Playback

<p>From the town that brought you Molly Ivins Liz Carpenter John Henry Faulk and Greater Tuna here's Cactus Pryor. For decades Cactus' wit and wisdom have delighted radio listeners as well as the many social political business and philanthropic groups throughout the United States whose functions have been enlivened by this accomplished master of ceremonies and after-dinner speaker.</p> <p>Now the University of Texas Press takes great pleasure in bringing you this quintessential Texas humorist. <i>Playback</i> gathers over forty of Cactus Pryor's favorite radio essays translating ear words into eye words as he puts it. In these pieces Cactus paints vivid word pictures of people and places offering readers the same you are there immediacy that makes his radio broadcasts so popular. In them you'll take a sentimental journey with Cactus and his wife to the Maui grave site of Charles Lindbergh-discover how legendary University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal faced the agony of defeat with humor-meet unsung heroes like the 104-year-old who's teaching himself to read and write-get acquainted with the notable folks Cactus has known including Lady Bird Johnson John Wayne Jane Fonda and James Michener-and of course share Cactus' love of family friends and the Texas coast.</p> <p>As Bailey White's essays on National Public Radio have introduced listeners across the country to the lifeways of the Deep South so Cactus Pryor offers a humorous revealing look at how we Texans view ourselves our neighbors and the world. Read <i>Playback</i> now and see what you've been missing.</p>