The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36 (Men-At-Arms Series, 173) [Paperback]

Philip Haythornthwaite (Author), Paul Hannon (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 1992 | Series: Men-at-Arms (Book 173)

In 1823 Texas was opened to American settlement; over the next 12 years thousands took advantage of the opportunity. During this time the corrupt Santa Anna rose to power. A dishonest and ruthless politician, thief, compulsive gambler, opium addict and liar, he nevetheless gained a measure of popular support and set about destroying federalism. Conflict with the American settlers ('Texians') became inevitable, a conflict which included the legendary Battle of the Alamo. Philip Haythornwaite covers the story of the War of Texan Independence (1835-1936) in a volume backed by a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by Paul Hannon

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Philip Haythornthwaite is an author and historical consultant specialising in the military history, uniforms and equipment of the 18th and 19th centuries. His main area of research covers the Napoleonic Wars. He has written some forty books, including more than 20 Osprey titles, and innumerable articles and papers on military history, but still finds time to indulge in his other great passion: cricket.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (March 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850456843
• ISBN-13: 978-0850456844
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #336,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quick History of the Texas Revolution, June 6, 2001

By 

texmexfla "Seeker of Truth" (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36 (Men-At-Arms Series, 173) (Paperback)

This is a 48 page primer on the Texas Revolution which features 8 full color plates of uniforms worn by both sides, black & white photos of battle sites, reenactors, drawings of historic flags, an order of battle for the Mexican Army in Texas, diagrams of fortified sites (Alamo & La Bahia), artistic representations, simplified maps, etc.

For those who visit the Alamo and want to know more, for those who have seen the classic "Alamo" movie with John Wayne and are interested in the true story, or those who need to get a fast and basic knowledge for the classroom, this book is an excellent choice.

For reenactors, military miniature modelers, non-professional historians, etc. here are some concerns: The book was published in 1986. Recent excavations & documentary discoveries make the Mexican uniform depictions incorrect. For one example, shako plates and brestplates have been found which vary greatly from those shown & Piping was not white on coats. Sources of information are largely non-Mexican. Lt.Col. Enrique de la Pena's diary and J. Hefter's works are cited for Mexican forces, but there are many more which should have been used to give greater balance.

Since this book is not intended to be a deep scholarly explanation the short-comings can be overlooked.

Read and enjoy this book!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Text, but poor quality plates, June 11, 2002

By 

Peter Stines (Anahuac, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36 (Men-At-Arms Series, 173) (Paperback)

Philip Haythornthwaite does a good job of condensing the Texas Revolution into the Osprey format. He covers the basic causes, then looks at the organization and equipment of both the Texians and the Mexican forces. Sad to say, the plates are poor quality.
A pot bellied James Bowie is shown wearing a fireman's red bib front shirt. Sorry, these didn't exist in 1836. Sam Houston is shown as a white haired old man. In truth, Houston was in his prime during the Texas War. Crockett is shown wearing some un-identifiable fur cap, possibly a skunk. This is another area of debate. Travis looks more like Laurence Harvey from John Wayne's film. The Mexian soldiers fare little better. At least they are not shown wearing sombreros. Hannon does a poor job depicting weapons and his research is careless. If you can ignore the plates, get this book for Haythornthwaites writing. I'd like to see this book re-issued with new plates by Mike Chappell.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Legendary Fight..., February 11, 2011

By 

D. S. Thurlow (Alaska) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence 1835-36 (Men-At-Arms Series, 173) (Paperback)

Veteran historian Philip Haythornwaite does the honors in this 1986 Osprey Men-at Arms entry,"The Alamo and the War of Texas Independence." In an briskly concise 48 pages, Haythornwaite summarizes the American settlement of Texas, the revolt against Mexican authority, and the 1836 struggle for Texan independence.

The legendary siege of the Alamo is described in context as a delaying action by roughly 150 Texan rebels and American volunteers, holding a crumbling former mission against 2,000 Mexican soldiers under General Santa Ana. The very brief siege ends with a Mexican assault that wipes out the defenders. Santa Ana would pursue General Sam Houston's small Texan army to a decisive engagment at San Jacinto.

The book is packed with period illustrations, modern photographs, color plates of soldiers in uniform, and sketches of the Alamo as it existed in 1836. HaythornWaite's account is brief but very readable. Those seeking the last word on the various historical controversies associated with the Alamo fight should seek elsewhere. "The Alamo and the War of Texan Independence" is designed for the general reader and is highly recommended to that audience.