Read the 2000 version. I had this book on the shelf for a long time, but finally got around to reading it. Relearned a few things long forgotten from 7th grade history and picked up some new facts. For this book, you can tell it was written by someone from Texas and the South. The American Civil War is always referred to as the War Between the States. His focus centers on the land and the role of land in Texas. Fehrenbach doesn't take the approach that Texas is the greatest land on earth, nor does he slam the state and those who have lived in it for its flaws. The population of Texas, from the tribes who first settled Texas (Karwankawas, Comanches, etc) to the Spanish/Mexicans/ and Americans, has always been tied to the land. Whether it was for political purposes or farming, owning the land and tending all associated with Texas drives the actions of the state. The mindset of the people centers on land and resources. Much of his time is spent on the pre-1900 parts of Texas history, as nations and tribes fought over the land. Once 1900 rolls around, Texas is not really the "frontier" and its history moves into the realm of that of a settled establishment. This is not a quick read, but this is a good read for someone who wants an in-depth perspective on Texas history.