David Griscom has taken hold of Texas history and made it a sing a new songa song not of a conservative Old West to nostalgically long for . . . a song that not only reminds us of a radical past, but also enables us to better understand why even now we feel the call to make America radically freer, more equal and more democratic. Harvey J Kaye
Reclaims Texass political history from dominant conservative narratives, deftly tracing a rich legacy of collectivist class struggle, radical politics, and democratic movements, as well as providing essential lessons for the battles ahead. Emma Vigeland
In this totally unique and indispensable book, Griscom [ offers] a vivid history of the Texas populists, socialists, and unionists who have long raised hell in the Lone Star State. In telling our lesser-known history, The Myth of Red Texas surfaces resonant truths about the state's political character and its possible futures. Meagan Day
If the left is going to move forward, it has to recover its past. In this bracing and wonderfully written history of Texas, David Griscom has done us a great service . . . When Texans rebuild a vibrant left, Griscom's book will be an indispensable resource. Vivek Chibber
A lively and informative retelling of the forgotten history of populist and socialist movements in Texas, replete with colorful characters. Essential reading for those reclaiming Texas from a bastion of reactionary conservatism. Seth Harp
Offers a first-of-its-kind, jaw-dropping corrective. It issues an invitation to other Texans to finally wise up to the fact that we have been lied to, that our heritage has been manipulated. And if there is anything Texans hate, it is being taken for fools. Current Affairs
A new book doesn't romanticize our state's history, but it does establish a neglected throughline of solidarity. Texas Observer
