SVENSKARNE I TEXAS I ORD ACH BILD; Swedes in Texas in Words & Pictures 1835-1918 Volume I only

Austin, 1919. First ed. Hardcover. GOOD. Historic photographs, text in Swedish language. Redigeradt Och Utarbetadt Af Dr. Alf. L. Scott; Pastor T. J. Westerberg, Granskadt och Ofversedt af Red. J. M. Ojerholm 604pp. Recently bound in maroon leatherette with gilt spine titles. Very clean bright and with fine new boards, new endpapers, pages have a light white powdery surface, due to binder's trimming of the text but clean bright and all are tight with lower margins of 588-604 missing and minor loss of text from bottom of last 4 pages. No writing no stains no foxing. Would be very good to fine exceptions noted. Measures 7 x 10 1/2 inches, weighs 5lbs. A good research copy or to complete a set if buyer has volume II.

Although the text is in Swedish, the 100's of photos, the organization by community, and the 1000's of names make this 2 volume set (of which I have only vol. I) more than a very valuable rare Texas book; this book is an important resource for those interested in the settlement of early Texas by immigrants from Sweden. Swedes comprise one of the largest of European ethnicities in Texas. Swedish names abound throughout the state both in family and place names. Virtually every walk of life was filled by people of Swedish origins and they have been among the most successfully prosperous groups from the earliest days of their arrival. it is a useful tool for those wishing to trace the family history of their Swedish/Texan forebears. The first volume begins with a general history of Texas and the role of Swedes in forming the new nation/state. It goes on to describe the general business, agricultural, and social aspects of Texas. It is significant that foremost among the chapters are those about educational and religious practices. The communities covered in Volume 1 are: Austin, Palm Valley (Eastern Round Rock), New Sweden, Brushy (old Round Rock), Georgetown, Taylor, and Hutto.