{"product_id":"9781649670311","title":"Under Texas Skies : Oil, Ranches, and the Dreams That Shaped a State by Julie DeWees Sparks","description":"Beneath the vast, unyielding Texas sky lies a story of grit, gushers, and grandeur-a tale of how oil, cattle, and the audacious dreams of larger-than-life figures forged a state unlike any other. Under Texas Skies: Oil, Ranches, and Dreams that Shaped a State takes readers on a sweeping journey through Texas history, from the explosive birth of the modern petroleum industry at Spindletop to the fracking boom and beyond. This is not just a chronicle of black gold; it's a vibrant tapestry of ranches sprawling across millions of acres, visionary philanthropists building cities from scratch, and a cowboy culture that defied stereotypes to fuel a global economic titan.    With 22 meticulously researched chapters, Under Texas Skies uncovers the improbable friendships, family dynasties, and technological leaps that defined Texas. Discover how oil taxes-starting with a modest 1905 levy-built a state without income tax, funding highways, Neiman Marcus glamour, and a war-winning effort in World War II with pipelines and synthetic rubber. Texas also played a crucial role during World War I, as the nation relied on its oil to power military vehicles and support the war effort. From the million-acre ranches of Texas to the coastal wells rising from Gulf waves, this book captures the raw energy of a land where dreams were as big as the horizon.\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback \/ softback","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56369093509493,"sku":"9781649670311","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781649670311.jpg?v=1763552041","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/9781649670311","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}