New Books from the Longhorn Universe to Read this 2018 Holiday Season

By Danielle Lopez in 40 Acres, Nov | Dec 2018 on November 2, 2018 at 2:21 pm | No Comments

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?

By Chris Barton, BA ’93

New York Times bestselling-author Chris Barton reconstructs the life of Barbara Jordan and her journey from Houston’s Fifth Ward to the U.S. Congress in his latest nonfiction children’s book. Accompanied by brilliantly detailed collages from artist and illustrator Ekua Holmes, the book explores Jordan’s legacy in the realm of civil rights and equality. Meant to educate and inspire young readers, Barton showcases Jordan’s milestones as a lawyer and politician, as well as the obstacles she overcame on her path to success.

 

Tom Sealy: A Man of Action

By Patrick Cox

Author Patrick Cox tells the often untold story of Tom Sealy, LLB ’31, Life Member, Distinguished Alumnus, a man at the center of many of the changes taking place during the 20th century at UT, in Texas, and across the nation. As an attorney and public servant who had a key role in shaping what the university is today, Sealy marshaled a team of U.S. Armed Services attorneys who convicted Nazi war criminals, issued the order that integrated UT in 1955, and hired Darrell K Royal, who went on to become a legendary Texas football coach.

 

Landmarks 2008-2018: The Public Art Program of The University of Texas at Austin

By Andrée Bober, BFA ’92, and Catherine Zinser

The twisting bright-red steel beams that form Mark Di Suvero’s “Clock Knot” and stand tall on the corner of Dean Keeton and Speedway have become a staple in UT’s landscape. More than 40 works of art like this are scattered across the Forty Acres, adding visual appeal and pensive moments for viewers. Landmarks, the public art program of UT founded a decade ago, has compiled the various artwork across campus into one book, which includes a detailed fold-out map so you can experience and learn about the work yourself.

 

Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military

By Neil DeGrasse Tyson, MA ’83, and Avis Lang

From space exploration to satellite warfare, scientists and the military have had a complex relationship with competing motivations and far-reaching consequences. In the follow-up to his best selling book Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, renowned astrophysicist Tyson explores that complicated relationship with the help of writer and researcher Lang. The book details how scientists have played a role in times of war and what the impact of that relationship is in modern times.