Texas titles could fill a library. We’re proud of our
state an it’s no surprise authors continue to add to our state’s stories. When I
take a road trip, finding regional food is part of the adventure. Check out
these recent releases that take a different route.
“Texas Takes Shape: A History in Maps from the General
Land Office” – Sabine Pass is dubbed “ A Door to the World,” with a
drawing of Uncle Sam welcoming potential business to the “Deep Water” port in
Patillo Higgins’ 1890 map of Beaumont. Higgins
was said to have “insane notions” about the existence of oil along the gulf
coast. We know what happened at Spindletop. University of Texas Press has
published a cartographer’s dream of a coffee table book. It’s heavy and full of
fascination with pages of Texas maps. I can vouch for this, as I’ve been hauling
it around to peruse. It does belong on a coffee table. It’s both art and
history and should be enjoyed.
"Chasing the Tide" -
Sea Rim and McFaddin Beach are mentioned in an epic book featuring the waters,
shells, birds, grasses and glory of the Texas Coast. "Chasing the
Tide: One Couple's 370-Mile Trek Across the Barrier Islands of
Texas" is also a PBS series. It's by Jay Kleberg with Chrissy
Kleberg with journaling and joy and discovery. This is just a teaser. Check it
out yourself, Texans.
“Detour Texas” – Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Selena statue
in Corpus, Monahans Sandhills, The Alamo? That’s all checks. Austin bats is a sort-of
check. Those are some of the great Texas adventures in “Detour Texas: Peculiar
Places and Historic Destinations” by Raegan Scharfetter. Nasa excitement is
about as close as she gets to the peculiarities we experience in Southeast
Texas. This author did the dream. She tasted and experienced her way across the
state to share it all with others. I love that after all these years of living
here, I still have some Texas to discover. Okay Palo Duro Canyon and Painted
Churches… I’m coming for you.
“Ghosts of Beaumont, Port
Arthur and Beyond” – Some people I know may be
surprised their work places are noted in
a new book. I’d never heard some of
these stories about whispers and cold spots. Rita Cook’s Arcadia Publishing
release features tidbits on Sabine Hotel, Sabine Pass Lighthouse, McFaddin
Beach, etc. I asked a leader of the Port Arthur Historical Society about “The
Model Prison Now Port Arthur State School” and “Island of the Dead” where
yellow fever victims were supposedly buried. He was not familiar with these and
several people could only find references to places named this way in Port
Arthur Historic Site in Australia. Several people I spoke with had not heard of
many of the area references. It’s a mystery. Some are more familiar, such as
Bragg Road, and the Saratoga Lights.
Not a Texas focus, but still interesting:
“Park Lands” – It’s possible to be proud
of a place you’ve never been, just because it’s part of America. The mountains,
glaciers, hot lava, and sands Jacob W. Frank has photographed in this book are
a part of us. “Park Lands: America’s National Parks and Public Lands” shares
some history as well as views, flora and critters I’m having to look up. Know
in advance not every bit of beauty can fit into one book and I was looking for
and did not find a Texas reference. Don’t fret. It’s stunning book that covers
much of this land that’s our land.
Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie and
lifelong Texan. Share your Texas foodie finds and traditions with her at
panews@panews.com.
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