Description
Book SynopsisThe rich and unique history of the ''Lone Star State'' is presented in this new book through the lives of a variety of Texans who put a human face on the state''s history. Biographical sketches of fifteen famous and little-known men and women of different colors, religions, and economic backgrounds offer new insight into the history of the state. Starting in the sixteenth century with Alvar N?Òez Cabeza de Vaca, the first European to make contact with Texas Indian tribes, and tracing Texas history to the late twentieth century with a final sketch of Gary Gaines, a high-school football coach, The Human Tradition in Texas brings the state''s history to life by showing real people and the events and times in which they lived. Written by leading and rising scholars of Texas history, this book presents the major themes and periods in Texas history, including the settling of Anglo-Americans in the region, bringing an American democ-racy that supported slavery; the Civil War and Reconstruction; technologi-cal developments in the late nineteenth century, including railroads and irrigation for crops and livestock; Texas''s transformation in the early twentieth century from a world of cotton and cattle to a world of paved streets, electricity and running water; the challenges to modernization faced by the state with the development of the oil industry, the growth in industrialization, and the increasing size of Texas''s cities; the new age, with Texas taking leadership roles in the oil, aviation, and entertainment industries; and the expanding inclusiveness of Texas society, nowhere more complete than on the sports field-particularly the football field. A collection of accessible and entertaining essays on this vast, vibrant state, The Human Tradition in Texas is an excellent resource for courses in Texas history and the history of the American West.
Trade ReviewSkillfully using the biography genre, these scholars go beyond the unique stories of individuals and engagingly present the times in which they lived. The result is a collection of absorbing snapshots of Texas history that will appeal to a variety of audiences: students, scholars, history buffs, and individuals who wouldn’t otherwise pick up a history book. -- Gilberto M. Hinojosa, University of the Incarnate Word
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Alvar N?Òez Cabeza de Vaca: An Epic Encounter Chapter 3 Francisco Xavier Chaves: Soldier-Interpreter Chapter 4 Robert Hall: Citizen-Soldier of the Texas Republic Chapter 5 Louis T. Wigfall: 'Just Plain Mean' Chapter 6 Captain Thomas Williams: The Path of Duty Chapter 7 John B. Rayner: 'No Outlet' on the Road of Hope Chapter 8 William Henry Bush: Panhandle Builder Chapter 9 Hester Calvert: Farm Wife Chapter 10 Thomas Mitchell Campbell: Reform Governor of the People Chapter 11 Ormer Leslie Locklear: The 'Epoch of Flying' Has Arrived Chapter 12 Carter Wesley: Sounding the Ram's Horn for Human Rights Chapter 13 Bob Wills: The Enduring Magic of His Music Chapter 14 Emma Tenayuca: Vision and Courage Chapter 15 Hermine Tobolowsky: Mother of Texas's Equal Legal Rights Amendment Chapter 16 Gary Gaines: Under Autumn Skies
