Texas Sky [Hardcover]

Wyman Meinzer (Author), John Graves (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1998

Whether it shows a summer thunderstorm rolling across the plains of the Llano Estacado or a full moon rising on a clear winter night, the sky is the most commanding presence in the Texas landscape. As Georgia O'Keeffe once wrote from Canyon to a friend, "I am loving the plains more than ever it seems--and the SKY--Anita you have never seen SKY--it is wonderful." Wyman Meinzer observes that "recording the vibrant and sometimes forbidding nature of the sky has been one of the most enjoyable photographic endeavors of my career." The one hundred breathtaking color images in this book reveal the beauty, drama, unpredictability, and sheer expanse of Texas' sky. Meinzer observes the sky from first light to the star trails in a night exposure. He presents the full palette of sunrise and sunset hues, the endless variety of cloud formations, and the cobalt blue of the sky after a winter norther. Most of all, he captures the feelings of freedom and power that so many people experience under the Texas sky. In a beautifully written essay, John Graves connects Meinzer's photos to the land and the people of Texas. Meinzer's preface describes the careful planning and lucky chances that yielded many of these photographs, while interspersed among them are quotes from Texas skywatchers past and present. Taken together, the stunning images and eloquent words say all there is to say about the Texas sky.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An enormous and compelling sky--and the expansive vistas which it yields--are an integral part of Texas scenery. In hill country and plains, desert, mountain and river valley, the sky itself often shapes the geographic and psychic landscape. The University of Texas Press releases Texas Sky, an elegant publication which celebrates both state and sky, by the award-winning photographer Wyman Meinzer.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 132 pages
• Publisher: University of Texas Press; 1st edition (1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0292752180
• ISBN-13: 978-0292752184
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #324,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beyond words, May 16, 2000

By 

Julie Adair (Texas of course! Is there anyplace else?) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Texas Sky (Hardcover)

When I received this book as a gift and initially thumbed through the pages I was in awe. Though I was familiar with the work of Wyman Meinzer and was already a fan of his, I really didn't beleive that anyone would ever have the talent to put a book like this together. Truthfully, many of the photos made me swallow hard with emotion because the images elicited such special feelings. Though the photos could easily stand alone, the quotes are very well chosen and compliment each image well. John Graves is wonderful of course. When I escape to Texas Sky, I think about the pure exhiliration in being able to stand at each of the places in the precious few moments when the sky was so spectacular. Have you ever regretted not having your camera in your hand, or perhaps ran to get it but were too late, or even snapped the shot only to realize later that you didn't get it right? Well, all of our missed shots are captured flawlessly by Wyman Meinzer in Texas Sky. The only disappointment was that Mr. Meinzer didn't write more. Just read the preface, page 61 or the acknowledgment, you'll want more too. In my opinion he is the photographer by whom all others should be judged and the writer all writers should strive to be like. I will forever be envious. Everyone should own this book. PS I just got Texas Seasons...one of his most recent books....awesome again, Wyman.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such art deserves it's own easel., April 5, 2000

By 

Norma Bradley Allen (Cedar Hill, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Texas Sky (Hardcover)

Texas is my home. One doesn't have a home somewhere in Texas. Once you claim it the entire state is home. I wasn't certain exactly why that was true, until I received this book as a gift today. The Texas state of mind has as it's roof the Texas Sky. Wyman Meinzer has captured through his impeccable lenses the beauty that makes us hurry home. It is a book with a catch in it's throat on every page. I'm purchasing a new easel to do it honor.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, December 1, 1999

By 

Jessica (Wichita Falls, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Texas Sky (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my father, who is a friend and fan of the photographer. Now I have to go buy one for myself! The pictures in this book are incredible, and truly capture our magnificent Texas sky. Way to go Wyman!