9Texas history reaches far back in time by North American standards. It is fascinating by anyone's measure. Modern Texas is woven from the frayed but still firm-and always colorful-strands of its rich past. Few other states have so many varied regions with such distinct local flavors. In these pages, the past and present are brought to life by a man well qualified to lasso the immensity of Texas and bring it under his calm control. Texas means "friendly," and Leon Metz's treatment of its history stays true to that sentiment.