Texas Sky

by Wyman Meinzer, John Graves (Introduction)

Whether it shows a summer thunderstorm rolling across the plains of the Llano Estacado or a full moon rising on a clear winter night, the sky is the most commanding presence in the Texas landscape. As Georgia O'Keeffe once wrote from Canyon to a friend, "I am loving the plains more than ever it seems—and the SKY—Anita you have never seen SKY—it is wonderful." Wyman Meinzer observes that "recording the vibrant and sometimes forbidding nature of the sky has been one of the most enjoyable photographic endeavors of my career." The one hundred breathtaking color images in this book reveal the beauty, drama, unpredictability, and sheer expanse of Texas' sky. Meinzer observes the sky from first light to the star trails in a night exposure. He presents the full palette of sunrise and sunset hues, the endless variety of cloud formations, and the cobalt blue of the sky after a winter norther. Most of all, he captures the feelings of freedom and power that so many people experience under the Texas sky. In a beautifully written essay, John Graves connects Meinzer's photos to the land and the people of Texas. Meinzer's preface describes the careful planning and lucky chances that yielded many of these photographs, while interspersed among them are quotes from Texas skywatchers past and present. Taken together, the stunning images and eloquent words say all there is to say about the Texas sky.

132 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my favorite of all of Wyman Meinzer's books of photography. I wish I could blow up the pictures to wall size, and just put them on every wall in my house. They are just breathtaking and you can sit and be swallowed up in them. Amazing, beautiful, and stunning. Makes me lonely for the lonely places!!!

Highly, highly recommended.

[DavidB · Rating 5 out of 5]

The upper atmosphere companion to Hill COuntry and Rivers by Graves and Meinzer. Taken together these works are an excellent visual reference for armchair travelers for the southwest. They are always by my side when I reread Blood Meridian!

[Otty Medina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful photos, accompanied with short quotes and excerpts from Texas history/lore.