Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution 1835-1836

About this book

Winner T. R. Fehrenbach Book Award Texas Historical Commission Summerfield G. Roberts Award Sons of the Republic of Texas Honorable Mention Certificate of Commendation American Association for State and Local History Hardly were the last shots fired at the Alamo before the Texas Revolution entered the realm of myth and controversy. French visitor Frederic Gaillardet called it a "Texian Iliad" in 1839 while American Theodore Sedgwick pronounced the war and its resulting legends "almost burlesque." In this highly readable history Stephen L. Hardin discovers more than a little truth in both of those views. Drawing on many original Texan and Mexican sources and on-site inspections of almost every battlefield he offers the first complete military history of the Revolution. From the wars opening in the "Come and Take It" incident at Gonzales to the capture of General Santa Anna at San Jacinto Hardin clearly describes the strategy and tactics of each side. His research yields new knowledge of the actions of famous Texan and Mexican leaders as well as fascinating descriptions of battle and camp life from the ordinary soldiers point of view. This award-winning book belongs on the bookshelf of everyone interested in Texas or military history.