AUTHOR’S NOTE

Anyone wishing to know more about that unique ecological and cultural area of Southeast Texas that is the Big Thicket can do no better than Dr. Francis Abernethy’s Tales from the Big Thicket. Ab, who was for three decades secretary of the Texas Folklore Society, has studied the Thicket for years and has known many of its natives.

Those who would like a more thorough treatment of the golden age of Galveston and the Maceo gambling syndicate are directed to Gary Cartwright’s excellent Galveston. To my mind it is far and away the best history ever written of this romantic island.

Readers interested in learning more about the South Texas political machine in the 1940s are advised to get a copy of Boss Rule in South Texas by Evan Anders.

Readers should also note that both Sam Maceo and George Parr were real people who were very much as I have described them.