A Breed So Rare: The Life of J. R. Parten, Liberal Texas Oil Man, 1896-1992

J. R. Parten was a different type of Texas oilman and this well researched and documented study of his life is a fitting tribute to a man who gave much to civil liberties. Parten had to grow into being a champion of liberties, and this excellent biography of Parten political involvement tells the story in detail. What is missing is the rest of Parten's life the reader learns little of his business activities and less of his personal life. What kind of business manger was Parten? After reading the book I don't know. His family life and personal relationships are skimmed over. This book presents a different story on the founding of the Great Northern Oil company than J. Howard Marshall told in his autobiography. The author interviewed Marshall, but discounted his point of view. I would also like to know how Parten managed his relationship with Fred C. Koch, one of the founders of the John Birch Society when they were both on the board of directors for Great Northern. One of the problems of writing a biography is growing to close to the subject I fear this happened in this book. Yet, Parten deserves to have his story told the author does an excellent job of that; I just wanted more of the story.