Texas Titles

163 years ago, Texas became a state (1 March 1845). And I’ve recently come across some interesting Texas books.

The first dates from before statehood and is written for young readers. Texas Rangers, Legendary Lawmen, by Michael P. Spradlin, is a 2008 release from Walker Young Readers, and is illustration by Roxie Munro.

The Texas Rangers also come to light in Jim Griffin’s series of Ranger books, although these take place in the late 19th Century: Big Bend Death Trap, Panhandle Raiders, Ranger Justice , Trouble Rides the Texas Pacific, Border Raiders and Trail of the Renegade. Griffin is a collector of Texas Ranger memorabilia, and theTexas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas keeps his books on permanent display.

C. R. Caldwell has a book of short stories, Texas Tales: Good Men, Bad Men and Lawmen, which have a bit of "tall tale" thrown in. He has some interesting comments about this.

Pierce Burns presents his family history in A Few Good Horses (Gap Creek Press, 2008). This is the gritty account of ranch life from the mid-nineteenth century through The Great Depression. Includes photos.

Mike Kearby shows a different side of Texas settlement in his trilogy set after the Civil War with The Road to a Hanging, Ride The Desperate Trail and Ambush at Mustang Canyon, as ex-slave Free Anderson looks to make his place on in West Texas.

What stands out to me with all these books is the diligent research behind them, nonfiction and fiction.

Nebraska also celebrates statehood in March. Know of any good Nebraska books?