1. Blue Texas: The Making of a Multiracial Democratic Coalition in the Civil Rights Era By Max Krochmal 
Examines the multiracial collaboration of African American, Mexican American, and white labor and community activists in Texas from the 1930s-1960s, as they worked to promote liberal politics and civil rights activism. Draws from archival sources and oral histories to describe how diverse groups united to form the Democratic Coalition of the 1960s and push back against Jim Crow and Juan Crow. Draws comparisons to contemporary efforts by Texas Democrats and organizations like Battleground Texas.
University of North Carolina Press, 2016. 421 pages. 
324.2764 K912B 2016


 

2. Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream By Sara Goldrick-Rab 
Presents evidence that the current financial aid system in the U.S. is failing. Draws from a study of 3,000 students aided by federal aid and Pell grants who entered public colleges and universities in 2008. Describes the results of the study, which found that over half the students left school without a degree and huge amounts of debt due to the exorbitant costs of higher education and a lack of money. Chronicles the experiences of six individuals, whose struggles highlight the human and financial costs of insufficient and short-sighted financial aid policies. Offers practical solutions for fixing the college affordability crisis and saving the American Dream.
The University of Chicago Press, 2016. 373 pages. 
378.3 G569P 2016


 

3. Mission High: One School, How Experts Tried to Fail It, and the Students and Teachers Who Made It Triumph By Kristina Rizga 
Profiles the story of several students, teachers, and the administration of Mission High School in San Francisco, California to illustrate the effect education reforms and standardized testing has on students' education and their futures. Questions how, over the course of four years, students at Mission High School can excel in classes and get accepted into college, yet still struggle with standardized testing metrics which results in a "low-performing" rating for the school. Argues that critical thinking, self-management, personalized classrooms, and cultural flexibility are better suited to gauge qualities that matter most when it comes to learning, not standardized tests.
Nation Books, 2015. 295 pages. 
371.26 R528M 2015


 

4. The Train to Crystal City: FDR's Secret Prisoner Exchange Program and America's Only Family Internment Camp During World War II By Jan Jarboe Russell 
Explores the internment of over 6,000 German, Italian, and Japanese immigrants at Crystal City, Texas during World War II. Focuses on the stories of two American-born children, Ingrid Eiserloh and Sumi Utsushigawa, to show what life was like at the camp which operated from 1942 to 1948. Notes the camp was the center of a government prisoner exchange in which these families were exchanged for Americans being held by Germany and Japan. Concludes the "fundamental questions of citizenship, the status of aliens - indeed the definition of who is and who is not an American - are perennial" and therefore, this story holds high relevance for us today.
Scribner, 2015. 393 pages. 
940.53 R914T


 

5. The Gates of the Alamo: A Novel By Stephen Harrigan 
Tells the famous story of the siege and fall of the Alamo through historical fiction, featuring many historical personalities, including James Bowie, David Crockett, and William B. Travis. Focuses on three characters: naturalist and intellectual Edmund McGowan, widowed innkeeper Mary Mott, and Mary's sixteen-year-old son Terrell Mott. Narrates the Alamo story not only from the perspective of American defenders but Mexican soldiers as well.
A.A. Knopf, 2000. 577 pages. 
813.54 H235G 2000


 

6. Miles and Miles of Texas: 100 Years of the Texas Highway Department By Carol Dawson and Roger Allen Polson
Presents a chronological perspective of the 100-year history of the Texas Highway Department, now called the Texas Department of Transportation. Highlights the development of the department as a state agency, and explores how evolving infrastructure and technological changes led to improvements in modes of transportation. Includes visual elements such as photographs, maps, and illustrations. 
Texas A&M University Press, 2016. 407 pages. 
388.109764 D323M 2016

 

1. A Noose for Chipita By Smylie, Vernon
Provides a historical, political, and legal perspective on the hanging of Chipita Rodriquez, a century-old capital punishment case that haunts South Texas. Describes how local legend says that Chipita's sorrowful cries can be heard on the banks of the Nueces River, mourning her untimely death and her improper burial. Explains another legend that Chipita is seen whenever a woman in Texas is about to be executed. Notes that the 69th Texas Legislature in 1985 provided a symbolic redress of her case (SCR 14).
Texas News Syndicate Press, 1970. 63 pages.
343.2 SM92


 

2. Edmund J. Davis of Texas: Civil War General, Republican Leader, Reconstruction Governor By Moneyhon, Carl H.
Presents a biography of Edmund J. Davis, the much maligned Reconstruction-era governor of Texas. Examines Davis' opposition to secession and the Confederacy, and his attempts to bring Texas back to the Union. Highlights the controversial election of 1874 and Davis' refusal to leave office, an event which led some to believe his spirit still wanders the Capitol grounds, mulling over the unfortunate end to his career.
TCU Press, 2010. 337 pages.
976.405 D292M 2010


 

3. Ghost Stories of Texas By Syers, Ed
Presents 50 ghost stories about Texas, told to the author by Texans from all walks of life. Relays stories of legendary hauntings and supernatural happenings, emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of each. Asserts that "the supernatural is an inherent part of Texan heritage."
Texian Press, 1981. 206 pages.
976.43 SY26G 1981


 

4. Haunted Austin: History and Hauntings in the Capital City By Zeller-Plumer, Jeanine Marie
Delves into the history of the events surrounding several ghost sightings in Austin. Highlights stories of convicts who gave their lives in the construction of the Capitol building, and of Robert Marshall Love, a former state comptroller who was assassinated at his desk, and whose ghost has been seen wandering the east hallway of the Capitol wishing visitors "good day."
History Press, 2010. 110 pages.
976.43 Z38H 2010


 

5. Mysteries and Legends of Texas: True Stories of The Unsolved and Unexplained By Ingham, Donna
Provides personal accounts from a variety of Texas locales about strange and unexplained phenomena such as the Marfa lights and the legend of the ancient Indian spirits that roam Enchanted Rock. Offers a unique historical perspective to many of Texas' most well-known mysteries, as well as the lesser-known legends and stories.
Globe Pequot Press, 2010. 177 pages.
976.4 IN4M 2010


 

6. Tales of Old-Time Texas By Dobie, J. Frank
Presents 28 of the Texan storyteller's best tales. Tells the story of Jim Bowie's knife, the stranger of Sabine Pass, the "wild woman of the Navidad," and "the headless horseman of the mustangs," in which Bigfoot Wallace "scared up a legend not yet dead."
University of Texas Press, 1984. 336 pages.
398.2 D653T 1928


 

7. Towering Texan: a Biography of Thomas J. Rusk By Huston, Cleburne
Describes the brilliant career of Thomas J. Rusk, a man who served Texas as a soldier, jurist, and statesman, and who was once touted as a potential candidate for President of the United States. Recounts the story of Rusk's suicide, and how he was one of five prominent public figures in Texas who committed suicide between 1838 and 1858.
Texian Press, 1971. 191 pages.
328.73 H969T 1971

 

1. Cartooning Texas: One Hundred Years of Cartoon Art in the Lone Star State By Maury B. Forman
Chronicles Texas history through the lively art form of political cartooning from 1890 to 1990, providing context and explanations for each cartoon. Highlights the exploits of numerous colorful and unforgettable politicians and the dominating issues of their time. Notes many of the issues, including election fraud, voting rights, race relations, civil rights, education, taxes, and the economy, still resonate decades later.
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 193 pages.
320.9764 C249


 

2. Don't Throw Feathers at Chickens: A Collection of Texas Political Humor By Charles Herring, Jr. and Walter Richter
Offers a sampling of political humor, wit, and wisdom by or about Texas politicians and officeholders. Provides source notes and a name index to help locate favorite speakers. Includes an introduction by former Texas governor Ann Richards and contributions by political cartoonist Ben Sargent and political commentator Sam Kinch, Jr.
Wordware Publishing, Inc., 1992. 191 pages.
808.87 H435D 1992


 

3. A Browser's Book of Texas Quotations By Steven A. Jent
Compiles 700 noteworthy quotations on themes related to Texas, including politicians, the Lege, oil, race relations, criminal justice, country life, livestock, weather, and the "Texas mystique." Includes famous last words, epitaphs, and quotes from Texas governors, such as Governor Joseph D. Sayers (1898-1902): "A Texas Governor only has two happy days: the day he is inaugurated and the day he retires."
Republic of Texas Press, 2001. 265 pages.
808.8 B825 2001


 

4. America's God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations By William J. Federer
Provides over 2,100 quotations from 700 sources on topics such as character, virtue, law, religious freedom, faith, courage, liberty, Providence, God, and government. Features quotations from founding fathers, presidents, statesmen, court decisions, constitutions, military heroes, African-American leaders, women leaders, business leaders, scientists, and more. Presents entries in alphabetical order, fully footnoted and often illustrated, with entry and topical indexes.
Fame Publishing, 1996. 845 pages.
808.8 AM35 1996


 

5. Great Quotations on Religious Freedom By Albert J. Menendez and Edd Doerr
Presents an easy-to-use compilation of quotations by philosophers, church leaders, journalists, writers, American presidents, and many others. Provides a variety of viewpoints and covers an assortment of topics, including abortion rights, school prayer, creationism, constitutions, separation of church and state, and religious tolerance. Compiles quotations from several sources including inaugural addresses, congressional testimony, newspaper editorials, magazine articles, and religious materials. Includes a special section containing judicial quotes on religious liberty going back to 1872, mainly from U.S. Supreme Court cases.
Prometheus Books, 2002. 250 pages.
808.8 G798R


 

6. Can You Say a Few Words?: How to Prepare and Deliver a Speech for Any Special Occasion By Joan Detz
Presents practical advice, examples, and tips for handling a variety of special occasion speaking situations. Organizes information alphabetically by occasion, including a section on impromptu speeches that offers advice and guidelines for avoiding an "off-the-cuff disaster." Highlights information in a brief, easy-to-browse format that will help the speaker honor special moments with words that make a difference.
St. Martin's Griffin, 2006. 175 pages.
808.5 D486C 2006


 

7. Speaker's Treasury of Political Stories, Anecdotes, and Humor By Gerald Tomlinson
Presents a trove of stories, anecdotes, and "one-liners" that focus on the political arena and are ideal for energizing and strengthening speeches. Highlights the thought-provoking and insightful to the humorous and inane. Lists entries by subject matter and in chronological order. Points out that one should be able to find a "politically related story for almost every kind of speech or speaking occasion."
Prentice Hall, 1990. 349 pages.
808.8 T597

 

1. The Con of the Con-Con: The Case Against the States Amending the U.S. Constitution By Andy Biggs
Presents the arguments of a conservative, seven-term member of the Arizona Legislature as to why an Article V Constitutional Convention is not the answer to America's problems. Discusses proponents' reasons for a "con-con" and presents the author's counter arguments. Suggests citizens must be better informed before the time is appropriate for this method of change.
Free Man Press, 2015. 171 pages.
342.73 B484 2015


 

2. The Rise and Fall of Violent Crime in America By Barry Latzer
Details the rise of crime in America from the end of the second World War through the end of the twentieth century, examining circumstances and social issues that may have been a factor. Studies the effect of "tough on crime" legislation, increased numbers of police, revamped court systems, and other changes implemented in the late 1990s, when crime levels began to drop. Compares cultural versus structural perspectives on what has caused violent crime to rise and fall over the last 70 years.
Encounter Books, 2016. 404 pages.
364.150973 L359R 2016


 

3. The Texas Legacy Project: Stories of Courage and Conservation By David Todd
Depicts the extraordinary efforts by veteran conservationists and ordinary citizens to preserve the natural legacy and resources of Texas - both land and wildlife and their effect on public health. Includes interviews with former state legislators Babe Schwartz, Carlos Truan, and Sissy Farenthold.
Texas A&M University Press, 2010. 278 pages.
333.72092 T566 2010


 

4. Race and the Houston Police Department, 1930-1990: A Change Did Come By Dwight Watson
Provides a historical picture of the Houston Police Department (HPD) and race relations over a 60 year period. Illustrates how traditional attitudes towards race limited the development of the HPD until external factors, including the civil rights movement, modernization, annexation, and court-ordered political reapportionment, forced the Houston police department to change.
Texas A&M University Press, 2005. 208 pages.
363.2 W332R 2005


 

5. Adele Briscoe Looscan: Daughter of the Republic By Laura Lyons McLemore
Presents the biography of Adele Briscoe Looscan, the daughter of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, who was a highly respected clubwoman, writer, and leader in Texas. Recounts her service with the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) and her role as the first female president of the Texas State Historical Association. Highlights her contributions to the preservation of historic landmarks, curriculum development in public schools, and Texas history.
TCU Press, 2016. 265 pages.
976.405092 M224A 2016


 

6. Women of the Range: Women's Roles in the Texas Beef Cattle Industry By Elizabeth Maret
Describes past and present contributions of women as owners and managers in the Texas cattle industry, often as an unpaid labor force. Discusses the role women played in the modernization of the industry and as "keepers of the land."
Texas A&M University Press, 1993. 152 pages.
331.4 M335W 1993

 

1. Freedom Colonies: Independent Black Texans in the Time of Jim Crow By Thad Sitton and James H. Conrad
Chronicles the development of the African American communities, known as freedom colonies, created by ex-slaves after the Civil War in rural Texas. Provides insight into the lives of these freedmen land owners - their accomplishments and struggles to create an independent way of life away from an exploitive sharecropping system and despite the lingering effects of the "Black Codes" enacted by the Texas Legislature. Discusses the forces that eventually led to the decline of the freedom colonies and highlights the few communities that have managed to endure into the 21st century.
University of Texas Press, 2005. 248.
333.335 SI88F 2005


 

2. Texas Through Women's Eyes: The Twentieth-Century Experience By Judith N. McArthur and Harold L. Smith
Presents a historical overview of women's achievements in Texas through four eras of the twentieth century with an inclusive focus on rural, working-class, and minority women. Highlights women's leadership roles in working for social reform, the right to vote, better opportunities in education and the workforce, civil rights, feminist issues, and political reform. Provides a selection of primary documents including letters, memoirs, and oral histories, which are meant to allow the reader to experience up close, the efforts and struggles of women in shaping the state of Texas.
University of Texas Press, 2010. 295.
305.4209764 M127T 2010
 

 

3. The Captured: A True Story of Abduction by Indians on the Texas Frontier By Scott Zesch
Documents the stories of several Texas children who were abducted by Native American tribes during the 1860's and 1870's. Examines how the children frequently became attached to the Native American families they lived with, and illustrates their struggles to reintegrate with their families after being recovered. Highlights the life of Adolph Korn, an ancestor of the author, who was abducted in 1870 and spent three years training as a warrior with the Comanche's tribe before being returned to his family, where he never fully reintegrated into white society.
St. Martin's Press, 2004. 362.
976.4404 Z56C 2004


 

 

4. The Red River Bridge War: A Texas-Oklahoma Border Battle By Rusty Williams
Examines the two-week conflict between Texas and Oklahoma during the summer of 1931, at the start of the Great Depression, over a private toll bridge that connected the two states over the Red River. Chronicles the tense day-to-day stand off and clashes between these two sovereign states. Provides a historical context to today's current popularity of toll roads and privatized highways.
Texas A&M University Press, 2016. 275.
976.4062 W675R 2016
 

 

5. The Road Taken: The History and Future of America's Infrastructure By Henry Petroski
Highlights the previous decisions (good and bad) that have led to the development of our roads, bridges, and traffic habits. Emphasizes how important infrastructure is to our economic health and suggests tight economic times, partisan politics, and public skepticism make it difficult to find the resources to fix current problems. Discusses funding and financing of projects, including public-private partnerships.
Bloomsbury, 2016. 322.
388.10973 P448R 2016

 

6. The Rise and Fall of the Voting Rights Act By Charles S. Bullock III, Ronald Keith Gaddie, and Justin J. Wert
Analyzes changing legislation and the future of voting rights in the United States, tracing the Voting Rights Act from its inception in 1965 through the Supreme Court's 2013 decision in Shelby County v. Holder. Discusses redistricting, preclearance review, voter identification laws, and voter participation and registration in Texas. Explores potential next steps after the Shelby County ruling, including proposals to restore the preclearance process.
University of Oklahoma Press, 2016. 240.
342.73072 B876R 2016

1. Governors Who Have Been, and Other Public Men of Texas By Norman G. Kittrell, Sr.
Provides a record of incidents and events relating to the lives of several remarkable Texans including governors, state legislators and other public figures drawn from the memories of Norman G. Kittrell, Sr., a former state legislator from Houston. Provides a look into the Texas political and judicial arenas during 1846-1921.
Texas, Dealy-Adey-Elgin Company, 1921. 301 pages.
923 K658G 1921


 

 

2. Broken But Unbowed: The Fight to Fix a Broken America By Greg Abbott
Presents the life story of Governor Greg Abbott, along with his blueprint for limiting the role of the federal government and restoring power to the states. Draws from his role as Texas attorney general and his challenging recovery from a paralyzing accident to chart a path to mend what he considers is a broken U.S. Constitution and to revive America's greatness.
Threshold Editions, 2016. 275 pages.
976.4 AB26B 2016

 

 

3. A Month of Sundays: Kent Biffle's Texana By Kent Biffle
Provides a sample of Dallas Morning News columnist Kent Biffle's Sunday columns - A Month of Sundays - outtakes from travel adventures and misadventures across the state in search of the "color and drama" of Texas' past. Organizes entries into three parts: Texas History, Texas Outlaws, and Texas Folk and Folklore. Includes an index to quickly pinpoint historical figures and events of interest to the reader.
University of North Texas Press, 1993. 261 pages.
976.4 B479M 1993


 

4. Heads Above Water: The Inside Story of the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program By Robert L. Gulley
Chronicles the competing water and landowner interests in the Edwards Aquifer region since the 1950's. Documents the cast of characters, attempts to resolve differences, shifting alliances, litigation relating to the Endangered Species Act, and ultimately the creation of the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) and the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program (EARIP).
Texas A&M University Press, 2015. 234 pages.
333.91 G951H 2015

 

 

5. Unruly Waters: A Social and Environmental History of the Brazos River By Kenna Lang Archer
Explores the cultural, political, and geological history of the Brazos River. Documents the broad range of projects undertaken to understand and tame the river, from Civil War era mapping and early settlement, through a series of planned improvement projects left incomplete due to a lack of funding and harsh realities of the landscape. Profiles the persistence of those who live along the Brazos, working through the river's drought/flood cycles and continually striving to develop the Brazos Basin.
University of New Mexico Press, 2015. 260 pages.
976.4 AR23U 2016


 

6. Rough Road to Justice: The Journey of Women Lawyers in Texas By Betty Trapp Chapman
Examines how the legal profession has been the hardest of all professions for women to break into, due to sexual discrimination that was historically rooted in the legal system. Describes the challenges and limitations women endured in 1902, the year the first woman was allowed to practice law in Texas. Highlights the courage all of these women exhibited facing men who were unwelcoming even into the 21st century. Profiles a number of pioneering women who were also among the first women to be elected into the Texas Legislature, among them Barbara Jordan, Irma Rangel, Sissy Farenthold and Kay Bailey Hutchison. Points out that despite the obstacles, women lawyers today comprise more than 31 percent of the State Bar of Texas and 48 percent of law students in the state.
State Bar of Texas, 2008. 267 pages.
340.092 C366R 2008

1. Lost Causes: Blended Sentencing, Second Chances, and the Texas Youth Commission By Chad R. Trulson, et al.
Presents an in-depth study of determinate (blended) sentencing outcomes in Texas. Delves into the social and delinquent histories, Texas Youth Commission incarceration experiences, and release and recidivism outcomes of close to 3,500 juvenile offenders who received blended sentences between 1987 and 2011. Seeks to understand the impact of this unique sentencing structure, which blends parts of the juvenile and adult justice systems, and gives some of the most violent youthful offenders a second chance to remain in the juvenile justice system instead of transferring to the Texas Prison system.
University of Texas Press, 2016. 204 pages.
364.3609764 T769L 2016
 

 

2. LBJ and Grassroots Federalism: Congressman Bob Poage, Race, and Change in Texas By Robert Harold Duke
Explores the expansion of collaboration between local communities in Texas and the federal government through the careers of President Lyndon B. Johnson and Texas Congressman William R. Poage, of Waco. Examines projects ranging from the New Deal era through the 1960's, including the Waco Dam project, and how the growth of political engagement in minority communities impacted the implementation of federal programs.
Texas A&M University Press, 2014. 248 pages.
320.6 D885L 2014
 

 

 

3. America Ascendant: A Revolutionary Nation's Path to Addressing its Deepest Problems and Leading the 21st Century By Stanley B. Greenberg
Provides a unique and very hopeful look into how America is poised to address all the problems the 21st century has brought – widening inequality, poverty, racism and general dark side of progress. Articulates a vision of how America will come through these crises, as it did at the turn of the 20th century with radical and progressive reforms. Argues that today’s growing anger will reach a tipping point that compels the nation’s leaders to work to address America’s deepest problems.
Thomas Dunne Books, 2015. 406 pages.
320.973 G829A 2015


 

 

4. The Selfie Vote: Where Millennials are Leading America (and How Republicans Can Keep Up) By Kristen Soltis Anderson
Examines how cultural factors are changing the way a new generation of voters considers issues. Analyzes demographic shifts, lifestyle, and consumer choices through the use of data mining and social media to emphasize what is important to youth, women and minorities. Offers insights and advice from a leading Republican pollster about how to best appeal to these voters.
Broadside Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, 2015. 262 pages.
324.973 AN23S 2015

 

 

5. Thirst for Power: Energy, Water and Human Survival By Michael E. Webber
Examines the interrelation between water and energy and their importance to people. Details the critical role that water plays in energy production, highlighting its use in the operation of hydro-electric plants, nuclear reactors, and bio-fuels. Suggests ways energy can alleviate water shortages by fueling desalination plants, long-haul transfers, and drilling deeper wells. Points out the human race's growing need for both precious resources and possible solutions to long-term needs, both in technical and non-technical approaches.
Yale University Press, 2016. 235.
333.7915 W387T 2016
 

 

 

6. Texas Women: Their Histories, Their Lives By Elizabeth Hayes Turner, Stephanie Cole, and Rebecca Sharpless, editors
Presents a collection of biographies and essays of Texas women showing the racial, class, and religious diversity of the Lone Star State, beginning with the Spanish colonial era. Includes fascinating stories of Spanish law and women in colonial Texas, women in slavery, women's higher education in antebellum Texas, women's fight for equal rights, African American and Hispanic women, and ranch women and rodeo performers in post-World War II West Texas. Profiles Oveta Culp Hobby and Barbara Jordan - two prominent women in the history of the Texas Legislature.
The University of Georgia Press, 2015. 526 pages.
305.409764 T852T 2015
 

1. Cops in Lab Coats: Curbing Wrongful Convictions Through Independent Forensic Laboratories By Sandra Guerra Thompson
Argues the importance for independence between police departments and forensic labs. Highlights several cases in which factors such as backlogs, cheating on police proficiency exams, law enforcement department budget cuts, and bias, resulted in wrongful convictions. Suggests the separation of the forensic lab from guidance of a law enforcement organization would help eliminate conflicts of interest and pressure to skew the science in favor of the prosecution, rather than in the name of justice.
Carolina Academic Press, 2015. 293 pages.
363.2560973 T377C 2015


 

2. Race, Class, and Affirmative Action By Sigal Alon
Evaluates affirmative action policies in the U.S. and Israel, noting there is a commonality between the two countries because higher education is highly regarded by both, but their approaches to achieving diversity is very different. Contrasts the U.S. approach of basing affirmative action mainly on race with the Israeli approach of basing it on class and socioeconomic standing. Addresses the fact that race-based affirmative action has been in place for years and the subject of several challenges in the U.S. Supreme Court, including the case involving the University of Texas. Highlights the complex nature of defining affirmative action, and offers an analysis of new approaches to equalizing education opportunity, including the potential of affirmative action hybrid models.
Russell Sage Foundation, 2015. 325 pages.
306.430973 AL72R 2015


 

3. From South Texas to the Nation: the Exploitation of Mexican Labor in the Twentieth Century By John Weber
Challenges the traditional historical depiction of migrant farmworkers by revealing the inner workings of the agricultural business model and the exploitive agricultural labor system that was conceived in South Texas in the early 1900's and eventually "trafficked" to rest of the United States. Illuminates the evolution of this migration-dependent labor system that encouraged mass migration from Mexico, selective enforcement of immigration laws, low wages, and abuse of workers. Argues elements of this South Texas labor model continue to be used today, including in other industries in the form of independent contract workers.
University of North Carolina Press, 2015. 320 pages.
331.5 W388F 2015
 

 

4. The Governor's Hounds: the Texas State Police, 1870-1873 By Barry A. Crouch and Donaly E. Brice
Presents a comprehensive history of the Texas State Police, created under the administration of Reconstruction-era governor Edmund J. Davis as a statewide directed mobile law enforcement unit authorized to legally enter any jurisdiction to suppress criminal activity when necessary. Attempts to balance the negative reputation attributed to the State Police force by pointing out the agency’s positive contributions in combatting the violence of the Reconstruction period.
University of Texas Press, 2011. 312 pages.
363.209764 C884G 2011

 

 

5. Turning Texas Blue : What it Will Take to Break the GOP Grip On America's Reddest State By Mary Beth Rogers
Examines the history and growth of the Republican party in Texas. Considers how the utilization of methods employed by the Republican party in the mid-to-late 20th century, along with lessons from recent statewide Democratic losses and demographic shifts in Texas, could lead to the election of Democratic candidates to statewide office.
St. Martin's Press, 2016. 246 pages.
324.276406 R632T 2016
 

 

 

6. People and Places in the Texas Past By June Rayfield Welch
Presents vignettes of the interesting stories that may have fallen through the cracks of Texas history. Explores chronologically beginning with the Indian pictographs of Concho County to the long service of Speaker of the U.S. House, Sam Rayburn. Includes tales from scalping (Josiah Wilbarger) to sculpting (Elizabet Ney) to the interesting life of freedman, William Goyens, who settled in Nacogdoches in 1820.
G.L.A. Press, 1974. 233 pages.
917.6403 W444P 1974

1. The Tejano community, 1836-1900. By Arnoldo De Leon
Examines the daily lives of Mexican Americans from 1836-1900. Paints a picture of a vibrant group of people: enterprising, success –oriented, and interested and active in politics. Includes chapters on religion, folklore, education, and entertainment revealing a complex community of people in the process of social change. Defines the life that the Tejanos made for themselves at a time when they were an exploited minority.
The University of New Mexico Press, 1982. 277 pages.
976.4 D34T 1982


 

2. Riding fence. By June Rayfield Welch
Explores the periphery of the state, the outlying communities and people whose stories have often fallen through the cracks of Texas history. Presents a treasure trove of Texana, giving special attention to border counties and towns that have acted as filters for adjoining cultures. Highlights specific geographic areas such as the Louisiana Line, Roy Bean Country, and the Staked Plains to show how specific people and events have created the Texas story.
GLA Press, 1983. 209 pages.
976.4 W444R 1983


 

3. Texas: the dark corner of the confederacy. By Edited by B.P. Galloway
Presents a history of Texas during the Civil War years through firsthand descriptions, dating from the eve of the Civil War to the collapse of the Confederacy, by civilians and soldiers from all over the state. Includes excerpts from diaries, journals, almanacs, official documents, speeches, reminiscences, and memoirs, as well as maps of the counties of Civil War Texas and counties voting for and against secession.
University of Nebraska Press, 1994. 286 pages.
973.7464 G135T 1994


 

 

4. Muleshoe & more: the remarkable stories behind the naming of Texas towns. By Bill Bradfield and Clare Bradfield
Lists over 700 Texas towns, alphabetically from Abilene to Zephyr, and how they received their monikers. Offers a variety of interesting backstories and little known facts for Texas towns from the Rio Grande to the Pan Handle. Illustrates the eclectic cities that help define Texas' uniqueness.
Gulf Publishing Company, 1999. 218 pages.
917.64003 B727M 1999


 

 

5. Dining at the Governor's Mansion. By Carl. R. McQueary
Presents the culinary and social history of the Texas Governor’s Mansion from the mid-nineteenth century forward. Focuses on food, food preparation, and entertainment at the mansion and their place in the lives of the first ladies and their families. Includes brief biographical sketches of the first ladies, highlighting the imprint each woman left on the Governor’s Mansion and on the history of Texas. Contains over 200 historic recipes.
Texas A&M University Press, 2003. 317 pages.
641.59764 M879D 2003
 

 

6. The Texas League, 1888-1987: a century of baseball. By Bill O'Neal
Examines the then-100 year history of The Texas League, which was officially formed in 1888, and recognized as a minor-league within the National Association system in 1901. Details all aspects of the league, from its pre-1888 history as an amateur/semi-pro league, through the ebb-and-flow of baseball's popularity throughout the 20th century, and to its centennial season in 1987. Includes information on the cities of the league, their ballparks, and both team and player statistics.
Eakin Press, 1987. 389 pages.
796.357 ON2T 1987