Deep Time and the Texas High Plains: History and Geology (Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest) [Paperback]

Paul H. Carlson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest | Publication Date: November 15, 2005

"Carlson writes well in a style that lends itself to an understanding of how man got to the high plains, and what he did once he arrived. Highly recommended reading." —New Mexico Historical Notebook Humans have visited the Texas High Plains, and in particular the upper Brazos River region, for nearly twelve thousand years. At the site of the Lubbock Lake Landmark in the long Yellow House Draw, they camped, hunted game, and sought shelter from harsh winter weather. In this brief, readable history, Paul H. Carlson surveys the Lubbock Lake Landmark’s long geologic past, placing emphasis on human activity in the region and showing how early peoples adapted to shifting environmental conditions and changing animal resources. Yet this book is more than a history of the Landmark. Carlson places this significant national archaeological site in broad perspective, connecting it to geology and history in the larger upper Brazos River drainage system and, by extension, the central Llano Estacado. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Carlson consulted geological records; paleontological, anthropological, and archaeological reports; astrometrical and climatological studies; and histories of the region to reach back through deep time to explore the significance of the region to life on the Texas High Plains. “From the edge of eternity . . . astronomy, geology, anthropology, and history converge, forming the High Plains. An exciting library addition, classroom guide, or reference book, Paul Carlson’s easy-reading study is an adventure for everyone who explores the unique character of the Texas High Plains.” —Eddie Guffee, former curator of the Llano Estacado Museum

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul H. Carlson is professor of history at Texas Tech University. He has published many articles and several books, including The Cowboy Way: An Exploration of History and Culture (Texas Tech 2000) and The Plains Indians.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Texas Tech University Press (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896725537
• ISBN-13: 978-0896725539
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,529,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Average, March 23, 2008

By 

Rough Customer (on your six) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deep Time and the Texas High Plains: History and Geology (Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest) (Hardcover)

This book is no barn burner. First, paper book jacket, minus ten points. The book is comprehensive, to say the least. Covers from the beginnings of earth..which is go be expected considering the geology associated with the discussion. I had hoped a little more information, and details both on the Lubbock Lake archaeology site, and on William Curry Holden, Phd, who was the guru of anthropology and archaeology for a wide portion of west Texas, Mexico and New Mexico. Professor Holden was a man of huge importance, and the likes of him will rarely be seen again in this century.
I did enjoy the listing of the fauna associated with the Lubbock lake site, thought the treatment of the historical times was a bit light. Little or no recognition of the local amateur archaeological society given. Playa lakes lightly discussed. Still a nice book and reasonably priced, would like to see a hefty volume (500 pages) on the Lubbock Lake site archaelogy with in depth information (photos and written desciption and interpretation) written in layman's terminology.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inter-relation of the land, history, and culture in northwestern Texas, December 3, 2005

By 

Henry Berry "Henry Berry" (Southport, CT) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deep Time and the Texas High Plains: History and Geology (Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest) (Hardcover)

Texas Tech U. professor of history Carlson writes a short, though comprehensive, overview of the Texas high plains region. This region borders New Mexico in the area of the Texas panhandle. The Rio Bravos is a major geographical feature; and the most important geological and archaeological site is known as the Lubbock Lake Landmark. The overview seamlessly weaves geology, anthropology, and history. Carlson covers human inhabitants from the earliest pre-Columbian Native Americans to the founding of large ranches and growth of cities in the 1800s. Excavations at the Lubbock Lake site "reveal clearly that humans have occupied the place periodically over the last twelve thousand years." Carlson also covers the animal species changing according to the changing natural conditions of the area.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Texas! By Golly!, October 9, 2008

By 

W. Staples (West of 40 degrees Lon and South of 40 degrees Lat) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Deep Time and the Texas High Plains: History and Geology (Grover E. Murray Studies in the American Southwest) (Paperback)

Any man who quotes John McPhee ("Basin and Range") probably has his head screwed on right.

Prof. Paul H. Carlson of Texas Tech University has produced an excellent study of West Texas with "Deep Time and the Texas High Plains: History and Geology." While it is a relatively thin book (141 pages), it is meaty. The information is based on the University's work at Lubbock Lake Landmark on the outskirts of Lubbock, Texas. It begins with the big bang and ends in the twentieth century. In this span, he covers the geology, archaeology, and history of the area. The only sour note is an illustration attempting to show the difference in pelvic structures of the two orders of dinosaurs. The text is correct, the illustration is not.

This is the book, so far, to go to for the natural history of the Llano Estacado. (Think I'll see what else Carlson has written.)