Walk in My Soul

Book Description

Tiana was a Cherokee woman. She grew up learning the magic, spells, and nature religion of her people. Before Sam Houston became the father of Texas, he was a young man who had run away from his home in Tennessee to live among the Cherokee. He came to love Tiana. As the Cherokee would say, she walked in his soul. But Sam was a white man, and Tiana, a Cherokee. And the dreams each had for their land and their people were far apart....

From the Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Walk in my Soul.......2007-01-11

Excellent book. Have read and will reread this book again. My library contains science fiction to romance. All books I love and reread.

Wonderful Cherokee Story.......2005-11-23

I love this book! Wonderful, yet heart wrenching re-telling of the Cherokee way of life and the hardships they withstood from being forced off their lands and moved to Oklahoma. Yes it was good about Sam Houston, but my interest was caught of the telling of the Cherokee life and the Trail of Tears. I could not put this book down. I have read it more than once. I bought this book 12 yrs ago. Still a great book!

More fabulous historical "fiction" from this fine author.......2004-08-13

As she did in her superb novel, "Ride the Wind", Ms. Robson once again gives us a fascinating novel of real people and the events as they might well have been. Although "fictional" the story is true. Sam Houston did indeed have a Cherokee wife and their love story, although a scandal in its day, was indeed a true romance. Get a snack, curl up on the couch, and enjoy.

My All Time Favorite.......2001-10-29

Tiana is the most incredible characters I've ever read about. Reading this books made me feel like I was stepping back in time to the days when the Cherokee were free and powerful. Luicia St. Clair Robinson does a remarkable job in researching the people and their culture. In this book you learn about Sam Houston, the development of the Cherokee Syllubus, Tecumseh, and the strengh of a Cherokee Woman.

Walk In My Soul.......2001-04-04

This was an excellent book, I read years ago. One that changed my life. Who Tiana Rogers was and the way she is portrayed in the book, gave me a role model to follow, in a time when I really needed one. This is a book that touched my soul, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's attention it called. It's a beatiful story and one that you'll never forget.

Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)

Average customer rating:

Good book for Young Adults

Make Way for Sam Houston (Unforgettable Americans)
Jean Fritz
Manufacturer: Putnam Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0698116461

Book Description

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. Lively, readable, and solidly researched, this is the kind of biography every child needs. -- Booklist, starred review Jean Fritz has done it again.Her writing turns this larger-than-life character into a very real person.-- School Library Journal, starred review Young readers will find the book fast-paced and fact-packed. -- The New York Times Book Review Jean Fritz lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for Young Adults.......2001-04-12

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. First, the boring history information was presented in an enjoyable manner. Second, I felt like I got to know who Sam Houston was as a person, not just what he did for Texas. Third, I was happy to find out that the information that was presented was well researched and not just from speculation. Of course, it is not Shakespeare, but it made Texas history a bit more bearable.

Promised Lands: A Novel of the Texas Rebellion (Southwest Life and Letters)

Average customer rating:

Intense and compelling
An absorbing, powerful epic novel
A novel filled with dread, ghastly events, and remorse
All Students of Texas History should read this book

Promised Lands: A Novel of the Texas Rebellion (Southwest Life and Letters)
Elizabeth Crook
Manufacturer: Southern Methodist University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0870743856

Book Description

Elizabeth Crook's vast yet intimate novel of the Texas Revolution takes us beyond the traditional setpieces of the Alamo and San Jacinto to the other places where the war was fought--to the forest traces and prairies and Gulf Coast beaches, and to the hearts of the novel's vibrant characters. Among them: Domingo de la Rosa--the great Tejano ranchero, implacable and devout, for whom the fight against the Anglo "heretics" is nothing less than a holy war. Hugh Kenner--a physician whose son has run away to the war. Hugh will discover the heroic strength of his compassion, and also its brutal cost. Katie Kenner--Hugh's restless daughter, a refugee caught up in the massive human stampede known as The Runaway Scrape, who finds herself in love with a foreigner and responsible for the life of an orphan baby. Adelaido Pacheco--a dashing tobacco smuggler loyal to no cause but his own, a man without a country and in peril of becoming a man without a soul. Crucita Pacheco--Adelaido's beautiful sister who has lost her family, all but Adelaido, in the cholera epidemic of 1832. Feeling that God has forsaken her, she enters Domingo de la Rosa's employ as a spy against the Anglo rebels, and discovers an improbable love. Through these people and others, Promised Lands brings a myth-encrusted chapter of American history to authentic life. Elizabeth Crook demonstrates once again a stunning command of her period and a passionate regard for her characters. Promised Lands bears the hallmark of a master novelist: a grand vision, rendered on an unforgettably human scale.

Customer Reviews:

Intense and compelling.......2007-09-21

Elizabeth Crook's novel, Promised Lands captivated me. Her research so accurate and her characterization so poignant that I feel like I lived the times with these people. And though Fannin's indecision, the subsequent cause of his downfall, stings the Texan,history is never made up of simple infallible characters. My imagination was so piqued, I revisited Goliad after reading the book. Reading Ms. Crook's novel illuminates the past and it is beautifully written. And outstanding work and yes,a must for every student of Texas history.

An absorbing, powerful epic novel.......2007-04-09

I'm not a Texas history buff but this story is fascinating. It captured my interest right at the beginning and picked up steam all the way to the end. It has everything you want in historical fiction: romance, humor, violence, tragedy, and characters you care about. It has funny scenes and extremely amusing dialogue mixed in with the tragedy. It's also beautifully written. There are two or three plot lines in the beginning but I was happy to go from one to another as they all interested me, and as they came together fairly quickly. If you're looking for a great epic, this is a perfect selection. It's not light reading, but enriching and satisfying. Highly recommended.

A novel filled with dread, ghastly events, and remorse.......2006-09-01

Promised Lands, by Austin author Elizabeth Crook, is a grim novel about grim people caught up in one of the grimmest incidents in Texas history, the Goliad Massacre of 1836. And did I mention that the book is grim?

In following two families as their fate puts them on a collision course with history, Promised Lands is based on a time-honored premise for historical fiction. But Crook, who showed her skill in writing about emotionally damaged people in her earlier novel The Raven's Bride, does not settle for easy cliches about high-spirited women and two-fisted men. The characters in Promised Lands are extraordinarly complex and finely drawn. On the Anglo side of the divide, we follow the Kenner family, particularly dad Hugh, a doctor who has given up practice; daughter Katie, a young woman who yearns to feel needed; and son Toby, a bespectacled boy who wants nothing more than to prove himself. On the Tejano side, we follow the brother-sister pair of Adelaido, an arrogant young caballero, and Crucita, an introspective seamstress whose kindness tears her between love and loyalty.

One of the problems in Promised Lands is the number of characters. Besides the five primary characters mentioned above, there are a half-dozen more point-of-view characters, all with complex motivations, back stories, and emotional baggage. I think that because of the large cast, the story never achieves much momentum. I felt I had to press a mental "Reset" at the beginning of every chapter to follow someone new. Even within a chapter, there is some "head jumping" to include the thoughts and motivations of even minor characters. While the writing is skillfully handled, I got frustrated after a while. This novel is stuffed with enough characters and ideas for three novels. I wish Crook had done some cutting and perhaps refocused the novel on just a few characters. For example, it would have been interesting to see what she did with a book that followed just Katie, Crucita, and Toby, allowing us to see the others only through their eyes.

I also became weary of the depression that enshrouded most of the characters. While I didn't expect a rollicking good time with a book on the Goliad Massacre, I think the novel might have been improved with if the characters had been more varied. Several of these folks were significantly traumatized before the novel even began. A couple of smart-alecks would have provided some much-needed relief for the reader and maybe even have added some good interpersonal conflict to the story.

All Students of Texas History should read this book.......1996-12-29

Very readable book about the Texas War of Independence with Mexico. Although a fictional book, it accurately shows the real issues in the Texas War. The "heros" of the Texas Revolution such as Fannin and Bowie were shown to be men who made serious mistakes in the war. Some of the issues surrounding the "war" such as slavery were documented. While I have read several books on Texas History, this book brings out new information and facts through the fictional setting. The horror of Goliad was accurately protrayed in this book. This is truly a book that is hard to put down once it has been started. There are touches of Jean Auel in the author's writing style. It is obviously a well researched book that even documents in detail the early use of "natural" medicines

Average customer rating:

Reads More Like a Chapter Than a Book
blehh.
Should have stayed on the editor's floor
Nice read
A Casual Read

The Eagle and the Raven
James A. Michener
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812513010

Book Description

This historical narrative recalls one of the most exciting periods of Texas history in its contrast of charismatic men, Santa Anna and Houston, each flawed in so many ways yet dominant figures in their two nations, Mexico and Texas.

Customer Reviews:

Reads More Like a Chapter Than a Book.......2006-12-20

Overall, this book was disappointing. But the lengthy introduction written by the author made the book worth reading. Michener is a great author, with dozens of historical novels under his belt. The introduction tells a bit of the process behind getting a novel to print. Not only that, but he shows how the novels started as ideas and eventually got to the printed page. For those who enjoy reading Michener, this is not only a great introduction to this particular novel, but it is also a great chance to understand more about the author and how he goes about his profession.

There are a number of illustrations scattered throughout the book. Illustrations are usually good, who doesn't like pictures? But the illustrations here in The Eagle and The Raven are surprisingly dull and.... bad. In regard to the book itself, the contrasts and comparisons between the lives and personalities of Sam Houston and Santa Anna were interesting, but probably not enough for an entire book. Originally, this book was only a chapter in Michener's other novel, Texas. This fact is made clear after reading the short novel. Any history loving Michener fan will enjoy this short book, but it doesn't measure up to some of Michener's other novels.

blehh........2006-10-04

ok, i had to read this book for school, and it was one of the worst books i have ever encountered. usually i am a big history buff, but this book was just annoying. i ended up falling asleep about halfway through because it was so boring, and i had to stay up all night to finish it. this book is definitely nowhere near anything i would consider worthwhile, and would not recommend it to anyone, unless they were using it to fall asleep faster. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should have stayed on the editor's floor.......2006-07-27

This 1990 book is basically a portion of TEXAS which had been edited out. It is a short and not particularly well written comparison of Santa Ana and Sam Houston. These biographies are presented in chronological order which necessitates jumping from one man to the other in alternating chapters for most of the work. Although Michener has apparently done his usual through research and made some insightful observations the subject just isn't very interesting to any but a serious scholar, and a serious scholar would be frustrated by its superficiality. It would have been much better to trim this down to a long magazine article.

The first 30 pages of the book are a long rambling foreward by Michener detailing his life leading up to the publication of this work. Michener gives us far too much detail about his relationships with his publishers and editors at this time, drops quite a few names - some of interest but most not particularly - brags about his accomplishments, and goes into mindnumbing detail about his writing schedule. The last seventeen pages contain transcripts and facsimiles of letters, a chronology and a suggested reading list. This leaves about 183 pages of actual text but there are several pages of illustrations, (which look as though they taken from an abridged children's novel) that have a blank page separating each from the next printed page which take up 40 additional pages leaving the actual work a mere 143 pages of actual text, actually less since the printing has be done to stretch this out as much as possible - each chapter begins half way down the page for example. The whole thing is reminiscent of a student attempting to stretch out meager work to a required length.

Take a pass on this one, it is not the typical riveting Michener work of fiction fans have come to expect and as a work of serious scholarship would merit a C at best.

Nice read.......2005-11-09

Not your typical 1000 page historical drama, a very nice read bt choppy at times switching from character to character.

A Casual Read.......2003-08-01

I've never been a big Michener fan, but in this tome, he does an adequate job of comparing the lives and personalities of Santa Anna and Sam Houston. Riding on the hype of the Texas Sesquicentennial, Michener takes the reader on an informal tour of early Mexico and Texas. He touches on events in the U.S. as well as in Europe where they apply to the story. What I really enjoyed most were the excellent drawings by noted artist Charles Shaw. He is among the best!

Sam Houston and the American Southwest (Library of American Biography Series) (3rd Edition) (Library of American Biography)

Average customer rating:

We're indebted to men like him.
this book will shed new light on an unlikely figure...
Legendary Hero
Sam Houston's chronological life and what Texas was about.

Sam Houston and the American Southwest (Library of American Biography Series) (3rd Edition) (Library of American Biography)
Randolph B. Campbell
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321385721

Book Description

Governor of two states, president of an independent republic, and for thirteen years a United States senator, Sam Houston forged a life of great adventure, frequent controversy, and lasting achievement.

This indispensable text follows Houston from his early days as a barely-educated clerk in Tennessee to his rise as an unmatched politician who assured the success of the Texas revolution.

Within the historical context of the emerging West, Houston’s story is not only one of courage and fortitude, but also aids in understanding of the possibilities and limitations of leadership in a Democratic society.

Sam Houston and the American Southwest, 3/e is a great way to illuminate the issues of the period through this compelling figure. The new Study and Discussion Questions extend the text, and can be used to facilitate discussions in the classroom or student study groups.

Texas, Texas History, Southwest, American West, John Quincy Adams, Texas War of Independence, Alamo, Texas Republic, Governor, Mexican War, Indian uprising.

Readers interested in learning about Sam Houston and the era in which he lived.

Customer Reviews:

We're indebted to men like him........2006-10-05

This is an excellent little book. It's entertaining reading and highly informative. I'm not only glad I read the book but I find myself wanting to know much more about Sam Houston and his era. I think Texans and all Americans are much more indebted to men like him than we realize. Would to God we had some Sam Houstons today!

this book will shed new light on an unlikely figure..........2005-05-25

Randolph B. Campbell writes about a man I never knew had that much impact on Texas and the United States in Sam Houston and the American Southwest. The writing is quick and simple to read, and flows from one topic to the next easily.

The book covers everything from Sam Houston's beginnings, to his forrays as a military man and finally to his exploits as a political leader. He impacted Texas more than any other person, and was a leading voice in both the War against Mexico and the Civil War. To characterize his impact on Texas, one would only have to look at the political atmosphere of Texas in their early Republic days. Texas was a two party state, those who were Houston supporters and those who were anti-Houston.

I loved learning about Sam Houston's command during Texas's fight for independence, his thoughts on the Civil War (always a Union man, something unusual for a southerner), and the love he had for his wife (his last words will emphasize this). He was the first President of the Republic of Texas, served as a senator after the state was annexed, and is the only man to serve as governor in two states (Texas and Tennessee). I would have never known three fourths of this information if it wasn't for Randolph B. Campbell's Sam Houston and the American Southwest. I highly recommend this read, for literature lovers and history buffs and all those in between. Everyone enjoy!

Legendary Hero.......2003-01-31

This particular portrayal was a mandatory reading in a History course in college, and by far, the depiction from Campbell is astounding, and amazing. He brings to the surface far more than just the fable you hear about in junior high Texas history. The man was tall, but this piece makes him larger than life.

Sam Houston's chronological life and what Texas was about........1998-10-12

Texas's Savior Ever since Texas was a territory in the middle of no where, one man stood up to lead the way to statehood. That man who rose above the rest and conquered endless, unimaginable barriers was Sam Houston. Rudolph B. Campbell wrote a chronologically correct book about Houston entitled Sam Houston and the American Southwest. He became the most popular and most honorable man in Texas. The battle of San Jacinto, acquiring Presidency of the Republic of Texas, and obtaining a place in the United States Senate all proved that Sam Houston was a competent and trustworthy leader. First and foremost, the battle of San Jacinto was one Houston's greatest accomplishments, defeating Santa Anna and shamefully returning him to Mexico. This battle turned out to be the turning point in Texas's becoming a Republic and Sam Houston's popularity beginning to soar across Texas. Even though the revolution was a failure and Mexico still didn't recognize Texas as a republic, Houston still received the recognition that he deserved. It happened "...at three o'clock in the afternoon, Houston ordered his 'effectives' into battle formation that stretched across the prairie" (Campbell 68). After this strategic move, Sam Houston attacked and eighteen minutes later ended the battle. With this fight under his belt, Houston slowly arose to become a powerful and noteworthy man. This rise in power enabled Houston to become the first President of the Republic of Texas on September 18th, 1836. He was basically the only man for the job, supported by a landsliding "5,119 vote to Smith's 743 votes" (74). Houston saw himself as the candidate who could bring unity to Texas, despite its ambiguity and immense size. With Mirabeau B. Lamar at his side as vice president, Sam Houston would find as much

money for Texas as he could, balance the budget, and keep good relations with Mexico. In order to make and save money, Houston sold Texas's navy. Even the money gained from this sale didn't help the budget at all. By the time Houston's term of presidency was over, the debt had grown to roughly two million dollars. As far as keeping relations with Mexico, Houston must have apparently done a very good job because they did not attack again for a long period of time. Plus, he helped the Indians, especially the Cherokee, as much as he could, considering how he U.S. was driving them farther and farther away from their land. After Houston's three-year term was over, he resigned and moved to a higher position. In addition to already being President of the Republic of Texas more than once, Sam Houston became one of the first senators of Texas as well. Nothing is more suitable for a man with Houston's recognition and fame than to represent "his" state in the United States Senate. Even a more powerful and demanding job than president of a republic, Houston represented Texas better than any man possible. As a senator, and included in his inaugural address, Houston believed that "...finance, Indian policy, and relations with Mexico" were the most important things needed to be taken of in Texas and all over the United States (93). In the interest of finance, Sam Houston recommended that suspending all payments of interest and principal on the debt should be done. In addition, signing treaties, describing boundaries, with the Indians would depress war and bring on peace. Finally, the Texas senator thought it would be best to "...leave the Mexican nation alone," since "diplomatic relations had not been improved" (93). Overall, Sam

Customer Reviews:

A Great Character.......2006-06-11

Sam Houston was larger than life! Prof. H.W. Brands has stated that you could never write a novel based on Sam Houston's life because nobody would believe it: He was right! What a great figure! Admirable with all his flaws, a true hero. Mr. Haley's book is written well, though not perfect, I recommend it to anyone looking for a great story and a great and well lived life.

The Soul of Sam Houston.......2002-05-27

James Haley's "Sam Houston" is a study into a man's soul. Using new resources he has humanized the man and the legend. Mr. Haley has done the best possible job of getting into the head of Sam Houston and explaining his life long habits without falling into the easy trap of revisionism. As a matter of fact in my mind he is a champion of the facts, using common sense logic when faced with the incompleteness of facts that is often found in history. He often has to navigate through the propaganda of the day and connect the dots with the straight edge of reality. This is well demonstrated by the facts presented about the biggest Sam Houston mystery of all, why his marriage with Miss Eliza Allen failed. You will have to read the book to find the answers.
Easy to read for the casual reader, well noted for the serous researcher. James Haley's "Sam Houston" is a great read.

A Great Book.......2002-05-24

Sam Houston is a figure who aroused great passions beginning in his own day and continuing to the present. Jim Haley's well written biography, supported by fifteen years of research in original archives not available (or used) by past researchers, joins the ranks of major works on this interesting figure. The book should join the library of anyone interested in the Texas Revolution and its heroes. With impressive scholarship, the book is well written and enjoyable to read. A major achievement, worth the wait.

WOW!!!.......2002-05-03

This is one of the most awesome books I have ever read! I didn't want to put it down! This is a wonderful biography for a history buff or just a person curious in learning about the life of one of this nation's greatest leaders! Great buy!

Who Is James L. Haley?.......2002-03-12

The question begs asking -- "Who is James L. Haley?" -- because this author has come forward without a lofty academic post and shown the cheek to produce what is probably the finest modern biography of Houston yet written.

With several dozen good biographies of Houston already in print, James L. Haley went the extra mile and built a terrific book based mostly on primary sources, many if not most of them apparently first mined by him. He appears to do research the old-fashioned way -- in archives, accosting private collectors, and pursuing the odd distant family source as well. At a time when the lions of academia are being dragged through the mud of plagiarism and scandal, blithely recasting and repackaging the hard work of others, Haley's work-ethic -- which is purely Puritan -- is pure refreshment to find.

His book has more heart and soul than either Marshall De Bruhl's or J. H. Williams's works. And just as importantly, Haley -- lack of academic-world gravitas notwithstanding -- writes with the strongest sense of voice. He gets carried away a bit when he's feeling his oats, but the result on balance is sterling biography. As the eminent Texas historian Elliott West says on the back cover, all future scholarship on Houston and Texas will have to reckon with this striking, substantial book.

Average customer rating:

You'll either LOVE IT or HATE IT

Too much revisionism

Self-righteous and over-written

A hard look at Sam Houston and early Texas

An historic novel based on facts by a talented writer.

Empire of Bones: A Novel of Sam Houston and the Texas Revolution
Jeff Long
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Duel of Eagles: The Mexican and U.S. Fight for the Alamo

The Descent

The Ascent: A Novel

Angels of Light

Year Zero

ASIN: 0688122523

Customer Reviews:

You'll either LOVE IT or HATE IT.......2003-10-30

Jeff Long always manages to open the proverbial "can of worms" when he puts his view of Texas history on paper. It's pretty obvious that he has an axe to grind, which CAN be positive. In this case however, it's positively appalling. Long might be a fair novelist, but he stinks as an historian. There are far too many skewered "facts" in this work. Long destroyed much of the mythology surrounding the Alamo, (DUEL OF EAGLES) but managed to create a whole new batch in the process. In EMPIRE OF BONES, Long takes aim at the Battle of San Jacinto and unfortunately he misses the mark. Revisionists will LOVE this book, and many "proud Texans" will hate it. It's a poor novel and worse history.

Too much revisionism.......2002-06-12

First of all, the book is well-researched and quite entertaining. However, Long goes too far in his efforts to knock the Texas heroes from their pedestals. Instead of deifying them, he takes the exact opposite extreme with the end result being just as unrealistic and unbelieveable. The tone of the description on the cover is also quite arrogant, proclaming the possible execution as described in the book as a proven fact, ignoring the inconclusive nature of the evidence.

The book itself is full of good information, yet stretches the reader's imagination to believe that Sam Houston was nothing more than a lucky, bumbling fool who essentially did nothing and led nowhere and that the Texas Army was nothing more than a roving band of inhuman animals whose lust for land and money was responsible for the "massacre" at San Jacinto. Once again, the cover description seems to suggest that Long is the first to discover the "true nature" of the battle, as if no one else had previously figured it out. Additionally, the Mexican atrocities at the Alamo and Goliad are mentioned, but Long seems to only hold Santa Anna accountable for the slaughter at those events.

Essentially, it could have been a good book if the author was not attempting to prove an impossible point. Long had an opportunity to give a realistic portrayal of the epic conflict and failed by making Crockett, Houston and the Texas Army just as unbelievable as the demigods that they have been made out to be in the past.

Self-righteous and over-written.......2001-08-07

About two-thirds through this work, I wondered why I was reading it. Houston is so thoroughly painted with a Hamlet-like melancholy that the book becomes lifeless. Indeed, according to Long, Houston was impotant in command and in character: unable to win over his officers and fearful of the mob that was his army. When placed in a position to administer justice, he waivers. He becomes a bystander to the events that stretch between the battles of the Alamo and of San Jacinto. Chapter after chapter foreshadows the battle of San Jacinto as a massacre brought on by the barbarity of the American volunteers. Yet Long (as Houston) also cries for the lost innocence of these settlers and fortune-seekers. But when the battle finally comes, Houston's actions are buffoonish. The killing is labeled criminal, but seldom described so. And perhaps that is the real flaw. There is a lack of description of events. There is a lot of wailing about death and the scattering of bones, but no action. Long wants to work both ways. He wants to condemn the events at San Jacinto - register it as the mark of Cain on the forehead of Texas, but he neither faults Houston nor the Texan army. The former is incapable of handling his men. The latter are no more than undisciplined children. Of other interest, there is a dramatic prologue featuring Davy Crockett at the Alamo, a ridiculous sexual encounter between Houston and a wealthy refugee, and of course the almost required parting shot at Santa Anna as an egomaniacal fop hated even by his aide.

A hard look at Sam Houston and early Texas.......1999-12-17

This is a very enjoyable work of historical fiction. The character of Sam Houston is one of those American originals that seem so perfect for fiction that it is hard to believe he ever really lived. The exaggerated aspects of character - the dramatic costumes, high intelligence, temper, ambition, sensitivity, appitite and energy - all seem to be perfectly Texan, perfectly larger than life. Any number of good accounts of his life could be, and have been, written. What makes this retelling of the period of his life when he fought the Battle of San Jacinto significant is that it isn't simply a tale of the good guy Texans getting revenge on Santa Anna and the bad guy Mexicans. In this more balanced and reasoned telling of the tale, that great variety of human ambitions and greed that spark most wars and revolutions, is shown as a prominant part of the struggle to wrest Texas from Mexico.

The cast of characters is interesting and the depiction of that early period in Texas history seems realistic and believable. The climactic battle of San Jacinto is told in hard detail and the probably over bloody response to the surprised Mexican forces shows that whatever cruelties the Mexicans were willing to meet out to those at the Alamo, their avengers were capable of as well.

A really interesting and satisfyfing book. I don't know if Texans would go for it, but this Tennessean sure did.

An historic novel based on facts by a talented writer........1999-01-20

Mr.Long is also the author of "Duel of Eagles" and this book continues his focus on Sam Houston. The form of a novel allows Mr. Long to explore themes that a purely historical book would not. Some Texas "historians" had sharp and negative reactions to "Duel of Eagles". This is understandable since the book is not the typical hagiography often passed off as Texas history. "Empire" offers an insight into the motivations and actions of some of those "brave Texians" who came to Texas seeking real estate and riches rather than liberty and freedom. Mr. Long's view is that Texas under Mexico was a tough and ruthless place which attracted some of the most greedy and grasping men of the age. At the same time certain men, Houston, Rusk, Seguin, and Smith are clearly complex and perhaps honorable men in rugged times. Mr. Long's works are a counter-balance to the propaganda and boosterism which seemed to infect much of the writings about Texas as republic and before. Whether you agree with Mr. Long's views, his research is thorough and his characters are real. This book is a valuable addition to any collection of books on Texas or Sam Houston.

Sam Houston's Wife: A Biography of Margaret Lea Houston

Average customer rating:

Very readable, more importantly, well-researched.

Sam Houston's Wife: A Biography of Margaret Lea Houston
William Seale
Manufacturer: University of Oklahoma Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Customer Reviews:

Very readable, more importantly, well-researched........1997-09-04

A disclaimer to start with: I am a member of the Lea family, descended from Mrs. Houston's brother, Henry Clinton Lea, so I had a particular interest in this book about my great-great-great aunt (whew!). This was one of the great romantic stores of the century, starting when a 17-year-old Margaret Lea first sighted Houston in New Orleans, where she watched him from among a crowd. She married him when he was 48 and she was barely 21, in the face of opposition from her family. I was delighted with the degree of historical accuracy I found in the book, as well as finding it an enjoyable "read". Mr. Seale includes the sort of family anecdotes that make biography come alive as well as throwing a new light on the personality of Sam Houston. The mythical hero of San Jacinto was also a husband and father, and his life with Margaret had profound effects on his public life. To read about Margaret, her mother and siblings gives a fascinating window on the life of a Southern family during the era of Westward expansion. Seale also clears up some fun but apocryphal tales about the romance. Too bad, really, but I guess the fanciful among us can go on believing my great-g-g-grandmother actually said "My daughter goes forth in the world to marry no man." if we want to

Average customer rating:

Great Book missing 30 pages or so
A Flippant Remarkfrom One Who Deserted the Governorship.
An Intimate Biography
A Fine Texas History Lesson
Excellent book on life of Sam Houston

The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston
Marquis James
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0292770405

Book Description

"This is the stuff of which legend is made, this story of the making of Texas, and Houston is one with those semilegendary characters—with Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett, with Marion the Swamp Fox and Ethan Allen.... In a sense he is too good to be true, this man who wrought such mighty deeds within the lifetime of our fathers and grandfathers; in a sense if he had not existed we should have had to create him."

—from the introduction by Henry Steele Commager

Customer Reviews:

Great Book missing 30 pages or so.......2006-07-14

Superb biography of the Raven. Well worth your reading time. This was an unusual man! As old General Nicks said, "God made him two drinks scant."
Unfortunately, my first copy arrived missing 30 pages. Amazon graciously sent a replacement copy and allowed me to keep the defective copy with all my notes, underlinings, etc.

A Flippant Remarkfrom One Who Deserted the Governorship........2005-09-03

Today's historical books use poetic licence, meaning it is not the facts, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I've been meaning to get around to this book for a long time, but it took the movie, 'The Great Raid' to cause me to put this as priority.

I previously reviewed GHOST SOLDIERS on which the movie was made, and done well. It was so realistic that I had to cry (and I don't cry easily) because of the ferocity and lact of humanity the enemy showed. It was the same in WWI only our soldiers were not equipped to fight anyone that animalistic. I see now why Tennessean Alvin York went berserk and killed so many of the approaching enemy in this war, as he was cornered and was fighting for his life.

It's not always war where you have to defend you right to live in freedom. I had to use my elbows to get out of a difficult situation which I found myself in this past month. As in WWII, the enemy set out to engage and reduce the other side. This war engulfed Europe in 1914 and we came to their aid; now, in 2005, more than ninety years later, Europe has surpassed U.S.A. as the superpower of the world calling themselves the United State of Europe. Copycats! We should not jump the gun so quickly when the ally you fight for strives to surpass you in everyway. We thought we were helping England against Germany. Well, at least the Confederates who 'lost' the American Civil War took the cause of Britain and France, while the American Yankees took the side of Germany. It was another Civil War only on foreign ground this time. My favorite historian wrote that Lincoln didn't ask for or accept a surrender from the Rebels as that would be acknowledging that the Confederacy had been a sovereing nation and not "just a feverish mob," as Sam Houston is credited as saying. I have trouble believing a Tennessee governor would stoop to such stupidity.

The machine gun, poison gas, trench warfare and the airplane were used first in this war to beat all wars. "As President Teddy Roosevelt rallied the diverse ethnic groups of the nothern state (where he originated from) -- Italians, Mormons, Jews, and Irish -- Confederate President Woodrow Wilson struggled to hold together a nation still beset by ignorance, prejudice, and class divisions." The United States still has all of the listed attributes, especially two professors from other states who tore down one of the Southern Civil War heros with a book full of lies and no truth. That shows ignorance and prejudice is alive and well as the Northerners are still considering Tennessee a hillbilly state and everyone in it "white trash."

As in WWII, the aim was "don't surrender," and "never give up whatever the situation." The Americans were bound to give no information to the enemy when captured except name, rank, and serial number. when captured except name, rank, and serial number. There is a government employee here named Whitt who is proud he went through "Ranger" school and, now sixty, is still using the war tactics he learned there to bully anyone who has a difference of opinion. Sometimes, in severe times of conflict, the soldiers and their leaders had to crawl like a snake to survive. Planes had a pivotal role in rescuing the POWs in the Phillippines and their flying low over the camp was the signal for the troops to move into position for the night maneuvers. It's true that war is hell; and nothing is really accomplished. When you defeat one dictator or generalisimo, there is another to take his place to start another war.

Houston went on to the Alamo after fighting at San Joquinto to meet his fate. He was shot in the ankle by his men there and had a festering groin wound from his early days in Tennessee which caused the dissolution of his marriage. He went to live with the Cherokee Indians leaving the Governor's chair empty. If he called the Confederacy a feverish mob, he is not one to talk as his life was just one fever after another.

An Intimate Biography.......2004-11-02

In 1929 Marquis James published his autobiography of Sam Houston which he titled "The Raven". It reflects, favorably for me, the style of scholarly writing of the times. Mr. James, who has written of other men and events of Houston's era, writes in a manor that suggests an almost intimate knowledge of his subject. He often shares Houston's feelings and reactions which he probably picked up on through his research into his subject's personal papers. As a result, the reader is more apt to become more emotionally involved with General Houston as he or she reads "The Raven". This became somewhat of a problem for me because Sam Houston is a somewhat exasperating individual.

The Sam Houston that emerged, for me, in "The Raven" was a man of strong leadership abilities, solid loyalties, and minimal political thought. I say this last part reluctantly because Marquis James provides information that suggests that he was a very capable governor. However, there seem to be few issues that come up during Houston's various tenures in the US House and Senate. There were the issues of Texas, the Union, and his close friends; the Chreokees. There is little, if anything, on Houston's opinions concerning the National Bank, trade issues, interstate commerce or other important subjects of the day. Indeed, we get images of a bored Senator Houston whittling away (literally) his time in the US Senate. There is, however, plenty about Houston the leader whether it be on the field of battle or the state house. He was and remains a most impressive figure in the history of the United States of America. Much of what I had heard about the man was fleshed out in "The Raven" in a satisfactory manner.

The major events are dealt with appropriately. For example, we don't get half of the book devoted to the Battle of San Jacinto. In fact, we get only a brief message of the Alamo but enough of San Jacinto to know what happened and how it affected both Houstan and Texas. Indeed, the greatest attention seems to have been given to Houston's failed first marriage. It ended with neither party talking about the cause of the split. The author seemed intent on uncovering the real cause and had us revisiting his first wife periodically through her life after Houston.

Marquis James did have an interesting mystery that he introduced to us early in the book. It had to do with a gift from Houston's mother to him when he was young. I had forgotten all about it until it showed up again at the end of the book; an appropriate message at an appropriate place.

I learned a lot about Sam Houston from reading this book and I am glad I did. There is plenty of Texas in here as there should be. There is also plenty of Tennessee, Washington DC, Andrew Jackson, Santa Ana, Cherokee Indians, and, as I alluded to early, the first Mrs. Houston (the second Mrs. Houston seemed to exist solely for producing offspring and writing letters). If Sam Houston is your hero, this is your book. If not then this is still an excellent biography.

A Fine Texas History Lesson.......2000-10-08

A interesting Texas history lesson, this book was recommended by a local Texas historian from the Haley Library and Museum. Very enjoyable if you want more than just a history about Sam Houston, this is a Texas/Mexico history mini-lesson as well. The book tells the story of Sam Houston's life including his: Tennessee Governorship, ties to President Andrew Jackson, role as General of Armies and Malitias, tenure as President of the Republic of Texas, role as United States Senator and Governorship of the State of Texas.

Excellent book on life of Sam Houston.......2000-09-22

Marquis James shows why he won more than one Nobel prize for historical writing. In this book he takes you through the entire life of Sam Houston, giving the reader an insight on the events of Houston's earlier life that shaped his actions in the founding of the Texas Republic. Until reading this book, I had no idea just how important Sam Houston was to the history of not just Texas, but the entire United States.

Sword of San Jacinto:: A Life of Sam Houston

Average customer rating:

Fascinating bio of hero and anti-hero
Story of a Plain Man who inspite of Setbacks Rises Again
Disappointingly superficial
Good Biography of Sam Houston
This is Houston and Texas at it's best, a good book.

Sword of San Jacinto:: A Life of Sam Houston
Marshall De Bruhl
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0679753028
Release Date: 1994-05-03

Book Description

"Sam Houston was one of the most remarkable figures in American history. He was a native of Virginia who as a soldier, stateman, and adventurer made his mark on the frontier in Tennessee and the Arkansas Territory and then went on to dominate the early history of Texas. Now, drawing on newly accessible archival material, in particular the more than five thousand letters and documents in the Andrew Jackson Houston Collection of the Texas State Archives, historian Marshall De Bruhl vividly re-creates the career of this larger-than-life hero. In a narrative brimming with fascinating details, De Bruhl captures Houston in all his complexity.

A frontiersman who lived among the Cherokee Indians for many years - he was the adopted son of Chief Ooleteka and a full citizen of the Cherokee Nation - Houston became a passionate defender of Indian rights.

As a soldier, Sam Houston served under Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 - and ensured Texas independence in 1836 with his atonishing victory over Santa Anna and the Mexican army at San Jacinto. As a politician, Houston was a Tennessee congressman at age thirty and then governor at age thirty-six. He then went on to be the first elected president of the Republic of Texas and one of the first senators from the new state. Because of his ardent defense of the Union and his refusal to swear allegiance to the Confederacy, he was deposed as governor of Texas in 1861.

Houston's personal life was as tumultous as his political and military careers. He married three times, always to much younger women. The first marriage, to an eighteen-year-old, ended mysteriously when she left him only eleven weeks later, whereupon he resigned the governership of Tennessee and fled to the west and exile among his old Cherokee friends. It was there he married Tiana, the beautiful niece of Chief Ooleteka. Years later, at age forty-six, he married a woman of twenty, who bore eight children during their devoted and happy marriage. Although Houston died ignored and vilified by those whose independence who had ensured, the eclipse of his reputation was brief. His fellow Texans soon acknowledged his central place in their history, and he is revered today as the father of Texas and [as] its greatest hero."

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating bio of hero and anti-hero.......2006-10-23

Sam Houston lived such a giant life that any bio will come up short, but De Bruhl gives a good summary of his many failures and successes, his sometimes-brilliant and sometimes-tarnished career in politics, and an insight into Sam's personal character. Cheered by some, reviled by others, Houston was a man who always lived by his convictions.

I was disappointed to see less of Sam's life among the Tsalagi, but readers looking for his legendary exploits in Texas will not be disappointed. I also recommend "The Raven" for more on Sam. Younger readers will appreciate "Retreat to Glory" and "Six Feet Six".

Story of a Plain Man who inspite of Setbacks Rises Again.......2003-12-21

From a hero from Horseshoe Bend fighting against the Creeks, Houston emerges as a disciple of "Old Hickory" eventually becoming the governor of Tennessee. Although successful, during a run at re-election, the battle scared Houston marries a much younger and indulgent woman who from the honeymoon night on rejects Houston, which captures wide spread press and ruins his political career causing him to amazingly exile himself amongst the Cherokee. With bouts of alcohol, remarriage and political representation of the Cherokee, Houston is seemingly rescued by Jackson and motivated to immigrate to Texas. The author gives a very good representation of a successful man who shows great promise particularly his ability to communicate with the common folk yet he has serious personal liabilities. Houston becomes active in Texas politics but the fascinating story of Houston is his command of Texas forces fighting Santa Anna. Houston orders Travis and Bowie to abandon the Alamo due to Santa Anna's large army and heavy cannon preferring to fight with mobility in the field. They refuse and become famous but suffer complete loss. However, Houston's tactics prove effective as he attains victory over Anna. Again active in politics, Houston stubbornly refuses to support secession while governor and is a pariah among his fellow Texans. Interesting story of a humble man who lived in such plain dwellings with dog runs in Texas. Very much a worthwhile read.

Disappointingly superficial.......2000-10-10

This quick and easy read is an entertaining biography of an entertaining and important man. But I finished it feeling we had glossed over the surface of General Sam without really getting under his skin. This was a decent introduction to the man and his times, but the serious student will be left wanting more.

Good Biography of Sam Houston.......2000-09-17

This book captures Sam Houston quite well. It is much better than John Hoyt Williams' Sam Houston, published around the same time. Houston was the George Washington of Texas: commander-in-chief of the Texan army when Texas won its independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto, first president of the Republic of Texas, governor when Texas became a state. Houston had a theatrical flair and obviously succeeded in becoming a larger-than-life historical giant.

As impressive as his historical achievements were, what makes Houston fascinating to me are two things. First was the fact that he ran away from home at age 16 to live with a band of Cherokees. He was adopted by the chief of the tribe, who gave him the name Kalanu, or "The Raven." Houston left the tribe when he was 19, but returned to live with the tribe on other occasions when he was fleeing white civilization, most notably when he returned 20 years later and married Tiana (or Diana), a prominent member of the tribe. A fascinating novel about Tiana and her relationship with Houston is Walk In My Soul, by Lucia St. Clair Robson.

A second fascinating aspect of Houston's life was his relationship with Eliza Allen, a white woman Houston married in 1829. The marriage lasted only a few months, at which time Allen fled Houston to return home to her parents. Neither she nor Houston ever revealed the reason for their breakup, but it destroyed Houston's political career in Tennessee, led directly to his going back to live with the Cherokees and marry Tiana, and eventually to his going to Texas. Elizabeth Crook's novel, "The Raven's Bride," is a compelling speculative account of what might have happened.

Sword of San Jacinto is a good, readable overview of the life of one of the most fascinating characters in American history.

This is Houston and Texas at it's best, a good book........1998-11-03

I could not put this book down! I like ol' Sam Houston. Being a member of the Masonic Order as was Houston and knowing that Sam Houston was a big factor in the forming of the Grand Lodge of Texas, I wish Mr. DeBruhl had visitied the Republic of Texas Room in the Grand Lodge of Texas Museum in Waco, Texas. I live in Nacogdoches, Texas and work only a few steps from were Sam Houston lived and across the street from were the Old Stone Fort once was. You can look East and see the house were Anna Raguet lived. Across the street was the office of Thomas J. Rusk. This book came real close to home for me, I liked it.

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