FORT CONCHO AND THE TEXAS FRONTIER.

San Angelo:  San Angelo Standard-Times, 1952.  352pp. Index.  Notes.  Illustrations by Bugbee.  Maps (4) by Jose Cisneros.  Diagram of Fort Concho. Designed by Hertzog.  First edition. The book is a near fine copy. The unclipped dust jacket exhibits edge wear and chipping most noticeably at the toe and head of the spine where a large piece is missing, overall, a good jacket.  Jenkins, BTB 83:  “This is one of the best books about any of the vital string of federal forts established in West Texas to tame the frontier.”  Eugene C. Barker:  “This book began as a history of San Angelo and the adjacent region drained by the Concho rivers.  It grew, in writing, into a history of West Texas.”  J. Evetts Haley: “Fort Concho was not only the center of significant events; it was the geographic and strategic hinge upon which history swung. From this vital pivot swung the great campaigns that swept the Comanches off the southern plains, that blocked at last the renegade Apaches along the Mexican border, and that extended a generally protective shield across the heart of Texas….” Al Lowman [speaking of the completed book]: “….in my estimation, is their greatest [joint] venture [Hertzog, Haley, Bugbee]….The finest talent of three notable West Texans is assembled in perfect register between its covers.” Tate, The Indians of Texas 2935:  “Considerable detailed information on military conflicts with Comanches across West Texas from the 1850s through 1870s.” The author gives a picture of life on the West Texas frontier as it centered around Ft. Concho with much information on The Great Comanche War Trail, Mackenzie, Fort Concho’s history and development, and related military operations.  A must for any Texana or Indian Wars collection, it is highly recommended.