TEX REX exposes Texas tall tales

SMU English professor Marshall Terry is no stranger to Texas myths and tall-tales. His latest work of fiction, “TEX REX,” confronts what he has observed regarding Texas mythology.

Terry, founder of the SMU creative writing program, has a “wildly original take on Texas,” according to the Dallas Morning News.

Terry will read from the novel at a book-signing reception from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, March 27, in the Texana Room of the DeGoyler Library.

“Myths may be true or false or both, but these myths continue to animate people,” Terry, who graduated from SMU in 1953 said.

“TEX REX satirizes the positive and negative aspects of the myths that rouse ideas and perceptions of the West, Texas and Dallas in particular. The story’s band of characters includes a man who believes he is the King of Texas, his fetching daughter and the provost of a small college. Each character – like Texas – is larger than life and a bit over the top.

The book-signing and reception this Thursday is hosted by the William P. Clements Center for Southwest Studies, The Friends of the SMU Libraries and the DeGoyler Library.