This was a supplemental text to a section of Oklahoma history (not the one taught by Dr. Joyce though) I took last semester at college. The essays cover a wide variety of topics and are very thought provoking. One essay in particular debates the value of "celebrating" the Land Run of 1889. When I was in second grade, my elementary school commemorated the Land Run by holding a mock run and we were made to believe it was a fun, adventurous event. Now that I'm older and have learned more about the Run, I have great uncertainties about whether such a celebration should take place.

Goble's "Southern Influence on Oklahoma" was also intriguing. Political scientists and historians aren't sure how to classify Oklahoma because this state is a combination of Midwestern, Western and Southern. In his essay, Goble lists the many political and religious elements from the South that have shaped Oklahoma over the years. All things considered, this would be a great buy for anyone interested in Oklahoma history.

As the reviewer below was, I too was a student in Dr. Joyce's Oklahoma History class and this book was a required text for the course. After reading the essays of the book which deal with a more radical history of Oklahoma that is definitely not as well known in this state such as the Abortion Rights Movement, Gay Rights, the stealing of land from the Native Americans by White Men during the land rush of the 1880's-1890's, etc,.

Dr Joyce has brought together some very eye opening essays from various writers who have either first hand experience or from those who are subject matter experts.

This is the type of book that should be required reading to all high school students in Oklahoma. Yes, the book is definitely controversial and would upset those with conservative, "right-wing" viewpoints, however with that said, it describes events in the state's history that everyone should be concerned about.

I admire Dr. Joyce and the conviction that made him write this book, and I highly recommended it to all who want to know a viewpoint of Oklahoma, its people and history that is generally not well known.