Under Texas Skies

Name: Under Texas Skies
Price: 54.26 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock
ISBN: 9781649670311

Oil, Ranches, and the Dreams That Shaped a State

Julie DeWees Sparks

$63.95 $54.26

Paperback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We will update you on expected arrival time to us. If this delay is too long, please let us know within 2 business days and we can give you options regarding cancelling or adjusting your order. More details on cancelling your order can be found in our Terms of Trade.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

State House Press / McWhiney Foundation Press
20 February 2026

History of the Americas; 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000; Mining industry; Energy industries & utilities; Petroleum technology

Beneath the vast, unyielding Texas sky lies a story of grit, gushers, and grandeur—a tale of how oil, cattle, and the audacious dreams of larger-than-life figures forged a state unlike any other. Under Texas Skies: Oil, Ranches, and Dreams that Shaped a State takes readers on a sweeping journey through Texas history, from the explosive birth of the modern petroleum industry at Spindletop to the fracking boom and beyond. This is not just a chronicle of black gold; it’s a vibrant tapestry of ranches sprawling across millions of acres, visionary philanthropists building cities from scratch, and a cowboy culture that defied stereotypes to fuel a global economic titan.

With 22 meticulously researched chapters, Under Texas Skies uncovers the improbable friendships, family dynasties, and technological leaps that defined Texas. Discover how oil taxes—starting with a modest 1905 levy—built a state without income tax, funding highways, Neiman Marcus glamour, and a war-winning effort in World War II with pipelines and synthetic rubber. Texas also played a crucial role during World War I, as the nation relied on its oil to power military vehicles and support the war effort. From the million-acre ranches of Texas to the coastal wells rising from Gulf waves, this book captures the raw energy of a land where dreams were as big as the horizon.

By: Julie DeWees Sparks
Imprint: State House Press / McWhiney Foundation Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781649670311
ISBN 10: 1649670311
Pages: 424
Publication Date: 20 February 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Julie Dewees Sparks retired from British Petroleum in 2016 after a distinguished career in the energy industry in Houston. A proud alumna of LSU with a BS in International Finance and the University of Houston with an MBA in Economics, Julie’s academic achievements laid the foundation for her impressive career. Since 2018, Julie brings her passion for history to life as a docent at the prestigious Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, a jewel in the crown of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her commitment to preserving and promoting Texas heritage doesn’t stop there. Julie lends her expertise to the Advisory Board of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville, a newly minted institution dedicated to fostering appreciation for the Lone Star State’s storied past and vibrant present. From 2018 to 2021, she also contributed her insights as a board member of the Texas Historical Foundation. She lives in Houston.