Bookshelf

What's Been Happening

Feeding the Wolf: John B. Rayner and the Politics of Race, 1850-1918 by Gregg Cantrell, UNT professor of history (Harlan Davidson Inc.). Cantrell tells the story of John B. Rayner, an African American educator and Republican officeholder during Reconstruction who rose to prominence in Texas as an orator and political strategist for the Populist Party in the 1890s. Rayner, born to a slave and a wealthy North Carolina congressman and slaveholder, challenged both the Democratic Party and the racial orthodoxy of the South. After 1900, his life reflects the challenges that faced politically active African Americans in the age of Jim Crow.

The Light Crust Doughboys Are on the Air: Celebrating Seventy Years of Texas Music by John Mark Dempsey, UNT assistant professor of journalism (UNT Press). This first complete history of the Doughboys follows the official music ambassadors of the Lone Star State from their early radio days as trailblazers of western swing to their current live performances exploring other musical genres such as gospel. An audio CD included with the book contains Doughboys music, from early studio recordings to contemporary tunes.

The Wind's Will by Nancy Vance Cooley (’40) of Garland (PublishAmerica Inc.). Set in frontier Texas, Cooley’s novel follows Sam Houston Gossett’s estrangement from his family and his adventures on his path to reconciliation. Along the way, he deals with amnesia, natural disasters, Civil War woes and murder. A trip to First Monday Trade Days in Canton plays a pivotal role in sending him back to face his family. Cooley, a fifth-generation Texan, has taught in high schools and at Texas Christian University. This is her first novel.

Turning Terror to Triumph — Amazing Grace From Seven Verses in Psalms by Lucy Caswell Papillon (’82 Ph.D.) of Redondo Beach, Calif. (Spirit Press). Papillon, a licensed clinical and media psychologist, offers a resource for peace in response to events such as those of Sept. 11, 2001. She is the founder and director of the Center of Light in Beverly Hills, Calif., and has her own weekly television show in Los Angeles called Breaking Through.

Other Media

Fenceposts by Peach Truck Republic (Peach-Key Records), whose members include Wes Dismuke (’94) of Fort Worth, vocals and guitar, and Evan Jones (’95) of Fort Worth, drums and percussion. This double-length concept piece is based on the poem “Like Fenceposts Down the Row” by Oliver Reed. With blues, folk and instrumental rock, the group develops the themes of the poet, who uses rural settings to depict human truths.