Books by "J. Marvin Hunter"
5 books found
“Swanson has done a crucial public service by exposing the barbarous side of the Rangers.” —The New York Times Book Review A twenty-first century reckoning with the legendary Texas Rangers that does justice to their heroic moments while also documenting atrocities, brutality, oppression, and corruption The Texas Rangers came to life in 1823, when Texas was still part of Mexico. Nearly 200 years later, the Rangers are still going--one of the most famous of all law enforcement agencies. In Cult of Glory, Doug J. Swanson has written a sweeping account of the Rangers that chronicles their epic, daring escapades while showing how the white and propertied power structures of Texas used them as enforcers, protectors and officially sanctioned killers. Cult of Glory begins with the Rangers' emergence as conquerors of the wild and violent Texas frontier. They fought the fierce Comanches, chased outlaws, and served in the U.S. Army during the Mexican War. As Texas developed, the Rangers were called upon to catch rustlers, tame oil boomtowns, and patrol the perilous Texas-Mexico border. In the 1930s they began their transformation into a professionally trained police force. Countless movies, television shows, and pulp novels have celebrated the Rangers as Wild West supermen. In many cases, they deserve their plaudits. But often the truth has been obliterated. Swanson demonstrates how the Rangers and their supporters have operated a propaganda machine that turned agency disasters and misdeeds into fables of triumph, transformed murderous rampages--including the killing of scores of Mexican civilians--into valorous feats, and elevated scoundrels to sainthood. Cult of Glory sets the record straight. Beginning with the Texas Indian wars, Cult of Glory embraces the great, majestic arc of Lone Star history. It tells of border battles, range disputes, gunslingers, massacres, slavery, political intrigue, race riots, labor strife, and the dangerous lure of celebrity. And it reveals how legends of the American West--the real and the false--are truly made.
Sometimes humorous, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, sometimes deeply sad and moving — such are the biographies of fifteen Texas bad girls. Husband killers, run-of-the-mill murderers, whorehouse madams, prostitutes, gamblers, bank robbers, floozies — each contributes immeasurably to a rowdy, ribald history that dates from the state's earliest settlers to yesterday's biggest news story.
Guide to Life and Literature of the Southwest, with a Few Observations
by J. Frank Dobie
2021 · Good Press
In "Guide to Life and Literature of the Southwest, with a Few Observations," J. Frank Dobie presents a comprehensive exploration of the cultural and literary landscape of the American Southwest. Through a blend of insightful essays and anecdotal observations, Dobie delves into the region's rich tapestry of folklore, history, and literature, capturing its unique spirit and character. His engaging prose is marked by a deep appreciation for the Southwest's indigenous narratives and its diverse community of writers, showcasing a literary style that is both accessible and profound. The text is situated within a broader context of early 20th-century American literature, where notions of regionalism and cultural identity were gaining prominence. J. Frank Dobie, an eminent folklorist and writer himself, was born in Texas and deeply influenced by the landscape and culture of the Southwest. His passionate advocacy for Texas folklore and love for storytelling stemmed from his own experiences growing up in a region rich with tales of cowboys, Native Americans, and Mexican heritage. This personal connection informs his literature, as he seeks to preserve and uplift voices that are often overlooked or marginalized in mainstream narratives. This captivating guide is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Southwestern identity and literature. Dobie's insightful observations and vivid storytelling enrich the reader's appreciation of the region's literary contributions, making the book a valuable resource for scholars, students, and casual readers alike. Discover the heart and soul of the Southwest through Dobie's keen lens and embrace the rich narratives that define this remarkable area. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
"This is the best work ever written on hidden treasure, and one of the most fascinating books on any subject to come out of Texas." — Basic Texas Books Written in 1930, Coronado's Children was one of J. Frank Dobie's first books, and the one that helped gain him national prominence as a folklorist. In it, he recounts the tales and legends of those hardy souls who searched for buried treasure in the Southwest following in the footsteps of that earlier gold seeker, the Spaniard Coronado. "These people," Dobie writes in his introduction, "no matter what language they speak, are truly Coronado's inheritors . . . I have called them Coronado's children. They follow Spanish trails, buffalo trails, cow trails, they dig where there are no trails; but oftener than they dig or prospect they just sit and tell stories of lost mines, of buried bullion by the jack load . . ." This is the tale-spinning Dobie at his best, dealing with subjects as irresistible as ghost stories and haunted houses. "As entrancing a volume as one is likely to pick up in a month of Sundays." — The New York Times "Dobie has discovered for us a native Arabian Night." — Chicago Evening Post