Sword of San Jacinto: A Life of Sam Houston

by Marshall De Bruhl

Book Overview

"Sam Houston was one of the most remarkable figures in American history. He was a native of Virginia who as a soldier, stateman, and adventurer made his mark on the frontier in Tennessee and the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394576233
• ISBN13: 9780394576237
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 446 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating bio of hero and anti-hero

Sam Houston lived such a giant life that any bio will come up short, but De Bruhl gives a good summary of his many failures and successes, his sometimes-brilliant and sometimes-tarnished career in politics, and an insight into Sam's personal character. Cheered by some, reviled by others, Houston was a man who always lived by his convictions. I was disappointed to see less of Sam's life among the Tsalagi, but readers looking for his legendary exploits in Texas will not be disappointed. I also recommend "The Raven" for more on Sam. Younger readers will appreciate "Retreat to Glory" and "Six Feet Six".

Story of a Plain Man who inspite of Setbacks Rises Again

From a hero from Horseshoe Bend fighting against the Creeks, Houston emerges as a disciple of "Old Hickory" eventually becoming the governor of Tennessee. Although successful, during a run at re-election, the battle scared Houston marries a much younger and indulgent woman who from the honeymoon night on rejects Houston, which captures wide spread press and ruins his political career causing him to amazingly exile himself amongst the Cherokee. With bouts of alcohol, remarriage and political representation of the Cherokee, Houston is seemingly rescued by Jackson and motivated to immigrate to Texas. The author gives a very good representation of a successful man who shows great promise particularly his ability to communicate with the common folk yet he has serious personal liabilities. Houston becomes active in Texas politics but the fascinating story of Houston is his command of Texas forces fighting Santa Anna. Houston orders Travis and Bowie to abandon the Alamo due to Santa Anna's large army and heavy cannon preferring to fight with mobility in the field. They refuse and become famous but suffer complete loss. However, Houston's tactics prove effective as he attains victory over Anna. Again active in politics, Houston stubbornly refuses to support secession while governor and is a pariah among his fellow Texans. Interesting story of a humble man who lived in such plain dwellings with dog runs in Texas. Very much a worthwhile read.

This is Houston and Texas at it's best, a good book.

I could not put this book down! I like ol' Sam Houston. Being a member of the Masonic Order as was Houston and knowing that Sam Houston was a big factor in the forming of the Grand Lodge of Texas, I wish Mr. DeBruhl had visitied the Republic of Texas Room in the Grand Lodge of Texas Museum in Waco, Texas. I live in Nacogdoches, Texas and work only a few steps from were Sam Houston lived and across the street from were the Old Stone Fort once was. You can look East and see the house were Anna Raguet lived. Across the street was the office of Thomas J. Rusk. This book came real close to home for me, I liked it.