Texas Books

An American classic by the country's best curator of western folklore.

Dobie tells the story of the impact that the introduction of the horse had on life in the Americas, with an emphasis on the American West. His historical research is good, citing a number of written sources (and even giving new perspective on Fremont or Pike).

But the real color of the book comes from his anecdotes, many of which come from discussions with cowboys and mustangers who lived through the final days of the open range in the American West. Great color, great stories throughout!

Highly entertaining, yet with good research and historical value. Wonderful insight into the character of horses.

I'm not sure why, but this book just completely captured my imagination and ran with it. This is one of m favorite books of all time. What I really love, though, is the copy I read was a musty old tome, probably printed in the 30s or 40s, from my library, that just had the mosr wonderful smell and the comfortable, dusty feel. If at all possible, read a copy like that.

My major was "Spanish North American History," and my wife and I developed a ranch and bred horses for more than ten years. So, this book was down my alley. In fact, it was a book of assigned reading in a course I took. It is primarily about the Spanish BARB that the Spaniards brought to America, and that became the root stock of Mustangs that still run wild in many western states. They have bred into themselves qualities that make them special, especially as cow ponies, and explain why they are sometimes referred to as "rock horses," because they do not need to be shod. Dobie is as much a story teller as he is a historian with a style most becoming. He was born in the 1800s and knew the people and the times of which he speaks. Mexicans were most familiar with Mustangs, but the Plains Indians learned to handle them and became great riders in their own right, as when on the hunt. The Mustang was essential to the time in which they existed, and were the catalyst for the life-style of their day. Wealth was counted in the number of horses a brave had, and horse stealing was the avocation that pitted tribe against tribe at the expense of human life as well as horse flesh, much of which was eaten. Whites ate them, too, usually when either they or their horses played out. Times have changed, but there is another book that as a sequel to this one expresses the way in which it changed. I refer to A BEAUTIFUL, CRUEL COUNTRY, by Eva Antonia Wilber-Cruce who was born about the turn of the 20th century, and raised in Southern Arizona. The rock horses played a significant role in their lives when horses were still essential in such a rough land. I recommend The Musangs be read first, then Eva's book, for those who even yet have a fondness for horses. If I were still raising horses, I would, after reading these books, look seriously for a rock horse I could call my own. I cannot believe how much I learned from reading Dobie's book. Little is left to the imagination.

What would the Old West have been without the Mustang? Frank Dobie regales the reader with tales ranging from the legendary Pacing White Mustang to more obscure but nonetheless fascinating legends such as Blue Streak and Starface, to insight into the mysterious origins of the breed.

I read this book for the first time years ago, and I still can't get enough of it! This book is must-read for any horse lover or Wild West enthusiast!

I was privileged to hear Jesse Sublett speak at ConMisterio in Austin. The way he presented himself and talked about his book intrigued me. A great-grandmother, I've never been particularly fond of rock music, but I bought the book and read it on my airplane ride back to California.

Mr. Sublett pours his heart and soul out in this book. It gave me some insight into the make-up of a musician. The way he writes about his music and how it makes him feel is revealing, especially to someone like me who had no prior knowledge.

However, the meat of the story is how the murder of his girlfriend affects his whole life, and how that devastating event also changes him and eventually even influences his choices during his life-threatening illness.

Once I began reading, I couldn't stop. I highly recommend Never the Same Again.

Marilyn Meredith, the author of Wishing Makes It So and Wingbeat

Aside from his music, Jesse Sublett is known for his pulp detective novels. Here he turns his gaze inward, and exercises his detection skills to unravel his past and come to terms with an event which has troubled his sleeping and waking since its occurence. One of the few memoirs that I have read which treats the author's younger self with neither condesencion nor contempt: it captures his innocence even in "rebellion", and the lovely part is, that although he faced both the brutal murder of a lover and a deadly disease, that innocence has survived and blossomed into a new life.

It's gotta be a wild hopscotch between playing first wave punk in the late 70s and turning into a detective novelist for the next two decades. Yet, like his idol James Ellroy, Jesse Sublett's own life was imprinted with death. Sublett's talent lies not just in the vivid depiction of a nascent music scene in Austin, Texas but his deft juxtaposition of it as a man living with a dark memory and what might have been a bleak future. With wry humor and insight, Never The Same Again is in a category of its own in the rock book pantheon, an autiography turned up to 11.

Although marketed as "A Rock 'N' Roll Gothic," this remarkable book deserves a much wider readership. Jesse Sublett's very literate story should be required reading for everyone over the age of sixteen.

His autobiographical story is a cautionary tale in which he visits the darker sides of his life head-on with incredible courage--traveling back to the one tragic event that was to shape his entire life. How he deals (and doesn't deal) with this tragedy is what makes this book a compelling read. It is a survivor's story written in an honest and candid style.

This is not an easy book! Reader's may be confronted with their own demons along the way but Jesse's ultimately hopeful and positive message shines through--leading the way!

Family, friends, music, creativity, tears, laughter, and ultimately understanding meld together to form a powerful mix in this very human story of one man's journey.


Note:
I was first introduced to Jesse at an evening signing event in our bookshop in Glendale, CA. Both my wife and I were impressed with this tall thin man from Texas with such an easy manner. I might not have investigated this book had it not been for Jesse's reading that evening. Thank you, Jesse! Keep writing!

The best compliment I can give Mr. Sublett is that after the first third of the book, I had to put the book down, go smoke a cigarette and then didnt pick the book back up for about 3 weeks. The events of his life are gripping, entertaining, funny and sad. Jesse defianlty has a story to tell, but in the same way, his writing reminds us that we ALL have a story to tell. That good and bad things happen to everyone. I really liked his writing style. Certain phrases and ideas really stuck in my head - lines like "her eye's didnt see me" and the tape loop running over and over. These are both events that I could identitfy with in my own life. I too was involved in a murder trial in which I was there with body before the police came. I really dont talk much about it because I feel like no one I know has been in that position and Jesse's words summed it all up. It made me revisit my past.
Overall, I highly recommend this book - especially to those who actually live in Austin. Reading about all the clubs that are now long gone and reading the back stories on people who play everyweekend here in Austin was great. The idea of John Dee Graham at 17 is a trip. Also I think struggling austin musicains will also find this book to be inspiring and an eye opener to how success in the music biz goes; the reality of it.
I loved how this book ended but what I think would be even cooler is when Dashille is older, that he writes a book from his prospective starting off where this book ends. Now that would be cool. Congrats Mr. Sublett on a great book. Much love to Lois and the most handsome man. I now will pass it on...

North Of Texas is a novel of historical fiction inspired by real-life hero Ed North, a San Antonio deputy constable whose family lineage reflected the passion and the daring to do great deeds. North of Texas traces the saga of a brave family through ten generations, from a pioneer who immigrated to the New World in 1630 to a veteran of the American Revolution, a Civil War soldier who moved his family to Texas, to an oil-funded millionaire who suddenly lost it all. A rich and exciting saga of courage, compassion, and the drive to realize one's dream.

North of Texas follows ten generations of the North family and chronicles the lives of five of these spirited men in particular: John, Abijah, Tom, Harvey, and Ed. Tom Elkins' journalistic background is evident in his attention to facts, but he utilizes his talent for story-weaving to provide fictional details that make for a tale that's as entertaining as it is informative and historically accurate. Readers fight alongside North men in the Revolutionary, Civil, and Vietnam wars. Their adventures are engrossing and make you feel as if you're watching the events play out before your eyes. Even for a history non-enthusiast like me, this gripping book was hard to put down.

The author also reveals his journalistic roots by his refusal to slant his portrayal of any of the characters. He reports their flaws and mistakes right along with their accolades, leaving his readers well-equipped to form their own opinions about these sometimes too-human men, and his honesty lends credibility and pays tribute to the North family's many honors.

I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written docudrama and eagerly look forward to reading more by Tom Elkins.

Once you start reading this book it is difficult to put down. Chapter by chapter this historical novel captures the spirit of a truly American family, the kind of family that forms the backbone of our great country. There is a real Ed North, and if you ever have the opportunity to meet him you will understand the qualities of which Tom Elkins so eloquently writes. Ed North has the compassion of a father and the fearless courage which we expect in our lawmen. Start reading this book and you will enjoy Americana without ever having a dull moment.

NORTH OF TEXAS is a five-star winner! A total delight to read, Tom Elkins, a master story teller, takes the reader through the life and times of the North family beginning with John North, who came to this country in 1630, to Ed North, who became a Texas legend in law enforcement in the 1990s.

This is a tale of an extraordinary all-American family and of this country's turbulent history. The story of this country and this family are tightly woven together in this saga which stretches over several centuries making this tale both entertaining and educational.

Folks in Texas are known to be colorful characters and the North family is certainly not an exception to this stereotype. There are many extraordinary situations and more than a few belly laughs along the way.

Don't miss this one! This story does not disappoint.

This book was advertised as "exciting historical fiction," and the author has an interesting way of interjecting his real-life characters into actual historical events ala James Michener. But unlike a Michener novel, these stories left me wanting more. I don't need to know how the Texas hills were created by volcanic upheaval, or how the dinosaurs turned into oil deposits, to enjoy a story about Texas oilmen.
I did find myself wishing a few of the events, such as the double murder that goes along with the oilmens' story, had gotten a little more play. But all in all, this book was very much like reading the abridged version of a Michener novel, which was very appealing for me. BUY THIS BOOK!

I keep buying and giving copies of The ONLY Texas Cookbook...starting with my daughters-in-law who want some of my favorite recipes. But you don't have to be a cook to hunker down with this powerful book of classic Texas tales you'll never forget because Linda's voice rings so true. It is an oldie but goodie! ~ Shirley (Shirleybarr PR, Houston)

I picked up this book a few years ago while visiting a friend in Houston. There are so many good recipes in here, I don't even know where to begin! Lots of basic, easy to make Texas-style and Tex-mex recipes, plus a smattering of exotic wild game dishes. But it's not just the recipes that make this book -- the author, Linda West Eckhardt -- has filled the pages with humorous stories and factoids about the Texas lifestyle.

This is not only a cookbook but a collection of excellent short stories by Linda that give you an insight into Texas culture as well as cusine (recipes are good too).

I read cookbooks for more than recipes. This book has it all. Curl up on a cool evening, or a torrid afternoon, to learn abut Texas and the great humor of Linda West. She talks about her family and friends in a way that makes you want to meet them and sit down and enjoy a hearty meal with them all. The recipes are easy to follow, and true to her description. Thoroughly enjoyable!

I had borrowed the book from my sister and found it to be just wonderful!! Being a Native Texan, I am always on the look-out for recipes that are "Texas". The recipes for Duck Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffee andFuzzy's Fantastic South Texas Road Meat Chili are among my favorite from the book. My sister is demanding her copy back, so, I am ordering my own!!

Chicken fried steak isn't the only yummy thing served in Texas.

Ever since the Spaniards encountered the Native Americans, the opportunities in Texas have attracted people from all over the world. Many families continue to celebrate favorite traditions carried from their original homeland or culture.

Our Texas Heritage includes traditional recipes, modified for today's kitchen, that are fun and simple to follow. Just as enticing are the stories and traditions the author liberally sprinkles among the recipes.

Use the book as a travel resource when exploring the Texas highways. Discover the Polish and their customs in Panna Maria, the Wends in Serbin, or the Danes in Danevang.

As a newcomer to Texas, I found this book a delightful way to discover the diversity of my new home.

Books about which ethnic groups came to settle a region tend to read like rough drafts of a master's thesis--all stray facts gleaned from sources, and no really interesting stories. Multi-cultural cook books tend to be filled with instructions such as "find restructured ghee at your local Bengal market", rather than practical ways to prepare meals with food one is likely to have on hand. Thus, one might imagine that Dorothy McConachie's survey of ethnic traditions and recipes of the folks who settled Texas between the Civil War and World War I might be a dreary hybrid of the trivial and the impossible-to-prepare. Instead, the book is an easy, enjoyable read, and the recipes are all within reach of the average cook using average ingredients. I am of the "heat and serve" school of cooking, and yet I think I can prepare most things in this book.

I particularly liked that the book, while non-trivial, has lots of "important little details" that such a survey written thirty years ago might lack. Among the native American groups, we get not only the expected discussion of Comanche practices, but also the oft-forgotten Caddo groups are discussed. The interrelation among the Polish, German and Wendish settlers is noted, making for an interesting contrast between the "old country" and the new.

The style of the book is very easy to follow. Each ethnic group gets a discussion of a few pages in interesting, anecdotal detail, followed by a few recipes which utilize "normal" American kitchen ingredients. The recipes are not mere curios, but instead are things one might wish to prepare--empanaditas from Mexico, a Czech dill soup, a challah (rich egg bread), and good old-fashioned spoon bread.

Too often we think of "Texas cooking" or even "southern cooking" as a monolith, just as we mistakenly think of the Anglo settlers of Texas as one ethnic group. This book helps explain who settled Texas, and provides special dishes for each group. Best of all, the whole thing is readable, fun, and devoid of that "footnote feel" which a zealous graduate student or addicted hobbyist can give this type of book.

Although the focus is on groups which settled Texas, the book is quite useful to generally understand the diverse cuisines which came along with the "pioneer experience". If you like your history to be real, anecdotal and laced with recipes for things like spritz cookies, you'll enjoy this.

Our Texas Heritage: Ethnic Traditions And Recipes is a truly wonderful compendium and survey of the history of Texas food culture that is the result of the combined influences and culinary legacies of thirteen unique ethnic groups ranging from early Texas settlers down to the present day. From Grandma Techa's Menudo, Dark Irish Soda Bread, and German Potato Salad, to Ukrainian Pickled Mushrooms, Kneydlakh (Matzo Balls), Kransekage (Traditional Danish Wedding Cake), and Italian Baked Eggplant, Our Texas Heritage is an outstanding testament to the rich and diverse culinary spectrum that has fed and feasted Texas for more than two hundred years.

Chicken fried steak isn't the only yummy thing served in Texas.

Ever since the Spaniards encountered the Native Americans, the opportunities in Texas have attracted people from all over the world. Many families continue to celebrate favorite traditions carried from their original homeland or culture.

Our Texas Heritage includes traditional recipes, modified for today's kitchen, that are fun and simple to follow. Just as enticing are the stories and traditions the author liberally sprinkles among the recipes.

Use the book as a travel resource when exploring the Texas highways. Discover the Polish and their customs in Panna Maria, the Wends in Serbin, or the Danes in Danevang.

As a newcomer to Texas, I found this book a delightful way to discover the diversity of my new home.

I learned so much about my _own_ heritage by reading Ms. McConachie's book. She simplifies the recipes of our grandmothers into a form that we can all use -- and the recipes are delicious! I especially enjoyed making the Danish apple cake and the Syrian-Lebanese Meat Pies. I've tasted a bit more of Texas through this book. Whether you're a history buff, cook, or one just interested in the life and food of years past, this book is for you!

This was a pretty good book to read. It was a little to mushy for me at the beginning but it got better as I read the book.

I first read "Padre" when I was spending a semester overseas in Hungary. I was joyously surprised to see that our little Bible College library had one Robin Hardy book (I would have loved to see more, but the library was quite small, so no hard feelings!). As I told Robin in an email, it was a great taste of home while I was 9 time zones away. I recently bought and read the newest edition, and I believe I enjoyed it even more than the first time around. At the time, I was just a "beginning" Robin fan, and now (almost 7 years since picking up my first R.H. book--Chataine's Guardian), I think I appreciate it more. I have become accustomed to her humor, her wit, and her literary nuances. Padre is a wonderful book full of action (... did someone say cowboys and drug runners?), and yes, even a little romance! It is a delightful, addicting read (I finished it this last time in about 6 hours). Pick up a copy today and GET READING!!!

Royce, a New Yorker abandoned in Texas' Big Bend Country, is rescued by the enigmatic Paul, "Padre" as some call him, and her vacation becomes the adventure of a lifetime. A real page turner!

I read and enjoyed this book when it first came out, but the new edition is even better than I remembered. And I love the new cover, a beautiful picture of Big Bend taken by the author's father.

Don't miss the sequel, His Strange Ways.

When 25 year old Royce Lindel sets out from New York with two coworkers for a taste of the Lone Star State, they get more than they bargained for. As soon as Royce, Marla and Renetta arrive at their vacation destination, they are cheated by their guide and stranded in the desert. The trouble gets worse from there as shady law enforcement, drug dealers, opportunists and exes cause equal amounts of strife.

In no other novel does Hardy more emphatically portray the emptiness and void of modern life without a Padre, or Father. The comedy of errors serves as a poignant backdrop for the subtle spiritual activity in the novel. While the book is scant on formula, it is abundant in characterization. The growth of the protagonists through their seemingly endless struggles is believable and illustrative of the real spiritual life.

Once again, Hardy's works are not for the faint at heart: while her books can most certainly be read by young adults, they are aimed at readers who are mature enough to glean the Christianity from the plot, not the sprinkled lip service to Scripture that is so prevalent in Christian fiction. Look for a reprint of Padre, and possibly even a sequel, to be forthcoming from Westford Press in the next few years.

It's been years since I read this and I'm sad that it is out of print.

It's a wonderful western mixed with innocent love and unselfishness.

In Colorado we have the PLACE Exam for Principal licensing. However there are no official study guides for the test. I purchased this book after failing the PLACE and found that the TExES Domains are almost identical to the PLACE. Dr. Wilmore also gave great test taking strategies that were extremely helpful. I used these strategies on the provided practice test, and two PLACE Practice test (one for Principal and one for Superintendent) and scored a passing grade. Then I applied them to the actual PLACE Exam and passed!

Dr. Wilmore's Book Passing the Principal TExES Exam is a great help to the students working towards their Principal (mid-management) certification. The text is built around the Domains and Competencies set by SBEC and will guide you to achieve your personal best score!

This book was very helpful in preparation for principal certification.
I highly recommend this book.

Down to earth and very practical. A real eye openner for all students preparing for the Principal's test.

The information was valuable, but the practice test was way too easy. The real test is much harder.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RCQT5XIMIE3J8 Prodigal Of The Pecos

I found the book easy to read, and had a good plot that kept your interest right up to the end. If you enjoy a good Western, I heartily recommend this "hard to put down" book. You'll enjoy it!!

The art of the Western novel is not dead, as writer C.E. Edmonson brings to life the valor and villainy of the Old West. "Peacemaker of the Pecos" is a refreshingly simple and well-written story with a good old-fashioned hero. My hat's off to you, Mr. Edmonson.

I love westerns and I was pleasantly surprised with this new book, Peacemaker of the Pecos. I cared about the characters, I love the descriptions of the landscapes, I learned from the historical reality of the setting, and I was kept on the edge of my seat my the book's many twists and turns. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just to those who love westerns, but to anyone who loves a great story!

Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (9/07)

From beginning to end, this western adventure kept me reading. I imagined it to be just another novel about Cowboys, Indians and cattle drives. I couldn't have been more wrong. "Peacemaker of the Pecos" was a story of a town's struggle against tyranny and the evil elements that existed there. The story deals with one man's crusade to rid his town of an evil rancher that wanted to eliminate everyone that got in his way. But what the Hombre didn't count on was William Hart, a simple farmer (they all thought). But William had a secret buried deep inside of him that he wasn't so proud of; a secret that he even kept hidden from his wife and son. That secret would be brought out and William would save the town and all the people in it. Proving that turning the other cheek isn't always the answer.

I will be the first to admit that "I am not a great fan of Western novels," but "Peacemaker of the Pecos" was a very interesting read, from first page to the last. It was more than just a Western story; it had all the makings of a very good adventure. The way it was presented, the characters, plot and climax were a joy to read. I gave it an A and must admit, "I would read another Western that Mr. Edmonson writes, without any hesitation."

My uncle has done painstaking research into our families background to flesh out our notorious relative's past while filling in all the blanks which were left by earlier tales from O.C. Fisher, our cousin.
Not a fan of westerns, this story has mystery, romance and a large dose of history interwoven together. This book should be on the Texas Education Boards required reading for Texas History courses.
I highly recommend this story to any and all who enjoy westerns.
Kay Fisher Vaul, niece of E Lee Fisher, cousin of King Fisher.

       King Fisher was an endearing character. The author developed his personality from childhood in a believable way and it is obvious he liked him. This book was very well written, kept my interest. and I liked the matter of fact, non-judgmental style. I found it quite interesting that my grandfather was stationed in the Rio Grande area during World War I, not that many years after King Fisher rode those trails. It was believed that the Germans had given funds to Mexican vigilantes to cross the Rio Grande and cause problems to keep the U.S. out of the war in Europe. Ah, if only King Fisher had been alive they wouldn't have needed thousands of U.S. Troops to settle the unrest! I hope this author writes another book as he is a gifted writer.

Pendencia Creek is like watching a favorite old western. Its main protagonist has all the requisite bravery and coolness beftting "the handsome hero". Based on a true story, this historical novel moves along effortlessly, as it chronicles the life and times of King Fisher and the growth of mid-19th century Texas. The hardships and complexities of life on the Texas frontier come vividly alive in this studiously detailed account.

This is the life story of a late 19th century gunfighter and cattleman named King Fisher. The author has thoroughly researched the history of Southwest Texas, and the growth of the towns, railroads, and local governments.
Many of the names which show up in this novel will be familiar to readers. Bat Masterson, John Wesley Hardin, and and Wild Bill Hickok to name a few. The unsung heros of the early Texas Rangers feature heavily in the story.
This book can be read for the rich detail about the lives of the cattle ranchers, saloon keepers, lawman and outlaws. The account of a cattle drive from Goliad to Abilene seems so real you can feel the dust in your face.
History buffs who enjoy a good story and would like to enrich their knowledge of 19th century Texas will find this to be a good read.

E. Lee Fisher has created an absolutely fabulous piece of work in his novel, Pendencia Creek: The Life and Times of a Texas Gunfighter. You'll get so wrapped up in the story of John King Fisher that you'll easily forget this is the author's first attempt at writing. And let me say, you'll question that thought over and over as you anxiously continue to turn the pages of this exceedingly well written book. You will go from feeling sorry for the titled character as a young boy, to cheering him on as he establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with in the wild and untamed Texas frontier. No matter what John King Fisher may, or may not, have done in his life...you will soon put aside the fact that history considers him to have been a gunfighter and, I dare say, an outlaw. In the process you will see a very likable young man whose future was quite possibly determined by circumstances and luck of the draw, rather than an inherent need to do the wrong thing. And nestled comfortably amidst all this action and adventure, the author melds a little romance into the story...and he does it quite nicely, too. John King Fisher's unwavering love for Sarah is but one factor that will endear him to the reader. In this reviewer's opinion, E. Lee Fisher has created a wonderful story filled with action, adventure and even romance, as he paints a very realistic picture of what life was like in the early days of Texas, and even our country. There is no doubt in my mind that many years from now, Mr. Fisher's book will be immortalized and at the top of every students reading list for both American History and American Literature.

This is a great book for anyone who loves to ride PWCs and a must-have for anyone new to the sport. The detailed information on specific locations tells what to expect there, as well as hotel and campsight names and phone numbers. I found the chapters on Equipment and Planning and Preparation especially helpful in evaluating how ready we are for a trip. The whole book is packed with useful information. We refer to it often.

This is a great book, I just got done reading it just before the season starts and water gets warm. I found this book very informative and it gave me many NEW ideas for places to go this summer. Intra-Coastal Waterway and Caddo are places that I had never heard of riding and after reading this book I know how to get there, were the best place to load and unload, were to eat, were to get gas and what to expect. It also gives the Texas Water Safty Act which is also very helpful so this year I won't get a $150 ticket. I would suggest this book to anybody that has PWC's or is planning to buy one.

Today I read your book ont he plane while returning from Portland, Oregon. I cannot tell you how long it has been since I read something so pleasurable as your book. I found your advice so valuable. You grought up things that i haven't even begun to think of. What a great resource. My greatest challenge is deciding which trip to do first! Thank for all the research, time and effort you must of put into this fine book.

Patrick Fitzgerald Genreal Sales Manager Federal Signal Corporation

Thom wrote this book in a language everyone can understand. He includes everything you would want to know about each location he covers. Very user friendly.

This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn more about the safe use and enjoyment of personal watercraft. It is especially handy for Texas watercraft enthusiasts because it contains so much useful information on places to go in the state and what to expect when you get there. The author also does an excellent job in the areas of preparation and planning, equipment, maintenance, and rules and regulations.

I bought the book three weeks ago and have already been on three of the author's recommended adventures. They were terrific! This book will add a whole new dimension to your personal watercraft experience.

I hope that Thom Bell will follow this guidebook with another one full of even more fun trips and adventures!