The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 79, July 1975 - April, 1976 Page: 252

Southwestern Historical Quarterly

book reads well. In sum, it is a credit to both author and publisher; it de-
serves wide circulation among buffs and scholars alike.
Wayland College DONOVAN L. HOFSOMMER
Book Notes
History of Wise County. Edited by Rosalie Gregg. (Quanah: Nortex Press,
1975. Pp. i+515. Illustrations, photographs, maps. $16.50.)
If history is truly the story of people rather than events, then Mrs. Gregg's
History of Wise County is history at its best. Over 320 of the 515 pages are
devoted to the family histories of the pioneers of Wise County. These biogra-
phies are honest attempts to relate the history through the people who made it.
The majority of the essays seem to come from the pen of the editor, thus main-
taining a high quality of writing. Those attributed to other writers are im-
proved by consistent editing. Liberally sprinkled with old photographs, this
biographical section is a gold mine for researchers.
The other 200 pages contain the usual stories of the churches, schools, and
communities of Wise County. Section I has an excellent history of Decatur
Baptist College, and a fascinating account of the "True Story of My Capture
by, and Life with the Comanche Indians," by Mrs. J. D. (Bianca Babb) Bell.
Unfortunately, the extensive files of the Wise County Messenger were un-
available for use with this history.
Physically, the book goes far beyond the usual county history. Numerous
photographs and maps add to the reader's understanding, and there is one
entire section devoted to old and interesting photographs. Overall, the History
of Wise County is an outstanding contribution to county history in Texas.

252

Weatherford, Texas

WILLIAM O. WITHERSPOON