"Steven L. Davis has combed through the works of this renowned Texas author, gathering together in one volume Dobie's most vital writings. He then meticulously edited Dobie's stories and essays to "prune away some of the brushy undergrowth" and bring Dobie's folksy, erudite voice bounding back to life. The result is The Essential J. Frank Dobie, a treasury that introduces new readers to Dobie--and reminds older ones that Dobie produced some of the most fascinating, best-informed writing about Texas. Dobie bore eloquent witness to the passing of ancient pastoral lifeways and he captured priceless social history, collecting vanishing folklore and vibrant human stories overlooked by historians of the era. Davis, a Dobie biographer, searched for the stories only Dobie could tell--those enriched by his matchless personal adventures. Dobie rode twisting mountain trails throughout remote Mexico in search of lost mines. He helped inspire Big Bend National Park and led efforts to save the Texas Longhorn from extinction. During World War II, he dodged German V-1 bombs in England and later saw the Nazi death camps and toured Hitler's chancellery. Believing that "Texas Needs Brains," Dobie was decades ahead of his time in championing civil rights and protecting the environment"--

In The Voice of the Coyote, J. Frank Dobie melds natural history with tales and lore in articulating the complex and often contentious relationship between coyotes and humans. Based on his own life experiences in Texas and twenty-five years of research, Dobie forges a sympathetic and nuanced picture of the coyote prefiguring later environmental and conservation movements. He recognizes the impact of human action on the coyote while also examining the prominent role of the coyote in the myths and legends of the West.

A retelling of 28 tales about or taking place in Texas.

The first Texas-based writer to gain national attention, J. Frank Dobie proved that authentic writing springs easily from the native soil of Texas and the Southwest. In best-selling books such as Tales of Old-Time Texas, Coronado's Children, and The Longhorns, Dobie captured the Southwest's folk history, which was quickly disappearing as the United States became ever more urbanized and industrial. Renowned as "Mr. Texas," Dobie paradoxically has almost disappeared from view—a casualty of changing tastes in literature and shifts in social and political attitudes since the 1960s. In this lively biography, Steven L. Davis takes a fresh look at a J. Frank Dobie whose "liberated mind" set him on an intellectual journey that culminated in Dobie becoming a political liberal who fought for labor, free speech, and civil rights well before these causes became acceptable to most Anglo Texans. Tracing the full arc of Dobie's life (1888–1964), Davis shows how Dobie's insistence on "free-range thinking" led him to such radical actions as calling for the complete integration of the University of Texas during the 1940s, as well as taking on governors, senators, and the FBI (which secretly investigated him) as Texas's leading dissenter during the McCarthy era.

The Ben Lilly Legend brings back to life a great American hunter—the greatest bear hunter in history after Davy Crockett, by his own account and also by the record. Here are all the stories Ben Lilly told and a great many more Frank Dobie heard about him, put together in a fresh and fascinating contribution to American folklore.

Step into the rich tapestry of Texas folklore with Coffee in the Gourd by J. Frank Dobie. This delightful collection offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Texan culture, where coffee serves as a central theme binding together stories of resilience, humor, and tradition. As Dobie shares his captivating tales, you'll discover the vibrant characters and rich histories that shape the Lone Star State. Each story is steeped in the essence of Texas, inviting readers to appreciate the nuances of its people and landscapes. But here's the intriguing question: How does a simple cup of coffee embody the spirit of a community? Through his evocative storytelling, Dobie reveals that the act of gathering around coffee is more than a ritual; it’s a celebration of life itself. With every page, Coffee in the Gourd immerses you in tales that are as warm and inviting as a freshly brewed cup. Dobie's masterful prose transports you to lively gatherings where laughter flows as freely as the coffee, creating a sense of belonging that resonates deeply. Are you ready to sip on the rich stories that define a culture? Experience the blend of humor, wisdom, and nostalgia that makes Coffee in the Gourd a treasured read. These narratives will not only entertain but also provoke thought about the bonds that unite us as human beings. Don’t miss out on this literary journey—buy Coffee in the Gourd today and discover the heart of Texas, one story at a time!