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Univ. of North Texas Press

Titles appearing in Reference — Research Book News — December 2011
Arrangement is by title.

The Big Thicket guidebook; exploring the backroads and history of southeast Texas.

Bonney, Lorraine G. Ed. by Maxine Johnston and Pete A. Y. Gunter. (Temple Big Thicket series; v.6)
Univ. of North Texas Press, ©2011    850 p.    $29.95    F392
978-1-57441-318-2

Lorraine G. Bonney and her husband were founding members of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, which worked to establish a national park in the Big Thicket region of Texas. This work combines geology and history, local customs and folklore, and archival research to create a portrait of the region and its natural and human history. Part 1 overviews the geology of the Big Thicket and traces the activities of Indians, pioneers, and timber interests in the region. Part 2 offers historical profiles of 9 southeast Texas towns and their oil booms and saloons, political feuds, and local characters. Part 3 of the book leads readers on 15 road tours of southeast Texas. The book is illustrated with b&w historical photos, maps, and cartoons, and includes an extensive bibliography of books, magazines and newspapers, and interviews. It will be of interest to local historians, environmental historians, and historians of the American South, as well as genealogists. Editor Johnston is a member of the Big Thicket Association. Editor Gunter is chairman of the Big Thicket Coordinating Committee. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Constables, marshals, and more; forgotten offices in Texas law enforcement.

Rubenser, Lorie and Gloria Priddy. (Number 7 in the North Texas crime and criminal justice series)
Univ. of North Texas Press, ©2011    190 p.    $39.95    HV8145
978-1-57441-321-2

This work gives background on 11 less-known law enforcement positions in Texas: constable, railroad police, Racing Commission officer, cattle brand inspector, university police, fire marshal, city marshal, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officer, bailiff, game warden, and district attorney/county attorney investigator. Chapters on each position give a history of the office, describe the role and duties of modern peace officers, and give information on qualifications and special requirements. The book's early chapters explain how to become a Texas peace officer and discuss legal issues involved in alternative police work. With material written in terms accessible to all, the book (also available in paperback) will be useful to students in undergraduate policing courses. B&w photos are included. Rubenser and Priddy are affiliated with Sul Ross State University. (Annotation ©2011 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)