"An outstanding contribution to the historiography of the American West and likely will remain for a long time the definitive work on the Texas Panhandle." Ernest Wallace"As one born in the region, Rathjen is sympathetic to it, but he is also understanding of it; there is little Chamber of Commerce stuff in his story." Robert G. AthearnThe Texas Panhandle its eastern edge descending sharply from the plains into the canyons of Palo Duro, Tule, Quitaque, Casa Blanca, and Yellow House is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty. Long considered a crossroads of ancient civilizations, the...

Of the canyons that break the eastern edge of the Staked Plains, Palo Duro is by far the most spectacular. As one approaches the edge, the earth opens up into a vast gash, a geological and ecological wonder. And whether you come to Palo Duro as a novice or veteran canyoneer, the thrill and the mystery are always intense.How did the canyon get here? What caused the vari-color of the walls and formations? Why do some formations stand completely separated from the canyon walls? Did the little stream running along the canyon floor form this canyon all by itself? Who were the first people to find...

No one captures Texas like Wyman Meinzer, whether his subject is its skies, weather, wildlife, rivers, or what lies below the skyline of his native West Texas. Here, in this gem of a portfolio, are fifty vistas of those geological wonders that have fascinated artists, writers, and musicians from around the world for centuries and continue to hold spellbound a half million visitors annually. Through Meinzer s eye the reader beholds the change of seasons beneath the Palisaded Plains skyline in Palo Duro, Tule, Caprock, and Cita Canyons.Framing Meinzer s work in elegant historic context,...