Texas, a Modern History

Bridwell Texas History Series

by David G. McComb

To many people, even many Texans, Texas history includes little more than the battle of the Alamo and the development of a petroleum empire. In Texas: A Modern History, David McComb completes the picture, painting a fascinating portrait of a state that has changed profoundly in little more than 150 years. Written for the general reader, Texas: A Modern History traces the full panorama of Texas history, from its earliest Indian inhabitants to the present day. McComb gives special emphasis to the twentieth century, showing how the change from a rural to an urban society has affected the "Texas mystique." He includes groups whose contributions have been overloked in standard histories, including women, blacks, Hispanics, Indians, and immigrant groups. He even treats Texas' faults honestly, exploring the ways Texans have managed and mismanaged the problems of pollution, exploitation of natural resources, the oil depression, and civil rights. With a wealth of anecdotes, folklore, maps, and many historical photographs, Texas: A Modern History is the best general history of Texas currently available. McComb is especially adept at presenting the human side of history, showing how technological change affects the way people live.

Genres: History, American History

198 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1989

About the author

David G. McComb taught United States history, world history, sports history, and the history of technology at Colorado State University, where he retired as a professor emeritus in 2002. He has published fourteen books, including the award-winning Galveston: A History; Texas, a Modern History; and Spare Time in Texas: Recreation and History in the Lone Star State.

Reviews

[RTB: Review of Texas Books]

by Jon P. Tritsch

For anyone looking for a good general history book about the Lone Star State that isn't too lengthy but covers enough historical highlights and background, David G. McComb's revision of his successful 1989 edition of Texas, A Modern History, complete with an additional chapter and appendices, is one to consider.

Like the earlier edition, McComb begins the initial chapter with a description of the topography, flora, and fauna of Texas. Subsequent chapters cover the state's history through the years starting with the familiar topics of the early Spanish explorers, the war for independence from Mexico, the Republic of Texas, annexation into the Union, Civil War, post-Reconstruction growth and development, and development in the 20th century. A fine chapter is devoted to explaining the Texas mystique in myth and reality. The newly added chapter, "God Bless Texas," discusses the political changes in Texas to the present time, along with the economic diversification that has occurred in the state's major cities. The author provides an "Afterword" where he suggests numerous other Texas history books one can consult. The new appendices give a chronological list of the state's 254 counties beginning with Jackson County's creation in 1835 and ending with Kenedy County in 1921. An excellent bibliography of references for each of the seven chapters completes this general history of Texas. Numerous pictures throughout add to the book's usefulness for the reader as well.

McComb has covered so many topics in this 237-page book that it is not possible to mention all of them. Be assured that this book would be an appropriate addition for any library, including high school. Individuals will want to have this book for their personal collections as well.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Numerous books have been written about the history of Texas. This one focus on a more modern Texas and is an easy read.