{"product_id":"under-texas-skies-julie-dewees-sparks-9781649670380","title":"Under Texas Skies: Oil, Ranches, and Dreams That Shaped a State","description":"\u003cp\u003e 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. \u003ci\u003eUnder Texas Skies: Oil, Ranches, and Dreams that Shaped a State\u003c\/i\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Julie Dewees Sparks\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 1649670389\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781649670380\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e State House Press at the Texas Center-Schrein\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 02\/20\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 350\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover","brand":"Julie Dewees Sparks","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":48066760835327,"sku":"9781649670380","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_ebe68258-f217-40bd-80bf-1fad5eb5ab3a.jpg?v=1768680376","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/under-texas-skies-julie-dewees-sparks-9781649670380","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}