Customer Reviews

Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts

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Was the battle of the Alamo a stragetic blunder? Did Davy Crockett wear a coonskin cap? How did the Alamo's "Holy Trinity" really die? How many duels did famed knife-fighter James Bowie take part in?

These are only some of the questions answered in what must surely be the ultimate history of the Alamo--as a mission, a fortress and a shrine. Edmondson's writing is colorful and fact-crammed, carrying the reader forward with the breathless pace of a novel. Above all, he portrays history through the actions of the men who made it--James Bowie's quest for adventure and wealth; David Crockett's failures as a Congressman; William Travis' burning ambition for ever-lasting fame.

Edmondson has brilliantly captured the often harsh realities of life on the Texas frontier. Among these: the ineffective and lethal "treatment" for venereal disease--mercury; the support of many "freedom-loving" Texans for slavery; and the conflicts faced by Tejanos trying to remain loyal to their native Mexico while opposing the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

The climax of the narrative arrives in his full-length and dramatic account of the siege and fall of the mission. Edmondson presents all possible sides to every controversey, and allows the reader to reach his own conclusions. For example, on the death of James Bowie: Edmondson notes that Bowie was deathly ill at the time of the final assault, and thus highly unlikely to have piled corpses around his sickbed. Yet he also states that Bowie had proven a hard man to kill in the past--and thus makes the convincing case that if Bowie had had the strength to hold weapons, he would have used them.

Edmondson has taken a subject well-trodden by historians and novelists and re-created it for a new generation. In doing so, he has rendered scenes of stirring drama while emphasizing the shared humanity of the combatants on both sides.

This book was recommended to me by Alamo historian and artist, Michael Schreck. It is a good read. J.R. Edmundson obviously knows his subject. The narrative flows smoothly and avoids the tedium so often occuring in historical works. Not only is it a spirited and accurate telling of an oft-told story, but he is not afraid to challenge the views of the revisionist historicans that are now in fashion. I highly recommend this book to both the layman and scholar.

I found this book to be an EXCELLENT read, in a pure sense. The book is told as a story, which is important, as it flows naturally, beginning with the early days of the mission to the later introduction of the stories of the men who would one day come together there and pass into history. Most histories of this nature are VERY dryly written, something which this is not. I was impressed with the ability of the author to take events which, in the singular were seemingly inconsequential, and reveal their importance in the overall context of the later events. Hope this conveys my impressions. I have to emphasize that I thought it was an excellent read. Particularly the 'Thirteen Days' was riveting. Very difficult to put down.

As a Texan who has read many books on the Alamo, I think this is the BEST book on the subject that I have ever read. Mr. Edmondson has written a complete history from the beginning of Texas and it is fascinating to read. I think this book should be used in teaching Texas history in schools, as it would make studying our state's history much more exciting. The people in the book come to life with all their faults as well as their virtues. I thought that I knew Texas history, but after reading the book, I realized that there were many things about the Alamo that were not taught in school. I especially liked the fact that he examined all the myths and legends about Texas and the Alamo. I recommend this book to everyone who has an interest in Texas and the Alamo, or to anyone who just likes a good story.

J.R. Edmondson's "The Alamo Story" eclipses Walter Lord's groundbreaking "A Time to Stand" as the finest narrative history of the Alamo available.
Written in an engaging, highly accessible style, Edmondson's book is a first rate introduction to Alamo history, but provides enough detail to capture the interest of even the most knowledgable Alamo scholar.
Highly recommended.

This has to be one of the best histories I have read on the Alamo. I enjoyed the chapters on the years before the battle itself as well as on the actual siege.His short biographies on the various figures: Bowie, Travis, Crockett, Fannin, etal. were great. This is an author who is truly passionate about the Alamo and it is something we should long remember as an important part of our history.I highly recommend this book.

This is a superb book. It centers you historically for a rational and lucid
understanding of both the Christian mission and the Shrine that is
"The Alamo". Sorts through the many myths and legends that have
grown about this historic place and the battle that took place there
in 1836. Also traces a good line for political motivations on both
sides. Well researched. Well written. Good job Mr. Edmondson !!
Viva Tejas mi casa !!

Not much I can add to the other reviews except to say this is a very well-written book that holds your attention and gives you an excellent perspective on the early days of Texas and what the Alamo was all about. I did not expect such eloquent writing about a subject that has been explored over and over.

Jack Edmondson has done an exceptional job retelling the Alamo story. Students of James Bowie will be in for a real treat, since Jack devotes quite a bit to "that knife fighting adventurer" (as he was called in several movies). Edmondson never engages in "hero worship" which all-to-often clouds serious historical study.Nor does he indulge in "bashing" like Jeff Long did in "Duel of Eagles". Edmondson touches on the Crockett death controversey, but if you write about the Alamo, it's inevitable. If you are a serious researcher, Jack's book belongs on your shelf!

This book reads like a novel, but contains the facts of the historical event. Too bad Edmondson isn't writing for the school book market. History would be a favorite subject for kids.

Most people know about the battle at the Alamo, but don't know why this mission-turned-fort became the focal point of the confrontation between the Mexicans and Texians (yep, that's spelled right, read the book). Edmondson starts from the beginning to bring the reader up to the moment of siege and sacrific. The book begins as a fascinating read about Spain's early attempts to colonize the territory that would be come Texas. It moves into a fun read about favorite and familiar characters like Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Travis. Then the book takes the reader into the final 13 days that sealed the fate of those in the Alamo and set the course for Texas' separation from Mexico. Mark out a whole evening to read the last 212 pages, you won't be able to put it down. I sincerely hope Edmondson will be writing more history about Texas and the southwest. I for one, am waiting for his next book.