Texas: A World in Itself

Texas: A World in Itself by George Sessions Perry. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780882890944.

Texas: A World in Itself is considered to be one of the most unusual books about Texas ever published. George Sessions Perrys unique style could make the reader think that they too are apart of the defense of the Alamo or friends with the myriad of figures who are presented within the confines of this book. This style, in the end, brings a certain amount of authenticity to the book. In the introduction of this book, Perry tells of a Yankee family, the Rosengrens, who move to San Antonio to set up a bookshop. Despite their slim chance of success, this family slowly came to consider Texas their home, finding more friends there than they ever had anywhere else. By Mr. Perrys account, this is nothing short of a miracle, which can only happen in Texas, because "the Rosengrens dont belong to any clubs and the people in San Antonio dont like books." This work is an excellent informal guide to the state in which the author was born and raised. With enchanting stories, the book introduces the reader to the history, traditions, and folklore of Texas. Due to Perrys many trips to other cities, states, and countries, he has gained a worldly perspective of his home state. These experiences allow him to give the reader a picture of Texas that a nonnative can easily understand and a native could fondly enjoy.