Passionate Nation: The Epic History of Texas

by James L. Haley

Book Overview

Utilizing many sources new to publication, James L. Haley delivers a most readable and enjoyable narrative history of Texas, told through stories--the words and recollections of Texans who actually... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684862913
• ISBN13: 9780684862910
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 656 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent detailed history of Texas and important people

I liked the factual data included, such as details of the pagan and ruthless nature of native Indian tribes and the desire of many of these tribes to be taught about the Christian religion. Interesting also was that typically a religious teacher would accompany the explorers indicating the foreign nations were interested in improving the lives of the native peoples as well as conquering land and/or riches.

Passionate Nation; Pretty Good

Passionate Nation is by in large a good readable history of Texas. Writing a Texas history is a huge task. Haley apply notes that really only a few have tried it and only a few of those are in the popular genre. As life student of Texas History and small 5 year career of teaching the subject I immediately noticed that Haley chose the standard out line of Texas history. You can find this in any 7th grade Texas history book. Indians, Mexicans, Americans, Texas Revolution, Texas Republic, Statehood, Mexican War, governor, War between the States, Governors, splash of culture along the way, WW 1, Governors, WW2, Governors, National Politics along the way, predictions. Ok; I wish writers could be more inventive, but this outline works pretty well and it pretty much is the outline most native Texans relate to. Haley gives us a very readable history of the state. I wish it was required reading for any one who lives or spends time in the state. True to Haley's goals he does not make this book too academic. He does show he has done his homework with his end notes of sorts in the closing pages of the volume. He also avoids modern history's hang up with political correctness. I did find his work on the "Cowboy and Indian" issues in the book refreshing. Most volumes kind of stick this huge part of Texas history in a chapter and go on. One mystery I would like feedback on is; why is this book so ridiculously cheap. I keep seeing it for less than 3 dollars. I think the book is a keeper for any Texan's library. I could also see this book being used in college courses. Texas history is only taught for about 1 ½ credit hours in most required settings, along with Texas Government.

Nearly flawless history.

One of the great things about Haley's writings is that he generally manages to escape the confines of political correctness and liberalism that constrict so many histories written in modern times. In "Passionate Nation", with the exception of the last 10 pages, he does it again, stating truths which will both irritate and inspire the entire political spectrum. For example, Haley paints a clear picture of many of the icons of early Texas that is often unflattering but none the less true; all the while expressing a deep reverance for these same people. He's also not afraid to descibe Santa Anna's actions in Texas as nothing less than an attempt at ethnic cleansing. An idea that is sure to give the LULAC types fits. Though, if they'll read on, they'll find that Haley makes it clear that after independence ethnic Mexicans were treated just as badly by the Anglo majority. If I could change anything about the book it would be longer. Haley has the proven ability to go into greater depth without boring the casual historian to death. That being said, what he has written is remarkably readable and entertaining while giving the reader a broad lesson in Texas history. As for the last ten pages, well, even in Texas historians won't make it far without at least a nod to liberal academia. The reader can detect a slight tinge of contempt for the rise of conservative Republicanism in the last 30 years. And some facts (stating that Anne Richards signed the concealed weapons bill when it was actually George Bush in his first term, for example) are just plain wrong. But don't let that scare you off; "Passionate Nation" is still one of the best Texas histories since Fehrenbach.

Passionate Nation: The Epic History of Texas

Passionate Nation, The Epic History of Texas, by James L Haley This is a very interesting book about Texas, and a good guide for non-Texans to understand the impact of Texas industry and politics on the nation. I am a 4th generation Texan and my family talked a lot about the history of their region when I was growing up so I appreciated this history from a personal point of view. The author provides a good sense of Texas from the original Texans, to the Spanish and American populations, to today. It is a well balanced discussion about the various contributors to Texas' identity and culture. I really liked the descriptions of what he calls "The Red River War" but my relatives called "The Comanches". He picks up pieces of history from a wide context that provides some insight into Texas history. This is not comprehensive history but very educational. The author is opinionated and in particular to the impact of racism on the culture of today, especially now that Texas has a mixture of Hispanic, Anglo, African American, along with the increasing Asian influences. He uses Texas history to explain how Texas became a national influence in commerce and politics, especially the importance of the oil business and religion. He provides examples of Texas innovations and differences in governance of Texas as opposed to other states. A good example is the limited power of the governor and the legislator only meets every other year. There is an extensive list of references with descriptions about them to allow more study of this subject. In general this is an excellent short book about a state that has made a major impact on the country.