One of the major pieces for any Texana collection is Mary Austin Holley's Texas. Observations, Historical, Geographical and Descriptive... Mary Holley was a cousin of the "Father of Texas," Stephen F. Austin. Austin had developed a colony of settlers started by his father over a decade earlier along the Gulf Coast, and Mary published a series of her letters in this book, designed to encourage more settlers to come. Along with the promotional aspects, it tells much about Texas life, notably from a woman's point of view. It was published in 1833. That same year, Stephen Austin traveled to Mexico in hopes of encouraging reforms, only to be imprisoned on unspecified charges. By the time he was released in 1835, settlers from the east were totally dissatisfied with Mexican rule and the Texas Revolution was set to begin. $55,000. Also offered is the 1836 edition of this book, Texas, updated to be more of a history of Texas, and taking into account the revolutionary changes since the first edition. $35,000.

A City Map of Houston, drawn by J.P. Blessing, is a monumental depiction of that young and growing city in 1869. It measures 67" x 58 1/2", and includes insets of many important buildings and other features. It is hard to imagine a Houston map showing property owners' names, but that was still possible with a large enough map at the time. Naturally, it contains the names of many early families. $350,000.

Thaddeus Fowler prepared bird's-eye views of many cities, but he didn't attempt to tackle anything so large as Houston. He traveled all over the country preparing his city views, and from 1890-91 drew 17 in Texas and Oklahoma. The biggest Texas city he attempted is the one herein offered, Denison. Denison is located north of Dallas, just south of the Oklahoma border. At the time this view was published in 1891, it had a little over 10,000 residents. Today it has around 25,000. $9,500.

The Arader Galleries has six locations, including one in Texas. Their website is located at www.aradergalleries.com. The Houston Gallery, located in the Galleria, may be reached at 713-621-7151.