Texas, My Texas

“Readers of all ages can learn something about Texas history – and have fun doing it.” – Glenn Dromgoole, Abilene Reporter-News

Texas history was never like this. Roger Moore’s new book has taken some of the most notable — and obscure but fascinating – episodes, then adds a humorous twist to create off-the-wall cartoons.

Give the jean-pocket-sized book to that reluctant history student in the family, and it might ignite enthusiasm for the once dry subject. It can be a perfect stocking-stuffer at Christmas, or a handy house gift at any time of year.

The cartoonist covers incredible ground, noting that two Hispanic rebel leaders signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, and that the Popeye comic strip first appeared in a 1929 issue of the Victoria Advocate. Then there’s the 1882 opening of Judge Roy Bean’s famous justice-dispensing, west of the Pecos saloon, the 1861 creation of the first Stetson cowboy hat, and the 1907 founding of Post, a planned community created by C.W. Post, inventor of Post Toasties cereal.

There’s more, including the first Thanksgiving held in Texas. The 1541 banquet was attended by 1,500 Spanish explorers and local tribe members in Palo Duro Canyon, eight decades before the one in Plymouth, Mass.. Then there’s the San Antonio heiress who insisted on being buried in her Ferrari. Needless to say, few of these facts have ever been taught in a Texas classroom.

“Moore is a Texas living legend, a Merkel rancher, family man, civic leader and Will Rogers-like philosopher,” says Austin author Mike Cox. Moore has been cartooning for 17 years with his comic drawings appearing in 25 newspaper around the state, many of those while working as an ad man in Austin.