Sam Houston and the American Southwest, 3rd Edition (Library of American Biography) [Paperback]

Randolph B. Campbell (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321385721 | ISBN-13: 978-0321385727 | Publication Date: June 2, 2006 | Edition: 3rd

In this biography, Randolph B. Campbell explores the life of Sam Houston and his important role in the development of the Southwest.

 

Governor of two states, president of an independent republic, and for thirteen years a United States senator, Sam Houston forged a life of great adventure, frequent controversy, and lasting achievement. Within the historical context of the emerging West, Houston’s story is not only one of courage and fortitude, but also aids in understanding of the possibilities and limitations of leadership in a Democratic society.

 

The titles in the Library of American Biography Series make ideal supplements for American History Survey courses or other courses in American history where figures in history are explored.  Paperback, brief, and inexpensive, each interpretive biography in this series focuses on a figure whose actions and ideas significantly influenced the course of American history and national life. In addition, each biography relates the life of its subject to the broader themes and developments of the times.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This biography explores the life of Sam Houston and his important role in the development of the Southwest. The book examines the actions and ideas of Sam Houston, relating his life to the broader themes and developments of the time in which he lived. For anyone interested in the life of Sam Houston, the history of the American Southwest, or the history of Texas. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 3rd edition (June 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321385721
• ISBN-13: 978-0321385727
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #73,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book will shed new light on an unlikely figure..., May 25, 2005

By 

Matthew Watt (TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sam Houston and the American Southwest (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

Randolph B. Campbell writes about a man I never knew had that much impact on Texas and the United States in Sam Houston and the American Southwest. The writing is quick and simple to read, and flows from one topic to the next easily.

The book covers everything from Sam Houston's beginnings, to his forrays as a military man and finally to his exploits as a political leader. He impacted Texas more than any other person, and was a leading voice in both the War against Mexico and the Civil War. To characterize his impact on Texas, one would only have to look at the political atmosphere of Texas in their early Republic days. Texas was a two party state, those who were Houston supporters and those who were anti-Houston.

I loved learning about Sam Houston's command during Texas's fight for independence, his thoughts on the Civil War (always a Union man, something unusual for a southerner), and the love he had for his wife (his last words will emphasize this). He was the first President of the Republic of Texas, served as a senator after the state was annexed, and is the only man to serve as governor in two states (Texas and Tennessee). I would have never known three fourths of this information if it wasn't for Randolph B. Campbell's Sam Houston and the American Southwest. I highly recommend this read, for literature lovers and history buffs and all those in between. Everyone enjoy!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We're indebted to men like him., October 4, 2006

By 

J. Scott Ezzell (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sam Houston and the American Southwest, 3rd Edition (Library of American Biography) (Paperback)

This is an excellent little book. It's entertaining reading and highly informative. I'm not only glad I read the book but I find myself wanting to know much more about Sam Houston and his era. I think Texans and all Americans are much more indebted to men like him than we realize. Would to God we had some Sam Houstons today!

4.0 out of 5 stars Above Average, very informative, September 28, 2010

By 

keefer89 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sam Houston and the American Southwest, 3rd Edition (Library of American Biography) (Paperback)

This was a great book in learning about Sam Houston, but it is also a history of Sam Houston's actions and influences in Texas before, during, and after Texas Independence. The book was not a difficult read.