IBOC Reception Celebrates Release of New Thompson Book Friday

A reception introducing the release of Texas A&M International University Professor of History Dr. Jerry Thompson's new book, " A Wild and Vivid Land: An Illustrated History of the South Texas Border," will be held Friday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the International Bank of Commerce's Main Lobby, 1200 San Bernardo Avenue.

With more than 150 lush images, Thompson captures the sweeping history of what Pulitzer Prize-winning historian William H. Goetzmann has called a "wild and vivid land."

Thompson's latest work spans from the Coahuiltecan Indians and the Spanish colonizers who clustered along the banks of the Rio Grande to the cattlemen and wildcatters who conquered the brush country.

The exciting and entertaining history is illustrated by the work of artists including Lino Sanchez y Tapia, Theodore Gentilz and photographers Robert Runyon, E. O. Goldbeck and Russell Lee among others.

At Friday's reception, Thompson will sign copies of "A Wild and Vivid Land" which will be offered for a limited time at a discounted price of $20.95.

Proceeds from the sales of the book will benefit the A. R. Sanchez Sr. Distinguished Lecturer Series at Texas A&M International University. The series, launched earlier this year, brings nationally recognized writers, thinkers and leaders to the campus and community and honors the memory of A. R. Sanchez Sr.

"A Wild and Vivid Land: An Illustrated History of the South Texas Border" (Texas State Historical Association) is one of 17 books written or edited by Thompson, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at A&M International.

Thompson is currently at work on two additional books, "Texas: A History of Five Centuries" for HarperCollins, New York and "To Defend The Mexican Name in Texas: A Biography of Juan Nepomuceno Cortina."

Thompson, a native of New Mexico, holds his doctoral degree in history from Carnegie-Mellon University. An MA in History was earned at the University of New Mexico while his BA in History was earned at Western New Mexico University.

He has been a member of the A&M International faculty since 1987.

For more information, contact the A&M International Office of Public Affairs at 326. 2180. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The University campus will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 1998. Offices reopen Jan. 5, 1998.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu