WT’s Great Books Series to Explore Truth Behind Myths in John Wayne’s ‘Alamo’

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Hollywood exaggerations about a pivotal moment of Texas history are in the spotlight for the next installment of West Texas A&M University’s Great Books Series.

Dr. Jean Stuntz, a former WT professor of history, will lead the discussion of “Myth, Legend, John Wayne, and the Alamo” at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 via Zoom.

The discussion series — sponsored by the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages — generally is open to those who either have or haven’t read the book, said Dr. Daniel Bloom, Great Books organizer and associate professor of philosophy.

However, for this month, the common text is Wayne’s 1960 directorial debut, “The Alamo,” an epic take on the battle that’s not known for its scrupulous attention to historical accuracy.

Stuntz, an expert in Texas history who retired this spring after 21 years at WT, said that while Wayne’s films are generally worth watching, “The Alamo” isn’t really reflective of what actually occurred in San Antonio in 1836.

"Many people across America have learned about the Alamo through Wayne’s movie, but I want to discuss the real reasons behind the battle of the Alamo,” Stuntz said. “Texas history is much more interesting when you know what really happened."

Stuntz is the author of a novella that doesn’t claim to be historically accurate: “The Alamo and Zombies.”

WT professors and guest lecturers lead the monthly Great Books discussions.

The series began in 2011 and is traditionally held in person on the second Tuesday of the month at Burrowing Owl Books, 7406 S.W. 34th Ave., Suite 2B, in Amarillo. It shifted to Zoom during the Covid-19 pandemic; a return to in-person meetings is expected to occur in September.

To register for the August discussion, email Dr. Patricia Tyrer at ptyrer@wtamu.edu.

The series is one way in which WT serves the region by offering engagement with a variety of literary and philosophical texts. Being a learner-centered university is a key principle of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign. To date, the five-year campaign — which publicly launched Sept. 23 — has raised about $110 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

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