Hit the Books: 10 Exciting Aggie Titles from Texas A&M University Press

Check out these summer reads that deserve a spot on any Aggie's shelf!

By Bailey Payne

June 10, 2019

Author George R.R. Martin once wrote that “a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” Since 1974, Texas A&M University Press has helped sharpen the minds of Aggies and readers around the world. Producing 50 to 60 books per year for both scholars and the general public, the Press not only spreads the Aggie story, but also enjoys an international reputation for award-winning books about natural resource science, nautical archaeology, military history and Texas nature, art and culture.

Opportunities for giving to the Texas A&M University Press include support for the Press’s publishing program through individual book and named book series sponsorships, named internships for students, and gifts to the Texas A&M University Press endowment through the Texas A&M Foundation. If you would like to support the Texas A&M University Press, please contact Gina Jett ’79 at gjett@txamfoundation.com or (979) 845-5458.

We’ve gathered 10 of our favorite titles from the Press that are well deserving of a spot on any Aggie’s shelf! Aggies enjoy a 20% discount on books from the Press when they use the discount code “AG.”

“You Saw Me on the Radio”

“At the 20, at the 15, at the 10, at the five, he is almost. . . he got a touchdown! He got a touchdown! He got a touchdown! Oh, doctor!” For more than 30 years, Wichita Falls native Dave South was the iconic voice of Aggie football and basketball. His booming tone and enthusiastic “homer” personality made for a number of quotable radio calls that still play brilliantly over Kyle Field speakers on the highlight reels before games. In “You Saw Me on the Radio,” South pulls back the curtain to reflect on the most exciting (and sometimes embarrassing) moments of his proud tenure in the press booth. Arriving on August 27, 2019. Available for pre-order now.

“Architecture That Speaks”

Whether you’re a shameless architecture nerd with very strong opinions about brutalism or just a curious Aggie interested in the history behind Texas A&M’s most iconic buildings, “Architecture That Speaks” is the book for you. Through large, detailed photo spreads by professional photographer Carolyn Brown and carefully-researched captions, co-authors Nancy McCoy ’81 and David Woodcock lovingly chronicle the process behind 10 classical buildings designed by veteran architect S.C.P. Vosper that still shape Texas A&M’s physical and cultural identity to this day. Buy it now.

“Rudder: From Leader to Legend”

One of the most recognizable names in Aggie lore, former Texas A&M president James Earl Rudder’s (Class of 1932) legacy looms large over campus. A military hero most remembered for leading the U.S. Army’s 2nd Ranger Battalion up the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc under heavy German fire during the Normandy invasion in 1944, Rudder’s arrival in Aggieland was met with much fanfare. “Rudder: From Leader to Legend” recounts his bold decisions as president (which included desegregation, co-education and making Corps of Cadet participation non-mandatory) that drew much controversy at the time, but eventually transformed the all-male military college into the monumental institution of higher learning that it is today. Available for purchase.

“Here: The Muster Speeches at Texas A&M University”

Centered around one of Texas A&M’s most sacred annual rituals, “Here: The Muster Speeches at Texas A&M University” by Jerry Cooper collects all 73 speeches given at the College Station campus Muster ceremonies from 1944 to 2017. These speeches each reflect the character and personality of the memorable Aggie figures who gave them. From E. King Gill ’24 fondly remembering the small act of loyalty to his team that cemented his status as a school legend to former Texas A&M Foundation president Eddie Joe Davis ’67 paying homage to his “Ol’ Army” days, the Muster speeches poignantly tell the story of Aggies and, in turn, the story of Texas A&M. Purchase today.

“A Coaching Life”

Thirty-two years as head coach. Three hundred and thirty-one wins. One championship season to remember. Long before he established himself as both an elite women’s basketball coach and beloved member of the Aggie community, Coach Gary Blair was a young gym coach at South Oak Cliff High School in Dallas. “A Coaching Life” follows Blair’s life on the road, from outstanding high school mentor and collegiate up-and-comer to a bona fide campus legend, with indispensable life lessons generously scattered along the way. Buy it now.

“Unbranded: Four Men and Sixteen Mustangs, Three Thousand Miles across the American West”

It’s the classic American road trip. . .without the roads. In 2013, writer, filmmaker, photographer and Aggie wildlife biology graduate Ben Masters ’11 wanted to go on an adventure for a cause. Troubled by the more than 50,000 mustangs and burros captive in holding facilities across the U.S., Masters recruited three friends, a camera crew and a team of wild mustangs to take a 3,000-mile border-to-border trek from the southern edge of Arizona to the northern edge of Montana. Published as a companion to the feature-length documentary of the same name, “Unbranded” is a must-own for any reader with a soft spot for the untamed West. Available for purchase.

“Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL”

In a time when grunge music ruled the airwaves and “Friends” dominated television sets, Dat Nguyen ’99 and the Aggie “Wrecking Crew” reigned supreme at Kyle Field. After graduation, the unanimous All-American linebacker went on to put on a similar show with the Dallas Cowboys. Nguyen’s inspiring autobiography, “Dat: Tackling Life and the NFL,” is more than a simple recollection of big hits and big victories. It’s a testimony for the winning attitude that pushed him to silence his doubters and become the first Vietnamese American NFL All-Pro. “From the Indochinese peninsula in Southeast Asia to captain of America’s Team,” Nguyen writes, “. . . imagine the odds of that.” Purchase it today.

“Texas Aggie Medals of Honor”

When America entered World War II in 1941, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets was ready to answer the call. More than 20,000 young cadets would become combatants and officers, providing much-needed infantry and strategic support. Seven of these young Aggies displayed selflessness and courage in the face of danger and received the highest honor bestowed upon U.S. military service members. Authored by retired Army Col. James R. Woodall ’50, “Texas Aggie Medals of Honor” draws from archives and personal collections to tell all seven recipients’ stories of awe-inspiring bravery in stunning detail. Buy it now.

“The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band: 125th Anniversary Edition”

“Now forming at the North End of Kyle Field…” You know the rest. They are the reigning halftime champions, the Noble Men of Kyle, the Pulse of Aggieland. In honor of their 125th anniversary, author Mary Jo Powell is telling the story of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band like no one has before. With beautiful archival and contemporary illustrations, Powell marches through the band’s rich history from its humble beginnings to its current state as the nation’s premiere military marching band. “The Fightin Texas Aggie Band” is the perfect gift for any current, former and future band member. Purchase it today.

“Live from Aggieland: Legendary Performances in the Brazos Valley”

Remember when Willie Nelson played Texas World Speedway? When “The Ramones” played The Parthenon? How about when Elvis played G. Rollie White? For a historically small community, Bryan-College Station has attracted some surprisingly big names throughout its history. With a brief, but characteristically endearing foreword by Texas country icon Robert Earl Keen ’78, “Live from Aggieland” is a love letter to the shows that reshaped the local cultural perspective. Through detailed examinations of eight major performances and fond tributes to legendary Brazos Valley troubadours, author Rob Clark ’95 explores the big and small impacts that music has made on generations of Aggies. Available for purchase.