Publisher's Weekly
Long states bluntly that the ''so-called Texas Revolution was designed only to wrench a huge chunk of Mexican territory free of Mexican control long enough for the United States to annex it.'' How the Anglo-Americans accomplished it is the subject of this dramatic revisionist look at the 1835-1836 war for Texan independence. The book emphasizes the white revolutionaries' racist contempt for and brutalization of the indigenous population, and the savagery on both sides during the military engagements at Gonzales, the Alamo, Goliad and the decisive victory over Santa Anna's forces at San Jacinto. Sweeping aside stock legends of the war, Long ( Outlaw: The True Story of Claude Dallas ) roasts several famed figures, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. The commander of the Alamo garrison, William Travis, is portrayed as a syphilitic satyr unfit to lead men in battle. Sam Houston shows up as both an alcoholic and an opium addict. Texans will be outraged. Others are likely to enjoy this brazen debunking of sacred local myths. History Book Club dual main selection. Photos. (Aug.)
Library Journal
The perennial story of the fall of the Alamo is about due for a modern retelling, and this popular history will nicely fill the bill. Long makes use of many Mexican accounts which have been long known but often neglected. His work takes in the entire Texan War, but he finds few genuine heroes on either side except for the long-suffering private soldiers and civilians. The book goes far to cut through the jungle of heroic myths which have grown up about the conflict. This is lively and provocative reading which all Southwest buffs will enjoy. Recommended for public libraries.-- Raymond L. Puffer, U.S. Air Force History Prog . , Los Angeles
Booknews
A revisionist account that demythologizes the people and events of the battle for Texas, and includes the Mexican perspective--starting with the fact that Texas belonged to Mexico by treaty. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Long states bluntly that the ''so-called Texas Revolution was designed only to wrench a huge chunk of Mexican territory free of Mexican control long enough for the United States to annex it.'' How the Anglo-Americans accomplished it is the subject of this dramatic revisionist look at the 1835-1836 war for Texan independence. The book emphasizes the white revolutionaries' racist contempt for and brutalization of the indigenous population, and the savagery on both sides during the military engagements at Gonzales, the Alamo, Goliad and the decisive victory over Santa Anna's forces at San Jacinto. Sweeping aside stock legends of the war, Long ( Outlaw: The True Story of Claude Dallas ) roasts several famed figures, including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. The commander of the Alamo garrison, William Travis, is portrayed as a syphilitic satyr unfit to lead men in battle. Sam Houston shows up as both an alcoholic and an opium addict. Texans will be outraged. Others are likely to enjoy this brazen debunking of sacred local myths. History Book Club dual main selection. Photos. (Aug.)
Library Journal
The perennial story of the fall of the Alamo is about due for a modern retelling, and this popular history will nicely fill the bill. Long makes use of many Mexican accounts which have been long known but often neglected. His work takes in the entire Texan War, but he finds few genuine heroes on either side except for the long-suffering private soldiers and civilians. The book goes far to cut through the jungle of heroic myths which have grown up about the conflict. This is lively and provocative reading which all Southwest buffs will enjoy. Recommended for public libraries.-- Raymond L. Puffer, U.S. Air Force History Prog . , Los Angeles
Booknews
A revisionist account that demythologizes the people and events of the battle for Texas, and includes the Mexican perspective--starting with the fact that Texas belonged to Mexico by treaty. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Used availability for Jeff Long's Duel of Eagles