![]() Though the governor made assurances that Michener would have the full resources of the state at his disposal, writing a "Texas novel" was not without potential pitfalls. ![]() If that past was to be honored properly, he argued, there was only one man for the job "The state of Texas and its people need your insight and ability to tell our 150-year story" (Clements). The governor referenced a telephone conversation Michener and he had a few days prior, reminded the author of his connections to the state, and dedicated a full page to a summary of Texas's storied past. ![]() "The success of your novels is testimony that you alone are uniquely qualified for this awesome task," wrote Bill Clements, a Republican serving his first of two terms as governor and looking to make a splash for the state's upcoming sesquicentennial. ![]() James Michener, iconic popular fiction writer of the late twentieth century, was being offered a special commission: the chance to write the saga of Texas. The paper was thick, velvety to the touch, and embossed with the governor's seal. ![]() Mixed in with his usual fan letters-all of which he answered-was a lengthy, carefully worded missive from the governor of Texas. On a humid day in July 1981, yet another thick stack of mail arrived on James Michener's desk at his home in eastern Maryland. ![]()
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