Passionate Nation: The Epic History of Texas

Book Description

Texas has become the most American of all the states. Texas's politics has taken over in Washington, and Texas's passionate sense of itself as a nation is echoed by the fervent patriotism of tens of millions of Americans. Texas is also our most outsized hodgepodge -- of Latino, black, white, Asian; of characters who transcend any category. In so many ways, America today is Texas writ large.

In Passionate Nation James L. Haley offers a comprehensive and definitive history of this singular and singularly American state, a history that explains how Texas became Texas, even before it became such a central national symbol for America. Haley peers through the lens of the extraordinary "ordinary" men and women who have streamed to Texas from its beginnings, and created it in their own contradictory, uncontrollable image.

He recovers elements bowdlerized by previous and more prudish generations, such as the discovery, by sixteenth-century explorer Cabeza de Vaca, of Indian warriors living in conjugal relationships with male eunuchs. He presents documents never before published, such as a rare appeal for aid from the town of Gonzales on the eve of the Texas Revolution. He restores to the history important figures who have been allowed to drop from the usual recitation, such as Benjamin Lundy, who almost single-handedly prevented the Texas Republic from being annexed to the United States for nearly a decade. He corrects the record at every turn, starting with the fact that Jane Lundy was not the "mother of Texas." Throughout, he uses great stories to present the passion of people who lived and worried and suffered and laughed.

The first Indians settled in Texas in about 10,000 B.C.; the first Europeans arrived in the early sixteenth century. Since then, the land that is now Texas has belonged to six powers at eight different times: Spain (1519-1685), France (to 1690), Spain again (to 1821), Mexico (to 1836), the Republic of Texas (to 1845), the U.S.A. (to 1861), the Confederacy (to 1865), and the U.S.A. to stay. From Jim Bowie's and Davy Crockett's myth-enshrouded stand at the Alamo to the Mexican-American War to Sam Houston's heroic failed effort to keep Texas in the Union during the Civil War, the transitions in Texas history have often been as painful and tense as the "normal" periods in between. Here, in all of its epic grandeur, is the story of Texas as its own passionate nation, a history that shows that circumstances can radically change, yet culture and character can last for centuries.

Customer Reviews:

Nearly flawless history........2006-07-08

One of the great things about Haley's writings is that he generally manages to escape the confines of political correctness and liberalism that constrict so many histories written in modern times. In "Passionate Nation", with the exception of the last 10 pages, he does it again, stating truths which will both irritate and inspire the entire political spectrum. For example, Haley paints a clear picture of many of the icons of early Texas that is often unflattering but none the less true; all the while expressing a deep reverance for these same people. He's also not afraid to descibe Santa Anna's actions in Texas as nothing less than an attempt at ethnic cleansing. An idea that is sure to give the LULAC types fits. Though, if they'll read on, they'll find that Haley makes it clear that after independence ethnic Mexicans were treated just as badly by the Anglo majority.

If I could change anything about the book it would be longer. Haley has the proven ability to go into greater depth without boring the casual historian to death. That being said, what he has written is remarkably readable and entertaining while giving the reader a broad lesson in Texas history.

As for the last ten pages, well, even in Texas historians won't make it far without at least a nod to liberal academia.
The reader can detect a slight tinge of contempt for the rise of conservative Republicanism in the last 30 years. And some facts (stating that Anne Richards signed the concealed weapons bill when it was actually George Bush in his first term, for example) are just plain wrong. But don't let that scare you off; "Passionate Nation" is still one of the best Texas histories since Fehrenbach.

Really just more of the same.......2006-06-20

OK, let's think about this for a minute. Texas is the second most populous and second largest state in the country. It has a wonderfully rich cultural history derived from remarkable ethnic diversity. It contains two of the country's largest metropolitan areas, continuing to expand. Two of our most recent Presidents, our personal feeling aside, have come from here. Music. Literature. Exceptionally wealthy universities propped up with oil money. Sports. Architecture. Film. Theatre. Can someone PLEASE write a cultural history of this state? I mean, is it established in the state constitution that every history ever told of Texas MUST be political?

This book, well written as it is, is just a revision of previous political histories. And you know what? Just as with those, it basically stops with oil in 1901. It's as if there's nothing really good to tell after spindletop.

Texas needs to hire Kevin Starr from California for about a year so we can get a good cultural history of Texas as well.

Passionate Nation: The Epic History of Texas.......2006-06-11

Passionate Nation, The Epic History of Texas, by James L Haley

This is a very interesting book about Texas, and a good guide for non-Texans to understand the impact of Texas industry and politics on the nation. I am a 4th generation Texan and my family talked a lot about the history of their region when I was growing up so I appreciated this history from a personal point of view. The author provides a good sense of Texas from the original Texans, to the Spanish and American populations, to today. It is a well balanced discussion about the various contributors to Texas' identity and culture. I really liked the descriptions of what he calls "The Red River War" but my relatives called "The Comanches". He picks up pieces of history from a wide context that provides some insight into Texas history. This is not comprehensive history but very educational. The author is opinionated and in particular to the impact of racism on the culture of today, especially now that Texas has a mixture of Hispanic, Anglo, African American, along with the increasing Asian influences. He uses Texas history to explain how Texas became a national influence in commerce and politics, especially the importance of the oil business and religion. He provides examples of Texas innovations and differences in governance of Texas as opposed to other states. A good example is the limited power of the governor and the legislator only meets every other year. There is an extensive list of references with descriptions about them to allow more study of this subject.

In general this is an excellent short book about a state that has made a major impact on the country.

What's new?.......2006-05-01

Perhaps I'm being unfair, but this book suffers in comparison to T. R. Fehrenbach's "Lone Star," published in 1968. One would like to think the present book would have brought us up to date, but less than a dozen pages are devoted to those 48 years. There are a number of interesting vignettes in this book, well worth enjoying. But if one wants a balanced view of Texas history, "Lone Star" is your book.

Two points: Haley fails to provide enough background on the forces which produced the events he describes. One example: in discussing the Civil War era where he does not do a good job setting the stage for the reaction of Texans at the time of secession, which means he does not explain why they reacted the way they did- why the overwhelming majority of non-slave-holding Texans voted for secession.

Second, as George Bernard Shaw said, every man should be judged in the context of his own time, a lesson many Americans have forgotten but the thing which, at least for me, makes the study of history so enjoyable. This book has also forgotten, in my judgement and views Texas history through the lens of current-day moderate liberalism. If this is what you want, buy the book. If not, read "Lone Star."

Gerry Dobson

Average customer rating:

An absolute delight
Wonderful Book!
A good mystery
enthralling, amusing great read
Love that title !.!

Old Buzzard Had It Coming, The
Donis Casey
Manufacturer: Poisoned Pen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Hornswoggled
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ASIN: 1590581490
Release Date: 2005-07-01

Book Description

One winter evening in 1912, in the woods outside of Boynton, Oklahoma, abusive and drunken Harley Day surprises his son John Lee and the neighbor girl Phoebe Tucker in a lovers' tryst. An hour later, when John Lee walks his beloved home, Phoebe's mother, Alafair Tucker, suspects that something is amiss. How could she know her daughter has been involved in a violent confrontation that will make Phoebe and her beau murder suspects?

At supper that evening, over bowls of soupy beans and buttery cornbread, Alafair, her husband Shaw, and their nine lively children, much amused that Phoebe has a boyfriend, discuss the unfortunate Day family. The Days are tormented by their evil father, who beats his wife, mistreats his children, and wastes their money. The mother is helpless, and the eldest daughter, Maggie Ellen, has run away, leaving only 19-year-old John Lee and his 13-year-old sister Naomi to care for the younger children and keep the family from destitution.

Then... well, the old buzzard had it coming!

This Best Unpublished Mystery of 2004 (The Oklahoma Writers' Federation, Inc.) is the first in a new series.

Customer Reviews:

An absolute delight.......2007-10-17

I loved the very real characters in this book. From page two I was so hooked I knew I had one wonderful book in my hands. And it was! I'll be reading all the Alafair Tucker mysteries by Donis Casey. Life is too short to miss out on such an enjoyable experience.

Wonderful Book!.......2007-06-04

I was very pleasantly surprised by the genuine seeming characters and accurate historical (1911) setting of this mystery novel. The book's unique title and Oklahoma setting (where I once lived) attracted me to the book. Farm wife and mother Alafair is a very appealing heroine and though I never quite got all of her nine living children totally straight most of the other minor characters are also well developed. The book has an authentic flavor of rural Oklahoma from the "down home" cooking to the speech patterns. The mystery is solid (though my eyes may have glazed over a bit when it concerned guns) and though I guessed the real murderer well before the book's end I didn't predict the full circumstances surrounding it. I am glad to see Ms. Casey has all ready published the second in the series of Alafair's detective adventures (HORNSWOGGLED) and according to her web site a third will be published this fall.

A good mystery.......2007-01-04

I usually don't care that much for mystery books but the time period & the title drew me to this book. I wasn't disappointed. I loved the family & all the children. A little romance mixed in makes this book really good. Don't miss the next one by this author with the same family & another good mystery.

enthralling, amusing great read.......2006-07-14

This is a great story. The characters become real immediately. Interesting. Smiles. Real life. Surprising, but reasonable, ending. I first checked this book out from the library, scooping up a bunch of new mystery books. I got a kick out of the title. Liked this one so much, I bought it. Looking forward to this author's subsequent books as well. My mother at first refused to read this book (she didn't like the title). Later, after I'd purchased it, she started to read it, became engrossed in it and hardly put it down until finished.

Love that title !.!.......2006-01-24

The title caught my eye first as did the great cover. It was a good story and had enough twists and turns to make me read to the end. Don't try to guess the ending. It is a surprise.

Last Warrior, The: Peter MacDonald and the Navajo Nation (The Library of the American Indian)

Average customer rating:

Simply an outstanding & gritty book!!
Free Peter MacDonald!

Last Warrior, The: Peter MacDonald and the Navajo Nation (The Library of the American Indian)
Peter Macdonald
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Customer Reviews:

Simply an outstanding & gritty book!!.......1999-08-31

This book methodically moves through Peter MacDonald's political life, but offers a biting criticism of the hypocritical nature of American politics. How can it be, MacDonald ask, that congressional people can do what I did, and NOT be held accountable for their actions? This compelling question is often repeated throughout the book & does deserve serious treatment by Indian and nonIndian scholars alike. MacDonald also eludes of "two standards of justice" for American politicians, an undisputed standard that is clearly separated by color! This book is essential reading for those interested in the rise and fall of a modern-day Indian leader and the compromises he has made to maintain his political life.

Free Peter MacDonald!.......1996-09-15

Great comprehensive look into the making of a Navajo leader. From Peter MacDonald's birth to his incarceration he wanted only to serve his people. The book is also a great historical look at the dynamics of Navajo tribal government and politics. He was truly a leader of his people who had the vision and the foresight to take on the "great" United States. Even 500 years plus, the U.S. is still taking down Indian leaders today! Write U.S. President Clinton for Peter MacDonald's release from federal prison today

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (OK) (Images of America)

Average customer rating:

Great pictures, makes a great gift

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (OK) (Images of America)
Donovin Arleigh Sprague
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

The Removal of the Choctaw Indians
History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez Indians

ASIN: 0738541478
Release Date: 2007-03-05

Book Description

Choctaw are the largest tribe belonging to the branch of the Muskogean family that includes the Chickasaw, Creek (Muscogee), and Seminole. According to oral history, the tribe originated from Nanih Waya, a sacred hill near present-day Noxapater, Mississippi. Nanih Waya means Â“productive or fruitful hill, or mountain.Â” During one of their migrations, they carried a tree that would lean, and every day the people would travel in the direction the tree was leaning. They traveled east and south for sometime until the tree quit leaning, and the people stopped to make their home at this location, in present-day Mississippi. The people have made difficult transitions throughout their history. In 1830, the Choctaw who were removed by the United States from their southeastern U.S. homeland to Indian Territory became known as the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Customer Reviews:

Great pictures, makes a great gift.......2007-05-14

There are lots of great old black and white photos here, most dated and their subjects identified. This would be a great gift for the amateur genealogist or anyone interested in Oklahoma or Choctaw history. It's a thin volume, not intended for serious research or scholarship. I liked the modern photos, including poet Leanne Howe but not sure why the author felt compelled to include pictures of Reba McIntire and Lane Frost, neither of whom is Choctaw.

The only complaint I have is the author did not expand his search beyond Choctaw territory and left out Choctaws in urban areas and other parts of the state. A casual reader might think all Choctaw people live only in this small area of the state.

Recommended.

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations

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Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations
NATIVE ROADS
An emphatic "must-have" for any tourist interested in visiting the Navajo and Hopi nations
An absolute must for traveling the Navajo/Hopi reservations
A great "Road" Book!

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations
Fran Kosik
Manufacturer: Rio Nuevo Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1887896163

Amazon.com

Some Arizona books have these large sections dotted off--the Indian reservations the authors think you needn't know about--but this book takes you there. It's informed, pragmatic, and refreshingly free of hype. The "Important Things to Know" chapter includes Navajo creation stories along with health precautions and how to buy a Navajo rug. From Four Corners National Monument to the Grand Canyon, Fran Kosik gives needed survival advice on motels, camping, restaurants (and gas stations, which aren't as plentiful as you may think), interspersed with scholarly archeological, geographical anthropological information, and sensitive attention to the people who still live there.

Book Description

A wonderful guide book for traveling through the Hopi and Navajo nations. This book has information about both the history and the people of the area. Also contains hotel and restaurant listings, maps and other resources. b&w illustrations and photos, with color photographs of Navajo rugs identified by area of origin.

Customer Reviews:

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations.......2007-05-15

If you are going to travel in this area, and DON'T want to get lost. Buy this book

NATIVE ROADS.......2006-11-02

THIS BOOK WAS VERY EASY TO USE AND SO VALUABLE IN "FINDING" PLACES TO VISIT. WE TRAVELED IN THE HOPI RESERVATION RECENTLY AND USED THIS BOOK. WE TOOK THE BOOK'S SUGGESTIONS ON TWO SPECIAL PLACES TO DRIVE OFF THE MAIN ROAD AND FOUND SPECTACULAR VIEWS. ONE SUGGESTION WAS TO DRIVE TOWARDS THE WINDMILL, WHICH WE DID AND WHAT WE SAW WAS UNBELIEVABLE. COAL MINE CANYON OPENED UP BEFORE OUR EYES - SURPRISING BEAUTY FOUND IN A SPECIAL RED AND WHITE CANYON. YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS THERE EXCEPT FOR THIS BOOK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING AREAS LESS "TOURISTY".

An emphatic "must-have" for any tourist interested in visiting the Navajo and Hopi nations.......2005-08-05

Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide To The Navajo And Hopi Nations by Fran Kosik continues to be the definitive travel planning guide for anyone seeking to visit and explore the reservations and hospitality of the Navajo and Hopi peoples. Maps, black-and-white photographs, cultural etiquette tips (for example, Hopis do not allow any photography), self-guided road tours, in-depth descriptions of various locations, and tips on everything from how to discern a well-woven rug to avoiding or dealing with common environmental hazards fill this extremely practical guide cover to cover. An emphatic "must-have" for any tourist interested in visiting the Navajo and Hopi nations for business or pleasure.

An absolute must for traveling the Navajo/Hopi reservations.......2004-06-18

A great book for the roads in the area, and best if you buy it beforehand for planning your trip, rather than buying it in a gift shop. It is divided up into sections of the major highways, and is easy to follow. The bits of historical information are interesting, and it will lead you to things you might not otherwise take a look at (or know to look for), including geological formations along the road. It also shows where services are available, including gas -- and in that big open country, that's a nice thing to know. The only downside is that it hasn't been updated since the mid-90's, but the only real changes are a few of the prices and hours of operation, along with the addition of a few hotels and amenities. Overall, a fantastic guide.

A great "Road" Book!.......1999-04-27

If you're going to travel in "Indian country" you need to keep this one in the front seat. Your companion can read while you drive. This book is recommended in the conclusion of The Native American Indian Artist Directory. Along with The Field Guide to Southwest Indian Arts and Crafts you can have a great adventure in the Southwest. Read Kosik and Hardeen's book first. Then read the Field Guide to learn about the art along the "Native Roads." Then open up The Native American Indian Artist Directory and find an address or phone number for the artist that interests you most and have a memorable experience!!

Rise of the West, 1754-1830 (New American Nation Series)

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Rise of the West, 1754-1830 (New American Nation Series)
Francis S. Philbrick
Manufacturer: Harpercollins College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

The Impending Crisis, 1848-1861

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American Indians' Kitchen-Table Stories: Contemporary Conversations With Cherokee, Sioux, Hopi, Osage, Navajo, Zuni, and Members of Other Nations (A)

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American Indians' Kitchen-Table Stories: Contemporary Conversations With Cherokee, Sioux, Hopi, Osage, Navajo, Zuni, and Members of Other Nations (A)
Keith Cunningham
Manufacturer: August House Publishers
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Nations of the Southwest (Native Nations of North America)

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Nations of the Southwest (Native Nations of North America)
Amanda Bishop , and Bobbie Kalman
Manufacturer: Crabtree Publishing Company
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Binding: Paperback

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The Pueblo: Farmers of the Southwest (American Indian Nations)

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The Pueblo: Farmers of the Southwest (American Indian Nations)
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We Will Rise - rebuilding the Mexikah Nation

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illegal?!
Book offers not only history, but a framework for liberation

We Will Rise - rebuilding the Mexikah Nation
Kurly Tlapoyawa
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
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Drink Cultura: Chicanismo (Joshua Odell Editions)

ASIN: 1553693043
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Product Description

A revolutionary and eye opening look at the indigenous cultural heritage of chicano - Mexicans.

Customer Reviews:

illegal?!.......2006-05-31

Whatever opinions you may have on Xikano-Mexikano people, the truth is that we're not illegals on this land. Tlapoyawa gives it to you straight and tells it like it is. Citing acclaimed and reknowned scholars and authors, he takes you step by step through the different chapters of historical Mexican culture and identity. After reading this compelling and thought provoking book, there will be no doubt in your mind of the ties and right Mexikah people have on the land now known as the Southwest. Aztlan is not a myth; it is a documented historical ancestral homeland of the Nawatl speaking people, and we, the descendants of the original people of this continent, have the right to migrate freely back and forth as we please, following in the tradition of our ancestors. This book is a must read for truth and culture seekers, myth de-bunkers, and students in Indigenous/Native American and Chicano Studies.

Book offers not only history, but a framework for liberation.......2002-12-03

"We Will Rise" is based on the belief that Mexicano/Chicanos must begin our liberation from the correct point of reference. The book
begins not with the Chicano Movement of the 1970s, or the Treaty of Guadalupe in 1848, or even the Spanish invasion of Mexiko in
1519. It begins with our origins in the present-day Southwest U.S. thousands of years ago. It brings the reader full-circle to our current situation as an occupied nation in the Southwest. It offers a system for lifting ourselves to our former greatness and unity as a people, not through violence, but through Mexikayotl, in solidarity with our northern native brothers and sisters. It does all this in a very easy-to-read style, with clarity as well as beautiful original artwork. It is perfect for students of all ages. A truly uplifting book.

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