James A. Michener is a gifted writer who brings history alive through his complex characters and excellent narrative. Using a fictitious task force created in 1983 by the Governor of Texas to define the essentials of Texas history to safeguard the state's heritage, the author begins with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s who offered free land to anyone who would populate this wild, untamed country. Immigrants from Germany, Ireland, England, and Scotland seeking a better life came in droves only to be savagely murdered by the Comanches—but they kept coming. By capturing the wild cattle that occupied the plains, they started the first long-horn cattle ranches that still exist today. The story moves on to the war with Mexico and the formation of the famous Texas Rangers in the early 1800s. Michener combines the facts with the dust, sweat, and blood it took to create this iconic state in the U.S.. I don't know why historians can't write school history books this way. It's entertaining and informative. I can't wait to tackle volume two. ( )