SAM Houston: A Biography of the Father of Texas

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learned a lot and enjoyed it

Very good book, well written and easily understood.

Perfect condition.

A fascinating biography of a fascinating man.

If you travel north on I-45 from Houston, you'll soon approach Huntsville, Texas, where Texas's murderers are occasionally executed and where Sam Houston lived, spent much of his life, and where he is buried. As you do, you'll see a 67 foot tall statue of Houston towering over the trees. If you're not a Texan, you'll probably wonder why it's there by the highway and why it's so colossal. This book goes a long way toward answering those questions; for, as you will discover, Sam Houston "was" somewhat larger than life and, during his lifetime, he certainly towered over Texas and, for a time, even over much of the United States of America.While reading the book, I couldn't help but be struck by the similarities between Sam Houston and Abraham Lincoln: both were born into poverty and had virtually no education, yet they managed to raise themselves up --- educating themselves, becoming practicing attorneys, going into politics, and eventually becoming presidents of their respective nations. One saved his; the other helped to create his. One can only marvel at what kind of men these were and wonder if such things are still possible today.As for Houston, he lived perhaps the most remarkable and exciting life of any American thus far. Consider this: He ran away from home as a teenager and went to live with the Cherokee Indians, where he was adopted by the tribe's Chief. Returning to the white man's world, he opened and taught in his own school. Then, studying law, he went into practice in Tennessee, and eventually rose to become that State's Governor. Fleeing Tennessee, due to a mysterious scandal which ruined his political career, he returned to the Indians where he became a confirmed drunkard (at least until 1854), married an Indian, and, at his own request, became a legalized "citizen" of the Cherokee Nation. Later, moving on Mexico, he helped Texas gain its independence by defeating Santa Anna at the battle of San Jacinto and then became the first President of the Republic of Texas. In that capacity, he fought long and hard for Texas Statehood, and later served as its governor, and, for thirteen years, as one of its two United States Senators. Always a staunch and vocal "Unionist;" he made many enemies in Texas which eventually cost him his Senate seat. Once again, however, he became the Governor of Texas. But when the South seceded from the Union Houston fell into disrepute by refusing to swear allegiance to the Confederate States of America. Ultimately, his dreams and health shattered, Houston died a poor man in 1863.That's part of the story which this book tells, but it is only the tip of the iceberg. For, the book does much more than simply telling the story of one of America's great, but truly enigmatic, heroes. More importantly, it tells the story of Texas, of America, and of the events which led up to America's Civil war "as seen from the Southern perspective of the time." What more could anyone interested in American history ask for? It's a great book. Go for it.