A Guide To The History Of Texas

Organized in two major sections, this definitive reference work provides historical essays by leading scholars in the field and surveys of the principal archival holdings in Texas, with special emphasis on those significant to the history of the state. The essays, covering the most important chronological periods and including some special topics, offer up-to-date summaries of the major works and most significant interpretations in the historical literature, focusing on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual concerns of the past.

The second section provides an overview of the major archives within the state, which will enable the researcher to locate primary sources. Each article is written by a historian or an archivist with special knowledge of the archives and includes an introduction to the collection, location of the archive, hours of operation, and a wealth of other useful information.

There are also brief discussions of topics that might be developed for further study, from the resources of the particular archive. Review: ?Potential purchasers may be misled by this work's title into thinking it is a bibliography. Its first section consists of 11 historiographic essays on specific time periods in Texas history (from colonial rule under Spain and Mexico through the contemporary era) and subject essays that treat blacks, native Americans, Mexican-Americans, and women in Texas history.

The second section considers the holdings of 15 major Texas archival repositories at the federal, state, municipal, and university level. These essays, written by administrators of archives, provide, with one exception, general descriptions of the holdings of each repository, highlighting major collections and research strengths.

Bailey adds summary information about 24 additional repositories in the state. The subject essays make a significant contribution, and the description of archives bring together the most comprehensive holdings information available on Texas repositories.?-Choice