Best Books on the Battle at the Alamo

Subject: Best Books on the Battle at the Alamo Mon 11 Jun 2007, 9:12 pm

Hello,

I have three books written on the Battle of the Alamo, none of them read as they should have been done. They are: Walter Lord's, 'A Time to Stand (1961); 'The Alamo Remembered: Tejano Accounts and Perspectives,' by Timothy M. Matovina (1995); and a study of what the Alamo has come to represent ... as a battle site, a mission and a place of remembrance ... and its surrounding struggles, entitled, 'Inherit the Alamo: Myth and Ritual at an American Shrine,' by Holly Beachley Brear (1995). Would someone please offer their favorites and suggestions?

Many thanks,

Holly
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The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Trailblazer Joined : 29 May 2007 Posts : 88

Well, my favorite isn't devoted solely to the Alamo, but I consider it to be well done and most worthwhile - Stephen Hardin's A TEXIAN ILIAD: A MILITARY HISTORY OF THE TEXAS REVOLUTION.

I either have or have read the others you mention, and would also suggest that Lon Tinkle's book (13 DAYS TO GLORY if memory doesn't fail) is not without value, though it is fairly old and is, shall we say, sort of chauvinist...

Subject: Re: Best Books on the Battle at the Alamo Tue 12 Jun 2007, 4:01 pm

Clyde ... do you mean that Mr. Lon Tinkle forgot to mention the ladies of the Alamo? I can see how that might happen, as his mind probably was set on the preparations, tactics, decisions and mistakes (?) associated with the warfare which took place there.

'Texas Iliad' sounds like a good choice for my dad on Father's Day Smile

'Inherit the Wind,' which I mentioned, may have been based on the author's dissertation. At first glance, it seems to be very critical of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in their management and interpretation of the Alamo shrine. Some histories written of late are so politically slanted and even, obviously mistaken or unexamined in their views that it is difficult (ie., painful) to read them through in order to get to the meat. I hate to be critical, but hope that this is not one of them. If the reader is familiar with the subject and sources, sometimes a thorough screening of the notes and bibliography is the best route to take Wink

Holly
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves

Trailblazer Joined : 29 May 2007 Posts : 88

No, I think Tinkle remembered Susannah Dickinson. But he wasn't very accurate, I think, in his depiction of the Mexican forces. and spoke poorly of them.

The Hardin book is a very good one, I like it greatly. And it uses the word "TEXIAN" in the title, not TExas. For a reason, I think.

Subject: Re: Best Books on the Battle at the Alamo Wed 13 Jun 2007, 8:41 pm

Oh, you're right, Clyde! In fact, I see a synopsis Stephen Hardin's book on the back of 'Inherit the Alamo''s dust jacket Wink

(both of UT publication).

I'm trying to grasp the meaning -- the identity -- carried by the word, 'Texian,' but I'm afraid that it may never sink in. Something of the old allegiences and understandings was lost in its translation to my generation of Texans .... or left behind unexpressed.

Holly
_________________
The woman of the frontier made the best of her situation, for she had developed a respect for the land that gave her freedom as well as the courage to live in it.
~~~ from the perspective of Anne Seagraves