The Alamo [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Frank Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2004

Made into a Major Motion Picture

In the spring of 1836, nearly 200 settlers in Texas revolted against the new dictator, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, provoking one of the most extraordinary battles in history. Led by three men - the young, brash Colonel William Travis; the violent, passionate, and infamous knife fighter Jim Bowie; and the larger-than-life legend Davy Crockett - the Texans defended their fortress to the bitter end.

Available only in Americana 4 & 5.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

There are certain icons of U.S. history that resonate in our collective imagination, and the Alamo is one of them. In a new and fascinating trend, books such as Lorett Treese's Valley Forge: Making and Remaking a National Symbol (LJ 5/15/95) are not only exploring the history of these icons but are also looking at the story of these sites over the years since they gained fame. Thompson, a writer and film historian, has done the same here for the Alamo. He examines the fort's beginnings as a 1718 Franciscan mission and the subsequent famous battle, then looks at such things as the history of the site since the fighting, its place in popular culture, literature, films, television, and much more. There are of course many titles on the Alamo, but they mostly focus on the event itself or on particular personalities such as Davy Crockett, Santa Anna, or William Travis. Thompson's amply illustrated and well-documented book is a new approach. This engaging and stimulating title will be popular in many public and academic libraries. Charlie Cowling, SUNY at Brockport Lib.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

There are of course many titles on the Alamo, but...Thompson's amply illustrated and well-documented book is a new approach. (Library Journal )

An expert on the Alamo and its history, Thompson shows how the legend has been reinvented and shaped by novels, poems, and plays. To the reader's benefit, [he] wades through all the myth and fantasy to present a truer picture of events. (The Mexia Daily News )

In this fascinating book, film historian and writer Frank Thompson dissects and examines the defense of the Alamo as factual history. (Harold Rough Military Heritage Books )

This "cultural history" is a delightful look at the many different ways the Alamo has been remembered andd portrayed in everything from movies to wax museums and picture postcards. (Dallasnews.Com )

Frank Thompson has examined the Alamo's place in our collective memory in The Alamo: A Cultural History . His book, full of illustrations, is a readable, interesting survey of Texas' most venerated structure. (Austin American-Statesman ) --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 513 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press; 1 edition (July 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786265922
• ISBN-13: 978-0786265923
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,170,868 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Frank Thompson is a filmmaker, comedy writer and film historian, the author of 38 books.

His most recent television work includes "Southern Fried Stings" (truTV, 2010), "High School Reunion" (TV Land, 2009), "Stringers: LA" (Tru TV, 2008-2009), "Party Heat" (Tru TV, 2008-2009), "Dance Machine" (ABC, 2008), "Speeders" (Court TV, 2007) and "Bandits vs. Smokies" (CMT, 2007). He wrote and directed a special for American Movie Classics: "The Great Christmas Movies" (1998). Other television credits include "The Bachelor: Paris" (ABC, 2006), "Blind Date" (1999-2003), "The Fifth Wheel" (2003), "Fast Food Films" (FX, 1998-99) "Reel Wild Cinema" (USA Network, 1996 - 1997), "Hollywood Babylon" (syndicated, 1992) and others.

He has written hundreds of introductory scripts for American Movie Classics hosts Cher, Alec Baldwin, Jodie Foster, Winona Ryder, Billy Bob Thornton, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Stefanie Powers, Morgan Fairchild, Phyllis Diller, Brendan Fraser, Shirley Jones, Ali MacGraw, Kirsten Dunst, Lesley-Anne Down, Patrick Wayne, Lesley Ann Warren, Sean Young and many others.

He wrote and co-produced "Frank Capra: A Personal Remembrance" (VidAmerica, 1992), and "The Making of 'It's a Wonderful Life'" (Republic Pictures, 1991), both of which appear on the DVD and Blu-Ray releases of "It's a Wonderful Life."

Thompson has contributed to several film encyclopedia and has written for magazines such as American Cinematographer, American Film, Film Comment, The Big Frame, The Hollywood Reporter, The Disney Channel Magazine, Sight and Sound, Tower Pulse! and Texas Monthly.

He has also written for many newspapers, notably The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, The Miami Herald, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, The San Antonio Express News.

He served as Guest Curator for a major museum exhibit called "Hollywood Comes to South Carolina: A Century of Filmmaking in the Palmetto State" which ran from January through October, 2008 at the South Carolina State Museum in Columbia SC. This was a follow-up to his exhibit "Texas Movies" which ran in 2005 at the Bob Bullock State History Museum in Austin, Texas.

In 2004 he had a cameo appearance in "The Alamo" and also wrote two books that tied in with the film: "The Alamo: A Novel" (2004, Hyperion) and "The Alamo: The Illustrated Story of the Epic Film" (2004, Newmarket).

He has written and/or produced several videos and have contributed audio commentary to more than a dozen classic films, notably "Wild Boys of the Road" (1933), "The Time of Their Lives" (1946), "McLintock!" (1963), "Hondo" (1953) and "Track of the Cat" (1954).

And he appears onscreen in many documentaries, most recently on the Blu-Ray release of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (2009).

Frank Thompson lives in North Hollywood, California with his wife Claire McCulloch and their dogs Maggie and Jake.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ultimate Alamo Picture Book!, December 2, 2004

By 

Ned Huthmacher (Hill Country, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alamo (Hardcover)

First of all, it should be clarified that the book being discussed here is Frank Thompson's THE ALAMO, Salamander Press, UK. It is NOT the novelization of the film ,nor is it the movie tie-in "Making Of..." book.

That being said, THE ALAMO is, in a word, the ultimate Alamo picture book. With over 150 FULL COLOR illustrations, accompanied by captions in Mr. Thompson's own inimitable style, the large, coffee table-sized book will keep you mesmerized as Frank digs into and then explains the minutiae behind that beloved old pile of limestone and mud.

The accompanying text is a straight-forward telling of the Alamo story utilizing the latest in Alamo research, while relying upon Mr. Thompson own keen insight on the subject matter.

From the Alamo's place in history, its changing perceptions throughout the years, through its interpretation in film, the printed word and collectibles, this book will have you returning for repeated 'look-sees' and for the sheer joy of it.

It do!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For All Alamo Fans!, May 12, 2003

By 

T O'Brien (Chicago, Il United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alamo (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent source for information on the siege of the Alamo as well as its story through the last few centuries. Frank Thompson has put together a beautifully organized book together for Alamo fans everywhere. It is an easy read, but still very good. It deals with the people involved(both Texans and Mexicans), the siege of the Alamo, the massacre at Goliad, the battle of San Jacinto, and then the history of the Alamo up to now. There is an excellent collection of photos in the book with good captions under them rather than just having simple sentences. Thompson has an excellent writing style that makes his books that much easier to read. Also check out his books The Alamo: A Cultural History and if you can find it Alamo Movies. Excellent book for those trying to learn more about the famous mission and also for Alamo buffs everywhere.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Remember the Alamo? Frak Thompson does, April 11, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Alamo (Mass Market Paperback)

one word...Alamo. This is definetly my favorite books ever. Not only does it have tie ins from the best movie but it also adds a little bit of magic by Mr. Frank Thompson. When reading this book, youll acually feel like your watching the movie and that your in the battle of the alamo. If u like the movie, who could not, then get this book right away.