The Texas Aggie Bonfire: Tradition and Tragedy at Texas A&M by Irwin A. Tang - 2000

Austin, Texas: The It Works, 2000. CE2 - A first edition (stated) paperback book SIGNED and dated by author with "Gig'em" written on the title page in very good condition that is lightly curled, some bumped corners, light discoloration and shelf wear. 9"x6", 278 pages. Satisfaction Guaranteed. This comprehensive volume on the Texas A&M Bonfire tradition examines the 1999 Bonfire tragedy and proposes that the roots of the disaster lie in the unique and tradition-rich Texas A&M culture. This book takes a critical look at the practices that led to the collapse of the 59-foot tall 1999 Bonfire, which killed twelve students. The Texas Aggie Bonfire tells the story of the collapse and rescue operations, analyzes the physical and human causes, and assigns responsibility for the disaster. The reader is then thrown back in time, into a fascinating and detailed history of the Texas Aggie Bonfire. We follow the Bonfire from its infancy as a pile of trash to its monstrous 1969 height of 110 feet, up to the present tragedy. Chronicled are the violence-stained integration of women into Bonfire construction, the environmental protests against the chopping of thousands of trees required for Bonfire each year, and reforms and improvements made to the glorious 90-year tradition. Through his long and revealing interviews with students, faculty, and a former Corps of Cadets Commander, native Aggie Irwin Tang uncovers both the light and the dark sides of Aggieland and its constant conflicts between tradition and modern culture. From this serious study of Aggie culture emerges an examination into the cultural foundation of the Aggie Bonfire and all other Aggie rituals - the mythical Aggie Spirit.. Signed by Illustrator. First Edition. Paperback. Very Good/No Jacket as Issued. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.