Little Boy Lost

Being autistic nearly ruined Michael Shipley’s life, but his parents sent him to a state mental hospital. Then Michael’s life was ruined for good.

by Victoria Loe

Would You Pay $2.5 Million for That Painting?

The Iceberg is the most expensive American painting in history, but it is also the center of an art-world mystery with a trail leading from an English boys’ school to a Dallas millionaire.

by Michael Ennis

Painting the Towns

Burns roamed Texas doing odd jobs. One day he ambled into a museum carrying drawings he’s made along the way - and ended up a celebrity.

by Andy Burns

On the Edge of Texas

For hundreds of years man—from the Comanche to the backpacker—has tried to conquer Big Bend. Still, it remains wild, stark, and pristine.

by Stephen Harrigan

The Tragedy of Bob Bullock

Bob Bullock, in his flamboyant style, built a powerful state agency. Then Bob Bullock, in his flamboyant style, was seduced by its power.

by Bill Collier

Behind the Lines

Forgetting free trade, scrapping our factories, and other modest solutions to our economic troubles.

by William Broyles

Dining Out

All Show and No Souffle

While the Pyramid Room in Dallas relies on pomp, two of its rivals in French dining are putting foot before pretension.

by W. L. Taitte

Health

The Finish Line

As a doctor, Tony Seidenberg has become accustomed to death. Only this time it is different: he is the one who is dying.

by Abby Kaighin

Stepping Out

I Want to be a Star

You do? There are some people right off Dallas’s Central Expressway waiting to help.

Michael Ennis

Church

Cross Examinations

Adventurous Methodists try the case against the Church; pallid Seventh-day Adventists try the worshiper’s patience.

by William Martin

Film

Lode Star

Coal Miner’s Daughter hits true and false notes; Cruising goes sadly astray.

by George Morris

Classical Music

Putting On the Don

One man’s lifelong quest for the perfect recording of Mozart’s masterpiece.

by W. L. Taitte

Popular Music

Let the Good Times Roll

Filmmaker Les Blank focuses on foot-tapping music, down-home cooking, and the vanishing art of having a good time.

by Joe Nick Patoski

Jazz

Jazz Salad

Some old greats forged ahead in 1979, but young musicians kept up.

by Doug Ramsey

Books

Gonna Take a Sedimentary Journey

Roadside Geology of Texas makes traveling a rocky road fun. In the Shining Mountains finds nature tarnished, but The Spawning Run shows it unspoiled.

by Stephen Harrigan

Reporter

Texas Monthly Reporter

Rice University is up in arms; God is indicted for murder; Blackboard Jungle becomes a political thicket; the golden arm of Nolan Ryan.

by Gene Lyons

The Inside Story

Music lover.

by Gregory Curtis

Roar of the Crowd

Love and death.

Touts

Cowgirls and dougboys.

by Patricia Sharpe

Puzzle

Penalty for icing.

State Secrets

Nebraska scoundrels are absconding with West Texas water; adding grist to the Murdoch rumor mill; the old Dallas City Council was never like this.

Edited by Paul Burka