Texas, A Modern History: Revised Edition

Bridwell Texas History Series

by David G. McComb

Since its publication in 1989, Texas, A Modern History has established itself as one of the most readable and reliable general histories of Texas. David McComb paints the panorama of Lone Star history from the earliest Indians to the present day with a vigorous brush that uses fact, anecdote, and humor to present a concise narrative. The book is designed to offer an adult reader the savor of Texan culture, an exploration of the ethos of its people, and a sense of the rhythm of its development. Spanish settlement, the Battle of the Alamo, the Civil War, cattle trails, oil discovery, the growth of cities, changes in politics, the Great Depression, World War II, recreation, economic expansion, and recession are each a part of the picture. Photographs and fascinating sidebars punctuate the text. In this revised edition, McComb not only incorporates recent scholarship but also tracks the post–World War II rise of the Republican Party in Texas and the evolution of the state from rural to urban, with 88 percent of the people now living in cities. At the same time, he demonstrates that, despite many changes that have made Texas similar to the rest of the United States, much of its unique past remains.

Genres: History, American History

247 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.