Customer Reviews

Galveston: A History of the Island (Chisholm Trail Series)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is simply the best and most entertaining historical study that I've ever had the pleasure of reading. It literally made me laugh out loud as well as tear up several times. I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. It reads like a very well written novel whose topic is endlessly fascinating. I've given it as a present several times since I first read it about 10 or 11 years ago and the recipients have all been as thrilled with it as I've been.

This books gives a detailed history of the island of Galveston from it's first inhabitants to present day. Unlike some historical accounts this book is a real "page turner," completely absorbing the reader in each different time period from hostile indians to mafia men. The author lays out areas on the island to explore as well as important historical landmarks. He helps one understand the rise and fall of the island's fame and fortune along with it's leading families. I highly recommend it whether you are visiting Galveston or you are just interested in history.

I rarely read history for pleasure ( I lean more towards murder mysteries), but I read this on the recommendation of a stranger in the local library. I was pleasantly surprised at the breadth of content which the author managed to cover in a way that reads like a popular novel. It never gets boring, but I'm sure that I irritated my husband by laughing out loud a time or two and insisting he listen to a few paragraphs. Since I grew up near Galveston and spent days on the beach from infancy to last month, I'm probably biased, but I think this book would appeal to many. Enjoy!!

I would have loved to give this book a 5 star review. Very readable, it was an excellent framework for appreciating the history of this city. However, the book was marred by a steady drumbeat of political correctness. This included a rather unusual defense of the cannibalistic Karankawa aboriginal culture (I give him points for originality there!) From beginning to end, the book was peppered with sarcastic (usually spurious) references to Christianity. All grownups realize that there are some people who will try to hide or justify their wrong actions under a religious facade. Toward the end of the book, the author's analysis of the wealthy Moody family was negative, one-sided and vastly unfair. His implication that the Moody foundation was somehow hijacked by right-wing fanatics during the 1980's came across as a bit looney. My analysis: 80% enjoyment, 20% tiresome. If political correctness doesn't bother you, you will love the book. Otherwise, you will enjoy it but wish for a better product.

Anyone who begins a book on Galveston by describing it as haunted knows his Galveston. A wonderful history and guide to the island by someone who truly appreciates its uniqueness. I have a bookshelf of Galveston books that I love and this one is on it.

Galveston may have the most interesting history of any town or city in the U.S., under 6 flags and loaded with the dramatic--cannibalism, warfare, pirates, slavery, prostitution, illegal gambling, the worst natural disaster in U.S. history--you name it. Gary Cartwright's book is by FAR the best read about this fascinating subject. This is a real page turner, and when it comes to 20th century, he covers lots of ground absent from the other histories of Galveston. However, his book is filled with inaccuracies, albeit in many cases relatively minor and arguably not of great importance to the non-scholar. He excuses himself both for the potential inaccuracies and for the total lack of documentation by admitting that he's not a historian. But does that give the author the write to make stuff up or do shoddy investigating? Docents at several of the Galveston mansions are literally forbidden from reading the book, for fear that it would inevitably lead those docents to spout erroneous statements abvout Galveston. And because Cartwright's book is so much more fun than all the others, it's likely that his less-than-accurate tale will stick in the reader's memory far longer than the more accurate but vastly drier accounts by McComb, Fornell, Hayes, and others. As long as you're not a scholar and concerned with total truth, if you just want to have a good time reading about Galveston this is the ONLY book to read. Otherwise, better stay away.

Excellent Book!! We will be giving several as gifts this year. The service provided in processing our order was superior too. Thank you!

This is the most facinating and interesting book. It's amazing how much history this small island has to tell. I grew up going to Galveston and have always loved the city, but I had no idea it had this much history. You really won't be able to put this book down, every section is more intersting than the previous. Mr. Carwright has always known how to weave a tale. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in facinating history, written in a compelling way. Be aware that after you read this book you will have the most incredible desire to visit this wonderful island. Galveston is truly a treasure and I always tell anyone visiting the Houston area to make it their top priority.

Galveston Island is a very special place for all of us sun bathers! And of course if you are looking for background information about the historic significance of this area, this book is the place to go.

Having been born and raised on Galveston, I thought I knew all of Galveston history. I learned guite a bit from this book however. I encourage anyone wishing to learn about the Island to purchase and read this book