{"product_id":"the-handy-texas-answer-book-9781578596348","title":"The Handy Texas Answer Book","description":"\u003cb\u003eA fascinating and fun look at the Lone Star State's history, culture, and people\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003eTexas is the country's second-largest state by size and population. It has a unique and varied history, having been ruled by a succession of nations--from which the term \"six flags over Texas\" sprang--before becoming an independent republic. From its traditional oil, cattle, and cotton industries to the modern energy, electronics, computer, aerospace, and biomedical industries, Texas has become an economic powerhouse. It's known for its low taxes, diverse population, thriving universities, and art scenes. Exploring the state's fascinating history, people, myths, culture, and trivia, \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Handy Texas Answer Book\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e takes an in-depth look at this fascinating and diverse state with the bigger-than-life personality. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e Learn about the original Indigenous peoples, the Spanish, French, and Mexican colonizations, the independence from Mexico, the ties to the Confederacy and United States, devastating hurricanes, football culture, fast-growing cities and urban sprawl, food, attitude, and much, much more. Tour landmarks from the Alamo and cattle ranches to the Rio Grande and the state capital. Learn about famous sons and daughters, including Lyndon Johnson, Sam Houston, Howard Hughes, Janis Joplin, and Ren e Zellweger. Sports, the government, parks, and cultural institutions are all packed into this comprehensive guide to the state of Texas. Find answers to more than 950 questions, including: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cli\u003e What accounts for Texas's odd shape? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e Why was Sam Houston such a polarizing figure? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e Why did Mexico invade Texas in 1842? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e What was the origin of the rodeo? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e What were the final terms on which Texas entered the Union? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e What Texas country boy changed Texas law forever by breaking his leg? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e What are the natural divisions within the Panhandle-Plains? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e How did Texas become such a locus of evangelical churches? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e How big do alligators get in Texas? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e What was the world's first enclosed, air-conditioned sports stadium? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e How many rattlesnakes are dispatched at the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup? \u003c\/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e Is it true that the modern computer chip began in Texas? \u003cp\u003e Illustrating the unique character of the state through a combination of facts, stats, and history, as well as the unusual and quirky, \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Handy Texas Answer Book\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e answers intriguing questions about people, places, events, government, and places of interest. This informative book also includes a helpful bibliography, appendix of governors and presidents, thorough historical timeline, and an extensive index, adding to its usefulness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Visible Ink Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 11\/01\/2018\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781578596348\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 416\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.60lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.20h x 7.10w x 1.00d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e 01\/01\/0001 pg. 97\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e","brand":"James L. Haley","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36660379746460,"sku":"9781578596348","price":42.46,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/products\/img_99db88c6-b903-44e3-93cf-66fe59e7859e.jpg?v=1603896614","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/the-handy-texas-answer-book-9781578596348","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}