Mike Cox

"In previous guides to books on Texas, J. Frank Dobie furnished us a guide to 'good reading' (Life and Literature of the Southwest) and John Jenkins generated a 'guide for a good research library' (Basic Texas Books). Mike has managed to concoct a blend of both that would make his predecessors proud. Dobie and Jenkins gave us the flesh and bones of Texas in their able-bodied guides to the best books on Texas. Now comes Mike Cox with books that are the blood to animate those flesh and bones, bring some color to the cheek, with a strong steady pulse that courses through every page."
"Mike Cox has written a fine annotated Texas reference that will long stand ... as one of the primary sources for discovering the best in Texas Writing."

Introduction by Texas historian Al Lowman. With 126 book entries plus essays 'Silly or Scarce: A Few Basic Texas Boo-Boos' and 'Future Basic Texas Books.' Extensive index. 85 pp. Cover illustration by Wayne Baize.

Published by the Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library (Midland, 2001), which was founded by historian, author and cowman J. Evetts Haley (1901-1995) so the people of Texas might have a better understanding of Texas history. Limited first printing of 500 copies.