Reference book has entertainment, info

“Texas: A Historical Atlas,” by A. Ray Stephens University of Oklahoma Press, 417 pages, $39.95.

Reference books are thought of as necessary but frequently dull. Something one reads for information, not diversion.

Yet a few manage to offer both information and entertainment. “Texas: A Historical Atlas,” by A. Ray Stephens, is one example.

This work updates, revises and expands upon the previously published “A Historical Atlas of Texas.”

It touches virtually every aspect of Texas and its history. A section on the natural history of Texas is followed by a section on Texas history — with individual looks at all periods of Texas history — from the Indians in Texas before European presence through the end of the 19th century. The book closes with a large section on modern and contemporary Texas.

Each section is lavishly illustrated. The atlas contains 175 full-color maps, highlighting each topic with numerous photographs related to the topic covered.

The maps are spectacularly drawn. They are colorful, clearly rendered and informative.

You can grasp quickly the intent and message of each map. They also cover a range of topics.

In addition to such things as maps illustrating the various explorations of and military campaigns in Texas it has some unexpected topics.

One series of maps shows the various proposals for the boundaries of the state of Texas during discussion of its admission to the United States.

In one, parts of Colorado would have been part of Texas, while portions east of the Brazos River, including Galveston, would have belonged to the state of Jacinto.

Maps also show the changes in county boundaries through Texas’s history. Bexar County — now limited to the environs of San Antonio — once contained more than half of Texas. Nacogdoches County once included Wichita Falls and Dallas.

Another set of maps shows the distribution of slaves by county as measured by the 1850 and 1860 censuses, as well as maps showing the national origins of both colonists migrating to Texas and those living in modern Texas.

Maps also illustrate Texas’ economy — from the distribution of cotton production through Texas history to the oil fields of Texas.

These maps accompany 86 essays that give details about and describe the featured topic in depth. These essays are instructive and enjoyable.

Whether one wishes to use “Texas: A Historical Atlas” as a reference, or for casual browsing, it is worth reading. Anyone seriously interested in Texas history will want this book, and even those with a passing interest will find it an enjoyable read.

Mark Lardas, an engineer, freelance writer, amateur historian and model-maker, lives in League City.