The history of Latino writing and print culture is a large topic for a single book. Author Raúl Coronado (English, U. of Chicago) presents a theory based on extensive research into a single area. The author's core idea is that the early Spanish Americans of Texas tried to craft an elite identity as the definers of an emerging American culture and the new American people, and writing was the tool they used. As Texas unpredictably changed governments and nations, only writing could claim or establish a reliable body of public opinion, authority, and culture: politically conservative, Spanish-speaking, and American. In Coronado's analysis, the early Tejanos' bid to create an intellectual and cultural New World failed; they were driven by the fortunes of war and politics from their starting position as elite conquistadors and colonists, and now appear as low-status racial minorities. Still, the author explains, these early Texas documents are the founding point for contemporary Latino/a identity and writing. They are the first attempt to put into words that being Texan is different than being Mexican or Spanish. The book is strongly based on primary research into Texas archival material; all texts are quoted in Spanish where it is the original language and given full English translation. The book is fully supported with scholarly notes and bibliography, and is written in an academic style. It clearly refutes political movements that argue Latino/a studies is left-wing anti-American propaganda irrelevant to state history, and makes clear that Latino/a identity and Spanish language are not the same as liberal politics, allegiance to Mexico, or recent immigration. Readers interested in Latino/a studies, Texas, or the history of the US southwest will find the book worth reading. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)