knowledgeable on the subject of Jim Bowie. I didn't know some of the stories myself. I often wondered what went on prior to The Alamo and now I know. I would like to see the same type of Book come out about Crockett and Travis.

Eickhoff and Lewis have teamed together to compose the most complete account of a complicated, often oversimplified man. As a hero of the Alamo, James Bowie has been the victim of many myths. I believe Eickhoff and Lewis succeed at erasing the myths, yet keeping the mystery and magical qualities that seemed to surround the man, who some called "El Leon", or the lion, because of his impressive mane of red hair. Lewis published an article about Bowie last year, where he gave us a taste of what was to come in this book, Bowie. I recommend it, expecially the magical telling of the forging of the infamous knife that became Bowie's trademark.

This is a beautifully illustrated guidebook. What makes it particularly useful and informative are the outstanding photographs of butterflies in different stages of their life cycle and different color phases, together with the extremely well-written text which thoroughly describes the natural history of each variety.

This is a great book for those living in the Southeast area!! I was able to identify a butterfly (goatweed) that I couldn't find in the many other books I have. This book shows male & female butterflies, which made for easy ID. Well worth the $.

The Tvetens have written the definitive account of butterflies in eastern Texas. John's photos are incredible and show the key field makes needed to identify each species. Most accounts of each species also include a photo of the larval stage. All account include a description of the egg, larva, male and female adult and seasonal variations. I use this book all the time.

This book is amazing. It's a great reference for the everday clothes of women on the frontier. It discusses general fashions along with construction techniques and material choices. There are lots of good pictures of clothes, including some close-ups to see details of construction. The book also talks about how women treated their clothes--where they brought them from, how they re-used and re-fashioned them, how they got new materials, and such. It's particularly excellent in that it focuses largely on the group of women who aren't in many of the other books, those who weren't in a city and couldn't follow Parisian fashions and have new dresses every season. A wonderful book for anyone interested in the fashions of homesteading women.

The pictures are beautiful, the information is extensive, and it'll make you want to sew!

I have owned this book for years and use it often in my work as a historic garment researcher & seamstress. Copious primary source material in the form of store ads, photographs of original garments in the Museum's collection, and easy-to-understand, logical descriptions of the times and social conditions under which these clothes were worn. ...

This is a must have book for any person who is interested in Texana. It is very represetative of most of the regions of the State, including South, Central and Coastal Texas. Please note: Do not buy this book if you only want to read about the King Ranch.

This book provides a personal and engaging look into the lives of some of the wealthiest and most private ranches in Texas. Anyone who has an interest in the Mystique that IS Texas will love this book. This book provides a look at the "real world" of Texas ranch life--it is a history of a fading tradition of true ranching that has made Texas what it is today.

What a tragic loss to all Texans (and those who want to be) that Dian Malouf's book "Cattle Kings" is out of print. It's witty, historically correct and an obvious work from the heart. Please reprint this classic cowboy delight!

good materials, very good sizing and fitting, the colours are strongs and doesnt fade whit many laundryes

I'm very please with my shirt i already order 10 more, i highly recomend this shirt

JUST GOT THE TWO COTTON RAGLAN SLEEVE BASEBALL SHIRTS.THE QUALITY IS UNBELIEVABLE FOR THE PRICE.. MY HUSBAND LOVED THEM AND I WILL ORDER MORE FOR THE GRANDKIDS.. FAST SHIPPING TOO!!!!

This book is not only about Charles Goodnight, but it is an excellent source on the history of the Panhandle, especially the settlement of the Palo Duro Canyon. You'll learn about the land, the wildlife, and the men who came to tame them both. It's an excellent biography, and should be required reading for anyone who lives within a hundred mile radius of the Palo Duro canyon.

My first indication this book existed was a chapter, entitled The Making of a Scout, that Ole Hosstail (Joe Austell Small) ran in TRUE WEST magazine back around August, 1966.

Charles Goodnight was many things in the Texas Panhandle, pioneer, ranchman, Indian fighter, homesteader, leader and all around man 'with the bark on. One of the outstanding things he did, among all his other activities, was his work with the Bison (buffalo) saving a herd but also in achieving the 'cattalo' a cross between range cattle and the bison.

This book was already 20 some years old when it crossed my trail, and though I have a good hardcover copy, it is a second printing. But no matter which copy one may have, it is definately a prime source of information and no small classic in its own right.

In September, 2007, the University of Oklahoma will publish a newer biography of Charles Goodnight by William T. Hagan. Though having much fewer pages it will no doubt be worth having on a reader's western shelf as well.

No matter what your western reading interest concerning the west, Charles Goodnight is almost a must read.

Semper Fi.

Being a shirtail relative of Charles Goodnight, Ihave been anxious to learn more of him. My mother was a Goodnight, but not a direct descendant. More like a great-great niece. Would like to here from anyone who may be related. The book is very informative. I have an early copy from about the 1940's.

Chasing Warblers was published by University of Texas Press and it received a book design award by Southeastern Library Association in 2000. Book designer: Heidi Haeuser.

While many books on birds are either cumbersome "doorstops" with far too much information (even for the avid) or are comprised of a collection of "only good" photographs that all seem to blend into one at the end of the reading (if you get that far), Bob and Vera's, "Chasing Warblers" is refreshing. Not only are the photographs first class by all standards, but the storyline is original and tight. First off, who gets that close to a Swainson's or a Colima or a Kirtlands, let alone photograph it? Any birder who has even scant knowledge of warblers and their persistant and sometimes frustrating "flutter" can appreaciate their task and acknowledge their success. Second, there is good writing. The story of Bob and Vera's adventures and misadventures from the mountaintops of the Texan deserts to the Pacific forests to the woodlands of Central Park prove exciting and written in colorful coloquial speak. Whether a birder or not - one can appreciate a book that combines truly amazing photos with an entertaining story - a rare entity!! Review by Mark Robert, San Francisco, Ca.

A wonderful book. In addition to great photographs, it is a wonderful story of the adventure taken to obtain the photo's by the photographers.

Very informative, and enjoyable, for those who grew up going to the Metropolitan, Loew's, and the Majestic, like I did. Wonderful memories!

ANOTHER ONE OF THOSE DELICIOUS BOOKS FOR THE TRUE THEATRE/CINEMA COLLECTOR/AFFICIANDO. WELL WRITTEN AND EASY READING. WORTH THE PURCHASE.

Welling has done a great service in preserving memories of the Cinema and the architecture of its theaters. The book focuses on Houston, Texas as it travels from the silent movie houses, through the golden age, megaplex, and on to the home theater. If you ever lived in Houston, you will find many memories among its pages. If you spent your formative years elsewhere, you may find that your home town shares this history.

The historical information, both narrative and pictorial was eye opening for someone that was born and raised in the area. The stories of a port Bagdad all of a sudden became real. The accounts of the rise and fall of goverments in both sides of the border provide an exciting window to the past, a treasure of local history, a tale of two sister cities, which has not been dutifully explored by the locals. The accounts of steamboats on the Rio Grande and the impact they had on the economy of the area at first appeared surreal, yet the oportune historical photography of the 1860's and Thompson's accurate narratives transport the reader into the era.

Civil War And Revolution On The Rio Grande Frontier: A Narrative And Photographic History is the story of the bloody fighting that erupted in Zapata Country only days after the shots fired at Fort Sumter initiated the American Civil War. Featuring more than 125 vintage images taken by a skilled Prussian photographer Louis de Planque and his followers, Civil War And Revolution On The Rio Grande Frontier is a captivating illustrated history that relates the deadly toll of war. It covers not only the Civil War itself, but the guerilla fighting that continued long after the official end of the war, and the murderous raids and mercenary armies that pillaged both sides of the border, as well as the "justice" that would sometimes amount to indiscriminate hanging. A highly recommended contribution to American history and reference shelves.

Just when one feels he has read the best history of the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, here comes another. Names, People, Places and now Photographs, This book is like the candles on a birthday cake, with out it, the full picture is not complete. James A. McAllen