McComb runs with this general theme of transformation from the beginning of his history of Galveston onward. To accomplish this, he starts by describing the island in geographical terms; yet, he does not simply provide a topographical map for the reader to ponder; instead, McComb supplies the very first map ever written of the island, and attempts to generate a picture of how the island itself was formed, and how the first explorers and Native Americans who found it might have seen it. This is an appropriate technique considering, according to McComb, that some of the first Europeans to land on the island were a crew of shipwrecked Spaniards. However, as increased trade and warfare eventually came to the region, the island of Galveston began to reveal its practical utility. At first, it was used as a camp for prisoners of war, but gradually transformed into a small town. Of course, as McComb's story progresses, it becomes important that he build upon the ongoing rivalry between Galveston and Houston -- a rivalry that has arguably been won by Houston. McComb attempts to demonstrate how advances in technology influenced advances in trade, which, in turn, brought these two cities into direct competition with one another: "Railroad building had several secondary effects for Galvestonians. It created, for instance, a forty-two-year bitter argument with Houston over the 'differential,'" (McComb 53). In this way, the building of railroads increased land trade, which began to work to Houston's advantage and detract from Galveston. McComb uses this method repeatedly to both...

One critic writes, "This authoritative and well-written history of Galveston provides an overview of the city's rich and colorful past and provides readers, researchers, and tourists with information about today's historical points of interest. Galveston: A History and a Guide is a delightful read and a useful traveling companion," (Texas State Historical Association). Although McComb's book is certainly a very compelling and enjoyable read, it's clear that a history of Galveston, Texas certainly is targeted toward an audience of either Texas history buffs, or individuals considering a trip to Galveston. Nevertheless, it emerges as the authoritative text on the subject clearly because of the quality of the writing and the level of accuracy McComb's work exhibits. Though not likely to break any sales records, David McComb's Galveston: a History is an excellently detailed look at a fragment of American history.
Works Cited

McComb, David, 1986, Galveston: a History, the University of Texas Press, Austin.

Texas State Historical Association, 2000, "Galveston: a History and a Guide," Texas State Historical Association. Available:

http://www.tamu.edu/upress/BOOKS/2000/mccomb.htm.