Mark Wolfe

Using a host of vibrant images, David Bush and Jim Parsons’ Hill Country Deco: Modernistic Architecture of Central Texas captures the essence of the Art Deco style of architecture as represented in the Hill Country of Texas. Hill Country Deco explores how the rich history of these structures collides with progressive notions of historic preservation for remodeling buildings and restoring façades. This collection of historical and modern photographs will encourage a newfound appreciation for Art Deco as seen in Central Texas. The Art Deco style covers a range of buildings, from commercial to residential. The sweeping curves of the Alameda Theater in San Antonio exhibit typical Art Moderne style. The Austin U. S. courthouse brings WPA Deco up to date from the 1940s, and the San Antonio Express-News Building showcases the classic style of what most people today think of as Art Deco. Not only does this book of photography embrace the history of Art Deco, it takes a series of edifices and recognizes the artistic elements and economic purposes of each one. The authors offer insight on architectural preservation while providing an appreciative view of sometimes overlooked corners of Central Texas. Some buildings are obscure and hardly recognizable as what they once were; others were fortunate enough to have their Deco style maintained over the span of decades. Bush and Parsons have made it a personal mission to ensure that the readers of Hill Country Deco will, upon viewing these beautiful buildings, yearn for a road trip to some of these sites to discover Art Deco history for themselves.

Set in the simpler days of the early 1970s, "And Still the Crows Laugh" is the story of two friends who grow together through their first loves, family difficulties, and their own inward journeys. Through no conscious choices of their own, the boys confront life-altering obstacles. David becomes lost in a world induced by psychedelic drugs, and Ashton unknowingly becomes a member of a clan of crows. With the help of an aged medicine woman, his own recovered ancient memories, and his animal spirits, Ashton enters the underworld and is able to save his friend. David and Ashton get into mischief, solve mysteries, meet a troll, fight monsters, and learn that things are not always what they appear to be. But most importantly, they discover that life is rarely black-and-white and that simply taking the time to listen to the ancient truths they already know may just be the key they need to find happiness.

Set in the simpler days of the early 1970s, "And Still the Crows Laugh" is the story of two friends who grow together through their first loves, family difficulties, and their own inward journeys. Through no conscious choices of their own, the boys confront life-altering obstacles. David becomes lost in a world induced by psychedelic drugs, and Ashton unknowingly becomes a member of a clan of crows. With the help of an aged medicine woman, his own recovered ancient memories, and his animal spirits, Ashton enters the underworld and is able to save his friend. David and Ashton get into mischief, solve mysteries, meet a troll, fight monsters, and learn that things are not always what they appear to be. But most importantly, they discover that life is rarely black-and-white and that simply taking the time to listen to the ancient truths they already know may just be the key they need to find happiness.