Allen's landing: The authentic story of the founding of Houston

By Ralph E Dittman

Book Overview

Allen's landing: The authentic story of the founding of Houston----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This unique manuscript is the most exactingly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0961691301
• ISBN13: 9780961691301
• Release Date: January 1986
• Publisher: A.C. & J.K. Allen Pub
• Length: 767 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Founding of Houston

Ralph Dittman's novel, ALLEN'S LANDING, is a splendid example of the axiom that in order to understand anything human, one must tell a story. The tale of how Houston came to be involves many circumstances and many personalities in a wide historical arc that stretches from New York in 1832 to the raw Texas frontier of 1836. The suspense of the narrative arises from the fact that at each stage human frailty and the play of circumstances rendered the idea of a great city on Buffalo Bayou as unlikely as it was possible. The founding of Allen's Landing comes late in the story. Dittman does not force the ending or insist on the triumph of a ideal. There is no need to do so; the story now flows deep and unstoppable, obedient to its internal structure and pace. All that has gone before summarizes, illumines, and fulfills the story. The book is daunting at first--767 pages, 500 references, and 18 double-columned pages of index. But once into the narrative, readers forget its length and surrender to its sustained intensity. It is a book one does not wish to put aside. It is a magnificent tale, superbly edited and organized, and those who have not read it cannot claim to have a thorough knowledge of Texas. Harold Raley, PhD Senior Editor, Halcyon Press

Allen's Landing Review

"This unique manuscript is the most exactingly researched and detailed account of the founding of the city of Houston. It is a story that should help to build a historical foundation for Houston's destined rise to preeminence as America's first fully operational space port. " John Kirby Allen IV Houston, August, 1986 From the bustling metropolis of New York City in 1832 to the wooded banks of Buffalo Bayou in 1836, this 800-page historical novel paints a broad panoramic picture of Jacksonian America when rampant capitalism was at its best. It takes you into the parlors and saloons, streets and trails, and steamboats and railroads of one of the most exciting eras in our history. Primary source research has uncovered the true story of early American entrepreneurship, unfettered by public opinion or governmental regulation. Houston's founding families set their sights on the stars and were influenced only by the savage Texas frontier. Written by a descendant of one of the families, the Allens, the work has been acclaimed by historians and librarians. Bob Tutt, of The Houston Chronicle, has said that "every library in Texas should own this book." Fully documented, the bibliography extends to nearly 500 sources covering deed records, district court minutes, journals, newspapers, diaries, letters and other archival materials. The comprehensive index runs to 18 pages of double columns. Seven years of research and writing has produced this valuable resource for genealogists, historians and urban researchers. Yet, its main appeal is to adventure lovers. The action tracks the hustle of the nation's largest city, the creole atmosphere of the Crescent City of New Orleans, the impact of a raw civilization in East Texas, and the shock of a new republic hammered on the anvil of revolution. It's a vicarious adventure that few will want to miss, and you're invited to participate.