The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942 Page: 78
409 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
Texas history. Attention was focused inward, which would indi-
cate that that was the need felt by the Association's founders
which led to its establishment. They wanted to establish an
institution which would give continuity to the local history made
by themselves and their fathers. This continuing philosophy of
history and past values has led the Association to encourage the
creation of county and regional historical societies in the state.
One other indication of proof of the conscious need of local
or county history is in the marketability of the books that have
been produced. Apparently common business sense has regu-
lated the numbers of copies printed in the various editions;
but, so far as inquiry has revealed and excepting the most
recent publications, every Texas county history edition has
sold out. Not only have the new books sold, but as second-
hand copies they occupy enviable positions on the rare book
market. During the depression I said to a prominent Texan
dealer in rare books, "Well, how's business ?", and his reply
was, "Well, I haven't yet got to the point that I can't sell a
a county history, but that's all I can say for it." So great is
the demand for some of the county histories that their posses-
sion is the equal of money in the bank.
In any classification of books-as the librarians will testify-
some arbitrary decisions have to be made. I have been able to
discover no hard and fast rule for identifying unmistakably a
Texas county history. No list could possibly be presented upon
which there would be unanimous agreement. Some persons
resent history which starts with geology and yet others de-
mand such a base. Should the geologic bulletins dealing with
the county areas of Texas be included? The same problems
arise regarding geography, fauna and flora, and similar sub-
jects. My philosophy of history, which holds that history best
which springs from the land and includes a comprehension of
the nature of the soil in which it rests, has led me to include
soil surveys, geologic bulletins, and special studies on fauna and
flora; they are for those who want them. Decisions regarding
the cataloging of items dealing with the history of towns and
cities and other associated county topics have been more diffi-
cult to make. Some items which seemed almost essential to a
full view of the county's development have been included. Al-
though I have accumulated much data on newspaper "Special
and Commemorative" county editions, I have omitted reference78
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942, periodical, 1942; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth146053/m1/84/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.