Perhaps your average fourth grader can recite the pivotal stories of Texas’ fight for independence on land—we all remember the Alamo, of course—but how many of us can recall battles waged over the sea? In Texas at Sea, the latest in TCU Press’ popular Texas Small Books series, Mark Lardas illuminates a little known dimension of Texas history.
All too often, we “forget that the history of the United States is a story told from the sea,” Gene Smith, director of The Center for Texas Studies, observed, and Texas is no exception. “When people think of Texas they think of cattle, cotton, and oil,” he explained. And with its vast terrain ranging from desert to grasslands to thick forests, it’s no wonder Texas’ coastline is often overlooked.
With in-depth military history and well researched maritime data, Texas at Sea will capture the interest of local history aficionados, military enthusiasts and readers who love to settle down with a good Texan tall tale. Lardas has peppered the storyline with little known maritime facts sure to impress even the most knowledgeable history buffs. He also pays tribute to the unsung heroes of the Texas Navy, along with prominent military men and women such as Chester Nimitz.
Although Texas at Sea packs a wealth of information that could fill a small encyclopedia, you’ll want to devour this Texas Small Book in one sitting. An engaging maritime adventure, Texas at Sea challenges preconceived notions about Texas and introduces us to the cowboys who went to sea.