The Last Roundup

“When the cowboys on the 06 ranch talked about losing a way of life, they often pointed to their neighbor, Clayton Williams, as an example of what they meant. He was a millionaire and an oilman, and he represented everything they hated.”

by Gary Cartwright

The Big Country

The great Texas ranches and how they got that way.

by Catherine Chadwick

Texas Primer: The Oil Depletion Allowance

Assailed by presidents, skewered by senators, decried by the New York Times, the oil depletion allowance has survived it all. It helps to have friends in high places.

by Joseph Nocera

When Picasso Was a Texan

You say you’ve never heard of Picasso’s burnt-orange period? And you call yourself a real Texan?

My Life As a Drunk

It may be hard to believe that you can drink two fifths a day and not only function but function well. But I did it. For a while.

by Peter B

Leaving the Bottle Behind

Like any disease, alcoholism has specific symptoms. Like many religions, drying-out programs require abstinence, blind faith, and confession.

by John Davidson

Mayor, Council Locked in Bitter Struggle!

Council tells mayor her budget stinks! Mayor tells council to like it or lump it! Both sides twist arms, trade insults! Read all about it!

by Peter Elkind

Western Art: The New Colossus

An interpretation of a classic genre.

by Jack Unruh

Art

Sterling Surls

With his rough-hewn sculptures that speak to mankind’s most basic needs, James Surls is fast becoming the dean of Texas art.

by Michael Ennis

Behind the Lines

A tilt of the axis.

by Gregory Curtis

Business

When Grandma Talks...

Rich old ladies who hoard their securities set the best example for managing your stocks.

by Peter Applebome

Movies

Wilds of the Soul

Mrs. Soffel weaves a tale of love and damnation; A Passage to India is a smooth, brocaded expedition; The Cotton Club offers pomp by the bale.

by James Wolcott

Books

Eavesdropping On History

Max Crawford’s Lords of the Plain is a convincing tale of cavalry and Indians; Thomas McGuane’s Something to Be Desired is an insightful cowtown comedy.

by James Whitaker

Classical Music

Strummin’ On the Old Gamba

Using antique and original instruments like the viola da gamba, the Texas Baroque Ensemble is making Garland the place to hear early music in Texas.

by W. L. Taitte

Reporter

Beauteous burgers in Bells and Springlake; tough times in Tyler; ringside raving in Fort Worth; avid aspirations in Lubbock.

by Peter Applebome

Roar of the Crowd

Contemplating marriage; speaking up for Houston; deciphering Texas myths; transplanting Austin’s airport.

Touts

Getting ready for February’s red-letter day.

Puzzle

Minding your peas and cues.

State Secrets

What’s the point at the Dallas Museum of Art? What does $25 oil mean for Houston? Hush, Gib. James Baker’s new job is a labor of love.

Edited by Paul Burka