Getting the Lay of the Land
A look at what's coming up on Y'allogy
Y’allogy is an 1836 percent purebred, open-range guide to the people, places, and past of the great Lone Star. We speak Texan here. Y’alloy is free of charge, but I’d be grateful if you’d consider riding for the brand as a paid subscriber.
When Larry McMurtry submitted his series of Texas essays to Bill Wittliff, the publisher of Encino Press, Larry knew what he wrote and what Bill was publishing would receive about as much welcome to the folks of Texas in 1968 as Santa Anna did when he showed up on the doorstep of the Alamo in 1836. Larry wrote in the forward,
Much of the book is opinion, my opinion, and for the most part I have chosen simply to lay it out, garnished with a sliver of memory or the salt of metaphor. Pussyfooting is a vice I have been concerned to avoid.
It has come to my notice, however, that in these parts directness is frequently taken for malice. With that in mind, I might say at the outset that in criticizing Texas I have not been unaware that there are other states to which the same criticisms might apply. If so, that’s dandy. I am sure there are potatoes in Nebraska, but Nebraska is not my rooting ground.
If you’ve read even a smattering of articles published on Y’allogy you know I’m not in the business of criticizing Texas. This isn’t to say there aren’t plenty of things to criticize. There are. But aren’t our emails and newsfeeds filled with enough critics? Larry’s criticism found root in his love/hate relationship with his native land. He was often described as ambivalent toward his rooting ground. I’m more Texcentirc—perhaps more romantic than Larry was, choosing to root around for fresh potatoes, not rotten potatoes.
In April 2023 I published an article titled “Over the Far Horizon.” I said at that time, “Every now and then it’s good to stop and get your bearings—to reorient yourself. The same is true in navigating Y’allogy.” It seems to me, on the cusp of summer 2025 I ought to do just that—to stop and get our bearings, to get the lay of the land for what’s coming in the following months.
A Word of Thanks
First, a word of thanks. Gratitude is not expressed nearly enough in our culture today. And I’ve been derelict in expressing it to you, my subscribers and readers. Forgive me. I’m trying to inculcate into my life the chief idea that directed G. K. Chesterton’s life: “Taking things with gratitude and not taking things for granted.”
I’m grateful for each of you—those who read, like, share, comment on, and support Y’allogy financially.
Y’allogy Essays
As always, each essay will be 1836 percent purebred Texas, written by me, a true Texan, and not an AI bot. We’ll continue with reader favorites, offering more “Texas Tales,” “Cowboy Character,” and “Cowboy Etiquette” essays.
I’ve introduced a new series, “Lone Star Characters,” having already written about Lorenzo de Zavala. Others in the series will include cattle queen Elizabeth Johnson Williams, famed cowboy Bose Ikard, and heavyweight champion Jack Johnson.
I also plan on writing more about cowboy grub, to build on essays about chuckwagons and biscuit shooters and common recipes, as well as essays on Texas critters, like the one on the nine-banded armadillo.
Y’all’ll also see more essays on Lonesome Dove as part of a future book on the novel. I’ve already written about McMurtry’s goals in writing the novel, the Hat Creek sign and the meaning behind the Latin phrase painted on it, as well as a piece on the surprising responses of Gus and Call to the death of Deets.
I maintain a growing list of possible subjects to cover here at Y’allogy, but I’m open to suggestions. If y’all have something you’d like me to tackle leave a comment.
Talking Texan
I’ve noticed a number of newsletters are now offering subscribers the ability to listen to articles being read—not just by the AI chat bot but read by the authors. I’m seriously considering this for Y’allogy. It has increased my engagement with newsletters I receive since I can listen while shaving or brushing my teeth in the morning. What do y’all think about this?
If I start reading my essays I have to warn you: I have the face for radio and the voice for print.
Supporting Y’allogy
I know some are still getting the lay of the land as free subscribers. Great. I hope you like what you see and share Y’allogy with your family and friends.
Others would like to financially support the mission of Y’allogy—to celebrate all things Texas: its people, places, and past—but are either supporting other newsletters or don’t have the means to become paid subscribers. I understand. I’m grateful you’re here, reading and participating.
However, every serious writer hopes his words might produce an income. If you enjoy the essays published at Y’allogy and have the financial means and the desire to do so, your support as a paid subscriber is greatly appreciated—what I call “Ride for the Brand.”
Some of you have the desire to support Y’allogy financially but $50.00/year is too thick for your wallet. I understand. Perhaps you would consider purchasing my literary western: Blood Touching Blood. I’d love for you to read it and leave a review.
I’m grateful for your support as subscribers and readers. If you know anyone who would enjoy Y’allogy please tell them about the newsletter. I hope your summer is prosperous and filled with joy—and plenty of Texas potatoes.
Larry McMurtry, In a Narrow Grave: Essays on Texas (New York: Liveright Publishing, 2018), 24—from the original forward (Austin: Encino Press, 1968).
The 1836 Percent Y’allogy Guarantee: This newsletter is created by a living, breathing Texan—for Texans and lovers of Texas. It exists thanks to the generosity of its readers. To ensure it continues, I invite you, if you’re able and haven’t already done so, to ride for the brand as a paid subscriber, give the gift of Y'allogy to a fellow Texan, or purchase my novel.
Much obliged, y’all.
Cynthia Parker seems like an interesting Texan character. Have you tackled her already?
I read your article on Larry McMurtry and Lonesome Dove, great stuff. 👍 I’m currently reading Lonesome Dove at the moment, it great so far.