True accounts of major disasters in Texas history are retold in this engagingly written collection. In this part of the country tornadoes are a frequent threat, but in addition to the many violent twisters, Texas residents have experienced fires, floods, drought, blizzards, shipwrecks, and other devastating events, including a yellow fever epidemic in 1867, which earned that year the grim moniker "The Year of Death." Each story reveals not only the...

Texas Towns invites you to travel through the many unique towns of this grand state. This exciting guidebook describes countless current counties, routes, and landmarks as well as stories of the state's first settlements and origins of town's names. Whether you're curious about the history of your own town or want information on an unfamiliar place such as Blowout Community, you'll find this detailed yet entertaining volume can answer all your questions...

In one of his most exotic and adventuresome journeys, travel writer Paul Theroux embarks on an eighteen-month tour of the South Pacific, exploring fifty-one islands by collapsible kayak. Beginning in New Zealand's rain forests and ultimately coming to shore thousands of miles away in Hawaii, Theroux paddles alone over isolated atolls, through dirty harbors and shark-filled waters, and along treacherous coastlines. Along the way, Theroux meets the...

This guide to more than 2,500 Texas roadside markers features historical events; famous and infamous Texans; origins of town, churches, and organizations; battles, skirmishes, and gunfights; and settlers, pioneers, Indians, and outlaws. This Sixth edition includes more than 100 new historical roadside markers with the actual inscriptions. With this book, travelers relive the tragedies and triumphs of Lone Star history. --Back cover.

"Playing with concepts of size and scale, giant pumpkins decorate some of America's most famous landmarks and landscapes."-- Provided by publisher. Includes facts about the places and events pictured.

From the bestselling editors of "The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup" comes an American road trip in book form: original writing on all 50 states by 50 of America's finest novelists, journalists, and essayists.-- Publisher