The Eagle and the Raven [Large Print] [Hardcover]

James A. Michener (Author), Charles Shaw (Drawings)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1990

This historical narrative recalls one of the most exciting periods of Texas history in its contrast of charismatic men, Santa Anna and Houston, each flawed in so many ways yet dominant figures in their two nations, Mexico and Texas.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"The Raven" is Sam Houston, insolent frontiersman, brash congressman, Tennessee governor, rural schoolmaster, lawyer, land speculator in the Mexican state of Tejas (later Texas). "The Eagle" is Antonio Lopez de Santa Annasp ok , 11 times president of Mexico, congenital opportunist, enemy of rebels, inordinately vain general, furious wooer of a Mexican emperor's 60-year-old spinster sister. The paths of these two adventurers crossed in 1836 on the banks of the San Jacinto River when Houston, leading a band of Texicans seeking revenge for the Alamo, massacred Santa Anna's men. The independent Republic of Texas was born (it joined the Union nine years later). Resembling nonfiction more than historical novelette, this interwoven double portrait, we learn from the author's introduction, was originally a chapter cut from his novel Texas . Michener makes history come alive in this engaging slice of Americana and Texas lore, a compelling testament to the precept that character is destiny. Line drawings.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 214 pages
• Publisher: State House Pr; 1st edition (September 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0938349570
• ISBN-13: 978-0938349570
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,796 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Large Print > Children's Books

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book, ...........but not good Michener, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Eagle and the Raven (Mass Market Paperback)

Mr. Michener spent the first 32 pages of the book explaining how it was that a writer in his 80's could produce so much in such a short period of time. It was almost an excuse. This book was originally intended to be a part of his massive Texas, but was dropped before the final editing. This book gives a very brief outline of the biographies of Santa Anna, the Eagle, and Sam Houston, the Raven. Though really just a thumbnail sketch of each man, Michener is not afraid to tell it like it really was, instead of the homogonized versions one usually finds in biographies. The subjects, Santa Anna & Houston, are fascinating, and Michener's sampling makes one long for a more detailed accounting of each man's life. Perhaps this was Michener's intent. The book is short, and somewhat choppy, jumping from man to man chronologically. As a book, it was very interesting, and a quick read. As an example of Michener's work......... look elsewhere.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Short History of Two Men Who met in 1836, February 19, 2003

By 

Acute Observer (By the Shore NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Eagle and the Raven (Hardcover)

The Prologue tells about his past writings, and why he kept writing into his 80s: his job is to tell stories. This book was intended to be a chapter in his novel 'Texas', but was dropped because it was history and not part of the novel. Michener's reject can stand alone as a concise history of these men. Pages 29-30 notes his solid rules of work at 80: rise at 7:30, eat a frugal breakfast, write until 12:30. Eat a light lunch, take a nap, do research and teaching, then a brisk mile walk at dusk. Supper, the evening news, maybe TV, and the day ends. Michener lived to a ripe old age, after a quintuple heart by-pass, new left hip, dental rebuilding, and vertigo. Like an old apple tree, he kept on growing and producing. These pages are worth reading in themselves.

The book gives a concise history into the parallel lives of Santa Anna and Sam Houston. Both were destined to be famous politicians in their countries, but never did overcome their flaws. But how many of out politicians do when the historians release the uncensored facts?

Santa Anna won renown by his military action against the many rebellions. They were put down by executing most of the captured rebels, or making them imprisoned slaves. Santa Anna's talents lay in knowing just when to change sides. One morning Santa Anna led his troops against the rebels and was promoted to Lt Colonel. After lunch, he joined the rebels and was promoted to full Colonel! Santa Anna later supported Emperor Iturbide and became a General. All this suggests the Founding Fathers were right to require a small standing Army, and keep the professional military out of politics. This book does not explain who Santa Anna was fronting for; you'll need to read a more detailed history book. Page 112 tells of Santa Anna's use of double agents: military officers who pretended to defect to the Zacatecans, then betrayed the Zacatecan forces who also rebelled against the coup de etat.

The Mexican defeat at San Jacinto led to the capture of Santa Anna. Houston showed his political wisdom by getting Santa Anna to sign a treaty to be released. A live Santa Anna would try to justify his actions, and prevent another general from becoming ruler, and maybe starting another war against the smaller Texas. Houston became President of Texas, US Senator, then Governor. Houston opposed the Confederacy, and was removed from office. What would have happened if Houston used Union troops to stay in office? Could it have succeeded? At 68 Houston must have felt he had done as much as he could do in one lifetime. Houston retired to his farm and died in 1863 at 70 years.

Santa Anna was recalled from exile to lead Mexico into the war with America. Their defeat led to the loss of huge areas. Santa Anna was the most expensive President Mexico ever had! (I wonder if Santa Anna was a member of a Secret Society and a double agent? That would explain a lot.) Ever the opportunist, he backed the conservatives who invited Maximilian to be Emperor of Mexico. When the reign of Maximilian was on the wane, Santa Anna switched sides yet again. His one gift to America was to introduce chewing gum, a substitute for the ubiquitous chewing tobacco. Santa Anna returned to Mexico City a few years before his death to live in poverty and obscurity.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of the Eagle and the Raven, June 1, 2009

By 

Bob Reese "Sendero" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Eagle and the Raven (Hardcover)

Much of Michener's work is novel, with accurate historical background information. This book is not. It is history, and written in an exciting and interesting way. I recommend this book to anyone, whatever their interest. Easy, fun, book.