Big Wonderful Thing: A History of Texas by Stephen Harrigan

Stephen Harrigan’s Big Wonderful Thing: A History of Texas is a sweeping and often poetic narrative of the state and its inhabitants from its beginning 16 centuries ago as part of Mexico and native tribes to the present day. Harrigan draws upon his deep understanding of Texas’s culture, geography, and history, providing readers with an enormous stock of ideas, and both entertaining and profound materials.

Big Wonderful Thing delves deeply into Texas’s past, beginning with the first wars between Spanish and Apache, and continuing through the tumultuous years of the Texas Revolution, the state’s formation, and the development of civil rights in the post-Civil War era. Harrigan also examines the changing fortunes of Texas cities, from the early settlement of San Antonio to the development of the Space City in Houston. By tracing the routes of planting and herding, Harrigan provides an intimate look at how the people of Texas have shaped the land and their own destiny.

The book deepens our understanding of how Texas society, politics, and economics all underwent drastic changes throughout its history, as well as explores how Texas has influenced the nation. Harrigan highlights the contributions of nonconformists, women, and minorities, whose struggles and triumphs are integral parts of the Texas story. He details the political and economic impact of such things as the influence of oil, corporate investment in the state, the changing face of immigration, and issues of education.

Throughout Big Wonderful Thing, Harrigan presents a vivid and wittily written portrait of Texas’s past and present identities. He introduces us to exemplary figures who have helped to make the state unique, such as President Sam Houston, Senator Oveta Culp Hobby, and governesses Lady Bird Johnson and Ann Richards. He offers both art and advertising to suggest the interplay of culture and commerce in making Texas a recognizable brand.

The result is an engaging read that invites us to see Texas anew, to marvel at its diversity, and to reflect on the many contributions of its people, culture, and landscape. Harrigan’s exploration of Texas’s history is thorough, balanced, and big-hearted, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the complexities and wonders of the Lone Star State. Big Wonderful Thing is a must-read for anyone wishing to understand the history and culture of Texas – now and in the future.