Texas and the West from Kenston Rare Books

Here is a book that needs no description. The title says it all: The Great Galveston Disaster, Containing a Full and Thrilling Account of the Most Appalling Calamity of Modern Times Including Vivid Descriptions of the Hurricane and Terrible Rush of Waters, Immense Destruction of Dwellings, Business Houses, Churches and Loss of Thousands of Human Lives... It was the worst hurricane, in terms of loss of life, in American history. At least 6,000 people died and the destruction of the island city was virtually complete, it having been totally submerged by water. It led to the building of a sea wall, and with early warnings now available, nothing like the loss of life of 1900 was experienced during Hurricane Ike in 2008. This is an early account, by Paul Lester, with photographs of the recent disaster, published in 1900. Item 146. $75.

The previously described Texas Centennial took place in Dallas in 1936. The city fathers of neighboring Fort Worth were not pleased. They thought their city should be the host. They decided to host a rival celebration. Newspaper publisher Amon Carter hired Billy Rose, the noted songwriter and theatrical producer, to put on a show in Fort Worth. Rose brought in burlesque dancer Sally Rand and put together a show featuring tributes to various world fairs and exhibitions. It was held in the newly built Casa Manana, with a large revolving stage sitting atop a huge tank of water, making it appear the stage was floating. Item 92 is Billy Rose Presents Casa Manana, pictured on this page. $75.

You may reach Kenston Rare Books at 214-526-7033 or info@kenstonrarebooks.com. Their website is www.kenstonrarebooks.com