Southwest Books

This story is too wide-sweeping to be contained within a families' oral history!
The tale of John Paul Jones' cousin, SMITH PAUL, from his running away from home, to becoming a Chickasaw Senator, in pre-Indian-Territory OKLAHOMA, is re-told, by his grandson, Bill Paul, who still lives near the town bearing his Granddad's name, [SMITH] PAULS VALLEY, Oklahoma.
The EPIC tale begins is the Tidal lowlands of New Bern, North Caorlina, and passes through the racial attitudes, both towards Blacks and Indians, and those of them, toward whites as well. It culminates in the early statehood of Oklahoma, and especially covers the mass refugee migration of America's Indigenous populations.
Territorial disputes, historic figures in additional light, loose mores of 'frontier America,'and Red-on-Red crime, as the tribal cultures clashed with new, constrained borders.
Whether you are White, American Indian, somewhere in-between, or even a historic scholar, this is one historic fiction, well-researched, worth your page-turning finger's time.

I found this book to be very interesting and very well written. I read this book in less than 2 days because I just couldn't put it down. I am not one that reads a lot but this book was wonderful. The drama that would arise throughout the book and the family kept me so interested and wanting to know more. I have now passed this book on to my family to read and they are loving it as well. I would recommend this book to everyone. Trust me you won't be able to put it down.

The book starts off at a fast pace and never relents. It is amazing how deeply interwoven the Paul family history is with so many of the important events of their time. An amazing tale indeed, detailing people and events that we have read about in history books. Of course in this book we see things through the eyes of the people of the time.

I really enjoyed reading the book and I have a greater understanding of the Paul family history.

Shadow of an Indian Star looks at the lives of three generations of Paul men: Smith Paul, Sam Paul, and Joe Paul. One of the authors (Bill Paul) of this book is the direct descendent Smith Paul and his son Sam. Bill spent much of his life hearing what he thought were tall tales about his ancestors. Bill's co-author, wife Cindy, had also heard plenty of these stories and decided to do a little research to find out if any of these amazing accounts were even close to reality. To Bill and Cindy's surprise not only were the recollections true but there were lots of other tales that they'd never even heard.

The three Paul men in this story are as similar as they are different. Each man was full of full of spirit and adventure. Each would appear lost to many until he found his calling. Each man would struggle with family relationships, particularly in love and father-son relationships. Smith Paul the white man adopted by the Chickasaw Nation; Sam Paul the hotheaded sheriff and senator; and Joe Paul the murderer.

Laying aside this is my family, I found this book to be fascinating. It is a book so well written that I literally could not put it down. It was not full of excruciating bland history portrayal, it was real people brought to life by the ancestral lore of Bill Paul and the detailed research of his wife Cindy.
I could not recommend this book more. Anyone seeking a well-written novel needs to pick this work up.

I FOUND THIS TO BE A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN PIECE OF WESTERN HISTORY BY A FASCINATING AND ACCOMPLISHED MAN, WITH HEAVY EMPHASIS ON "MAN"......BY THE WAY, JOE FUSSELL WAS MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER!! JOSEPH B. "JOE" JOHNSON

Bob Fussell's treatment of his grandfather J.B. Fussell's autobiography brings to mind a word not often associated with literature: verisimilitude. What makes this account fascinating is that not only is it true, but it rings true. This book should be required reading for every 12-year-old boy and girl in America; boys need to know how to be men and girls need to know what to look for in a man later on in their lives. America could use several million J.B. Fussells about now.

Unbridled Cowboy is the autobiography of author Joseph B. Fussell, a free spirit who sought his own destiny in the wild American Southwest during the late 1800s. At the young age of fourteen, Joe Fussell took to the rails to escape the school and harsh authority that chafed him. He became a roving cowpuncher in Texas territory, rustling cattle, tilling land, working in stables, and hitting the road whenever wanderlust stirred. Unbridled Cowboy is filled cover to cover with riveting true tales of undercover work as a Texas Ranger, life on the railroads, and rough justice. A captivating true life narrative of the wild west.

Unbridled Cowboy, the autobiography of Joe Fussell, is well written and brings the reader a vivid and realistic portrait of the man and his life. His story telling ability paints a vivid and sometimes raw reality. He brings to life a period of American and western history from a personal point of view that was fraught with change and upheaval.

While reading I found myself sitting next to Joe and hearing him telling me his life story. The ease with which he wrote of his life makes this book an enjoyable journey with a fascinating man.

Here's the skinny. I've read thousands of books over the years. I keep a few; the rest I give away to friends or the library. This book is a keeper. Why? I will read this book many times and still be astonished by the history, this amazing man Joe Fussell, and how far this once great country of ours has deteriorated in a century.
The first thought that entered my mind on finishing this book was, "I wish there was more." The second thought was that a man like Joe Fussell would have made an incredible president. In TR's time, when a young man chose to ditch public school at age 14 because he had "itchy feet", he didn't get Ritalin stuffed down his throat--he left home to make his own way. Fussell was a man so full of common sense, intelligence and integrity that the USA would have been privileged to have someone of his ilk as their leader. But alas, with no "education" except life, he was destined to become a laborer. And labor he did.
The chapter on Fussell's adventures in Mexico as a youth are more riveting than anything Hollywood will ever turn out. His depiction of his railroad career reads like you were switching cars alongside him. Fussell is a storyteller akin to Twain. I am still amazed he avoided jail, but then it was a century ago. Different times--a wonderful time in our country. Get this book. Its a keeper.
Norman Woodworth, DVM

I checked the first edition of this book out from the library and then I didn't want to return it I liked it so much. A lot of other hiking books are hard to read and don't have pictures to help you visualize where you're going. When I saw the new edition with COLOR PICTURES, I had to buy it. This book is great-- it gives good directions, it has a picture for each hike, it even tells you if there is a campsite to say overnight or if you should expect crowds. Trail etiquette is also a good thing to include; hopefully people actually take it to heart. I love the handdrawn sketches of the trail; they do a great job of showing the topography of the hike. If you live in Portland and like getting out, this book should be at the top of your list. So many beautiful places so close by. There was one beautiful hike that was literally across the river from my favorite campsite, and I never would have found it without this book!

Typically, I buy Falcon Guides, but in this case I would recommend this guide. Not that the Falcon Guides of this area are bad, but this book is preferred. The author's living in the area shins through. His recommendations on hikes are excellent, and I found the book easy to use.

I have lived in Oregon for twenty years, I bought one of the first editions of this book, found it on my shelf yesterday. I can say its the best hiking book around, reading it was a trip down memory lane. I have done a lot of hiking, biking, kayaking over the years. Bought a new copy , time to redo a lot of my favorite hikes, Hamilton Mountian, Dog mt.
This edition is improved, the flower guide is really nice.
The best feature of this book is the small sctech maps showing the elevation and trails. No, it does not replace a real map, but its nice to have a viusual. ( years ago I was doing the Ramona falls hike and I meet a couple backpacking arounf Mt. Hood without a map! and they were lost!)
If you want an guide to the best day hiking in the Portland area,this is it .

If you live in the Portland area and like to hike, this book is a must own. Sullivan's reputation as the definitive source for hiking information is well deserved. And this wonderful, well-researched and incredibly detailed book is the only item I need when I am out hiking (aside from food and water)!

Not only does it serve as a clear and accurate guide to the hikes of the area, the book makes you feel as if you need to hike all of these hikes.

This updated NW Oregon hiking guide is an ideal daypack essential for visitors and residents alike. Bill is a peripatetic author whose slide shows I attend as often as I can, and this third edition was the subject of one of those. He's a friendly and most genial speaker/writer/ hiker whose words and pictures literally 'pop' from the page and propels the casual reader to 'take a hike'. The 2nd edition was good, but this edition's colorful photos of landscapes and wildflowers, plus traveler-friendly easy-to-follow directions and (new!) campgrounds/cabins listings puts it into the 'must-have' category. As a frequent hiker on Friends of the Columbia Gorge outings, I rely on his impeccably accurate descriptions of each hike. I also recommend Timberline Press Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest plus Moon Handbooks Columbia River Gorge for things to do before and after your explorations!

Stunning - Ortner's best book yet. He has captured the surreal
natural beauty of the Southwest. Breathtaking photos of a part of the country that I was not familiar with. I was impressed with both the fold out panoramic views as well as the gorgeous signed and numbered print that I am framing.
Jon and Martha Ortner's creative efforts have produced the definitive pictorial to the American Southwest. It will be among my most prized books.

What a spectacular book!! I am mezmorized by these amazing images...so beautifully shot. This is surely one of the most brilliant collections on the forces of nature that has ever been put together under a binding!
I have had many friends over to the house, and after looking at this book (and wanting one for themselves) they are so impressed by the flow, the impact of the images, the breathtaking panoramas, and the exquisite quality of the reproduction.

This book is a treasure, to be looked at again and again and to marvel at the vision of Jon Ortner, who has captured these images so exquisitely. And the foldouts are just astounding!!!
Cynthia Adler

This is rich and thoughtful book that is truly a work of fine art. The luscious landscapes are true to the spirit of Ansel Adams while maintaining a fresh contemporary feel. The print quality and color and is exceptional. It is a museum quality book that feels more like a portfolio of fine art prints. I particularly love the scale; it is quite large with tons of images and foldouts. Included is a limited edition signed print by the artist. A nice touch that feels like a personal gift. I Highly recommend this book to photographers, travelers, book collectors or any one who appreciates beautiful things.

Dare I say erotic? How else to describe the color and curving layers in these hollows and hills? The force of wind and water, pressed in the vice of time, doing its splendid work...These are visions unlike anything usually associated with America.

But who among us would get out there intrepid in the hot desert with great stamina for weeks of travel to see these extraordinary landscapes? Fortunately Jon Ortner and his partner Martha McGuire have not only made the difficult trips to these stupendous and hardly seen treasures, but have the talent to bring back, through the eye of a panoramic lens, the best of what they saw. Vistas in the first morning light, in the sunset glow, gazing up from the watery bottom crevices of the deepest canyons , and down over the long distance of white crusts so delicate that every step must be measured--have been captured with a practiced eye and consummate skill.

These trekker photographers bring us the greatest and unknown gifts of this country, and an experience that is bigger than the page. Who ever thought that rock could sing such a siren song? The photos speak the story, deepened by masterful writing. If ever a book of photographs and words compels us to understand the evocative, magnetic, and soulful power of landscape, it is this book. It is a sensual, compelling joy.

Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest, by Jon Ortner, is unique in at least two very important ways: First, Ortner has gone to places so remote that few other photographers have been able to attempt these ambitious images. Ortner's images - the most extensive and most beautiful documentation of this endangered American legacy - reflect his seemingly supernatural dedication to his craft. How could he have captured that astounding image of the North Teepees in Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness? How many days hiking with heavy, large-format, panorama cameras, tripods, and other equipment did it take for Ortner to arrive at - and bring home to us - the one-of-a-kind image of Paria Canyon? Second, captured with a large-format, panoramic view camera, these images have immediately become the standard by which all other such photographs will be judged. This book redefines southwest U.S. photography and is unlikely to be approached for many years to come.

The locales of course are the core of the book and cover all of the most extreme sites, including the spectacularly sensual Waves site in Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, the astonishing slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, Zebra Canyon, and Peek-a-Boo Gulch, as well as practically inaccessible tribal lands that together make Ortner's accomplishment all the more impressive. This work obviously required not just photography skills, but expedition skills as well, that reveal a sensibility that harkens back to a time before SLRs when Ansel Adams and the great documentary expedition photographers took the care, risk, and time to document a vanishing wilderness. Canyon Wilderness reflects that sensibility, alive today in Ortner's monumental work. (Another beautiful element of Canyon Wilderness is the presence of lush, expert, illustrative quotes throughout the text.)

And the book itself is impressive. At almost 250 pages, with hundreds of images, multiple fold-out panoramic images extending to over four feet wide, Canyon Wilderness is a substantial experience in itself. The large-format panoramic images are nothing short of immersive - they are literally enveloping. As if I were there, I had to move my head, panning from side to side - for my eyes to take it all in. The vivid palette and intense color saturation in this book are unlike any I have ever associated with the American southwest, with many images that are more like what one would expect in Patagonia - or Venus - proving that for the dogged scholar-artist, spectacular, novel sites may be found even within supposedly well-explored America.

Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest is an extraordinary achievement.

Although I've never even been to the southwest, this is one of my favorite cookbooks. It contains a wide range of tried-and-true recipes, each preceded by brief descriptions of why they're special. There are many mixes and gifts in jars (including sand art), as well as more commone recipes. Each contains excellent packaging ideas, often with a unique southwestern touch. Don't miss this one. It is absolutely wonderful!

I love a good cookbook. Now, I don't like to cook, but if I have recipes that are fun, fast and easy, it can make something I consider drudgery almost fun. Gifts from the Southwest Kitchen meets my needs and wants. And since I live in the Southwest for a large part of the year, it's a cookbook I will save and use often.

'Nothin says lovin' like gifts made from your own kitchen. There are times I would like to give a hostess gift, surprise a friend or even impress guests. It's easy to buy something, but it's more personal when you give of yourself; your time and talents. With the list of supplies, materials, and containers, the 'thinking' is done for me.

Gifts from the Southwest Kitchen includes delicious soups, condiments and seasonings to spice things up, mouth-watering sides and salads, breads that say 'comfort food,' jams and preserves that will have you licking your fingers, snacks to 'scratch that itch' for something lip-smacking good, and desserts to 'die for.' Just pack up the ingredients, include the recipe, arrange it in an attractive basket or jar and you've given a gift from the heart.

If you want to make some of the delectable dishes for yourself, I recommend: The Potato and Green Chile Soup. Or perhaps you'd like a little zing. Try the Pickled Garlic. It's yummy! The Buttermilk Currant Scones are scrumptious. My favorite dessert is the Lemon Pecan Pound Cake (I don't want to share). The Prickly Pear Jelly and the Lemon Marmalade are winners. My best friend, Connie would love the Soothing Citrus Bath Tea.

Armchair Interviews says: Make the recipes for yourself or give a wonderful and special gift that says, I care. And you don't have to be creative in packaging your gift, because the authors give such great tips in how to do it up right.

I've had this wonderful book for months and just now realized that the pictures were made by one of my favorite artists (Kathy Murillo). I have to say I really enjoy this book so much, I don't consider myself much of a cooker or a crafter but these projects make me feel like I can do both. My favorite is the bottle of mango vinrgar (easy to make) with the wind chime hanging off of it.

what a fabulous book - the pictures are so colorful and bright. i dont even cook but this book makes me want to try just so i can make the crafts!

Another winning book from the team of Judy Walker and Kim Mac Eachern. "Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen" is filled with easy to create and to prepare southwestern homemade gifts which will make even Martha Stewart turn guacomole green with envy. From Chili Beer Bread Mix, Chameleon Chocolate Sauce, Sloppy "Joses" Seasoning Mix, Copper Queen Rub & Champagne Mustard, to name a few, these recipes take only minutes of your time to prepare. In addition to 70 recipes to choose from, Judy & Kim provide easy instructions & pictures to show you how to package and present your gifts from the kitchen. Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen belongs in everyone's kitchen library.

I am a Tucson native and love the whole history of my hometown, and this small little postcard book just was a really neat little find.

I am so pleased to find it, there is even on birds' eye view of my childhood home on one postcard. If I had only known.

I nice history of postcards and Tucson. A quick little read.

I had the good fortune to visit Tucson several years ago and really enjoyed myself tremedously. However after reading this book, I can see all of the sights that I missed. Each and every postcard tells a story. Seeing the background of a city from the perspective of postcards is a quite innovative way to portray its history. This book is an amazing collection of historical postcards that are displayed in a truly attractive manner. Anyone with an interest in the old southwest or history in general will truly enjoy this book.

This book will fascinate anyone who has lived in southern Arizona, since it collects dozens of old postcards that show how Tucson really looked in the past--and how it saw itself.

As a long time resident of Tucson I'm so thrilled to find this unique history of Tucson book written in such an engaging manner. Such a great idea for a book, using old postcard images and putting together a history that really flows. My only question was why did it take so long for someone to come up with this great idea? All the images are in full glorious color which makes this a perfect browsing book for all my out-of-town friends and relatives.

I originally purchased this because I love old postcard art, and incorporate it into my own artwork.
What surprised me was that the story for each postcard drew me in, and I just sat and read the entire book. The writing engaged me as much or more than the postcards...wonderful work!
This makes Tucson come alive for me - much more so than a tourist brochure or TV advertisement or a dry history book. The author has conveyed a sense of Tucson as a real city with an interesting history, and now I want to visit and see for myself.

I own quite a few Southwestern cookbooks and my parents lived in Southwest for quite a few years. I find this cookbook to be the best resource for authentic Southwestern recipes. Highly recommended.

The first thing that attracted me to this book was the title -- Mexican-American Cooking. What we typically call 'Mexican Food' in this country really isn't at all like the foods that the typical restaruant will have as you progress away from the American influenced border towns. Mexican-American food is derived from the foods of interior Mexico, but these food have been heavily modified as they crossed border. And YES, Mexican-American food is the style of food that I happen to like.

Then when he was talking about favorite Mexican restaurants and he said 'These were places you needed to be - at least once a week.' And he started talking about going into withdrawal, he was talking my language. To feed my withdrawal symptoms I've gone seeking Mexican restaurants in London (much improved in recent years), Bremen Germany (the Guacamole was Pink), Taipai (not too bad if you just don't think of it as Mexican).

Anyway, he says that he has been collecting the recipies for 18 years. And he's done a supurb job. I've found a lot of things that I want to try.

One small complaint - in the appendix he lists some mail order sources for ingredients. Fine, but he doesn't give web sites where the products might be ordered. And, another source that I've found excellent for hard to find items is the Gourmet Foods section at Amazon. But a new hispanic grocery store just opened across town so I guess I really don't care.

I am not sure how I overlooked this book. The author deserves the top awards anyone can heap upon him. Well researched, and the history is extremely good. The recipes are extensive, wonderful, and covering every region. An outstanding book. Now I will have to look for other cookbooks from this author.

Those of us who live in the Southwest simply have to have a periodic Tex-Mex fix, so we head for the nearest drive-in or our favorite Mexican restaurant. One of the best things we've done is buy a copy of La Cocina De La Frontera, a comprehensive collection of recipes for preparing Mexican-American dishes, and also a view of this particular ethnic cuisine from both a historical and culinary perspective.

Emphasizing the styles found in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, the 349 page volume offers everything from Bebidas (drinks) to Postres y Dulces (desserts and sweets). In between you'll find flautas, enchiladas, beans, quesadillas, burritos, chiles relenos, and a host of other delicacies that Mexican food aficionados find irresistible.

After 18 years of research, James Peyton has collected what is in my estimation one of the finest guides to this popular cuisine. Also included is an appendix of mail order sources for some of the ingredients, plus hints for adapting recipes to low-fat and low-cholesterol diets.

- Gail Cooke

Jim Peyton has written a really terrific book. This is one that should be in everyone's collection.

This series belongs in the library of every nature photographer traveling to the Southwest. My one complaint with the first edition was that it was so comprehensive as to be difficult to pick the great from the meerly good sites. The second edition offers a solution to this problem by having a comprehensive table in the back of the book rating every site for natural beauty and photographic value on a scale of 1-5. So with just a quick glance You can identify all the 5 star places and research them. Then all he 4 star sites and research them, and so on. In the same table he gives lots of practical information like road conditions. The color photographs are also a big improvement over the black and white in the first editions. Over all, a tremendous asset to anyone exploring the Southwest.

I bought this new book as it came out just in time for my photography journey through the four corners area of Colorado and New Mexico. I've seen some of the same sites before but Martres gave routes I've never known existed or was possible. Hence, I have new photos from angles I've never known I could get.

This book is great and a must-have for photographers in the Southwest area!

This book is a fabulous guide to photographing the natural sights in Utah. Martres provided specific information on where to be for the best shots and also gives basic photographic advice. While you read, you need to remember what he says at the beginning of the book: he photographs the southwest in autumn due to the heat and light. So, use common sense when Martres says, "early afternoon is the best time to photograph..." If you are there at other times of the year, you'll need to do a little research about when the best light is available.
loved the book and will buy more of his work!

I bought all three books from the series Photographing the Southwest by author Laurent Martres. I'm preparing for 2 weeks trip to USA next year. I found these books very useful. All provide very valuable information about the best time and conditions for all the people having passion for taking fotographs at most famous places all over Southwest. Simply must have.

If you're planning a tour of the American Southwest these brilliant books are simply the best possible guide to what to photograph, and how. In three volumes Martrès guides you to all the photographic highlights of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. At the well known tourist spots he tells you what and when to shoot for best results, but he's also not afraid to take you off the beaten path to some less frequently visited scenic gems.

I've just completed a photographic holiday following roughly the traditional "grand circle" route, and I couldn't have got some of my most successful shots without these books.

The author provides consistent, detailed instructions for each location, including guidance on lenses and timing. Sometimes he even tells you which rock to stand on! Follow his instructions carefully, and you'll usually get good results, although some instructions require careful interpretation.

It's also great fun shouting "snap!" when you realise the only other souls in some lonely location are also clutching a copy of the same book.

All three volumes have recently been updated, with high quality colour photos throughout, and a comprehensive index of locations including ratings for accessibility and scenic and photographic value, invaluable if a tight schedule means making difficult choices.

I'm already planning my next trip using volume 3! Highly recommended.

Not that more to say than the title... This book contains many great photos made by a master, and the print quality makes justice to them (well, to confirm another review, there is one image that went too far on the reds, and has a deceptive burnt look - while many are great, and the splitND use is far more unobtrusive than Rowell's eg, with due respect ;o).
Page layout is more conservative than in other Muench books I have (I think to Primal Forces, great images but layout on the kitsch side), and that suits me well.

Besides the several landscape books from Muench, I have collected quite a few other landscape books from other famous photographers. By far, this is the one I like most (together with one by Apse called "New Zealand Landscape"). The photos in the book fully demonstrate that one can always breathe new life to old scenes with enough skill, perception and perseverence.

This is the first David Muench book that i've purchased and because of the beautiful photos inside it will not be my last.

This is a gorgeous book of southwest photographs. It has many examples of how to take great photographs. An interesting feature is the photographers comments about each photograph, found in the back of the book. There are only a few flaws in my humble view. Some of the photographs were printed with very exagerated color saturation. This is painful in some cases. Another problem is Mr. Muench's use of a split density magenta filter for several of the photographs. He tries to give the scenes a warm glow but the magenta color looks totally fake, especially when one sees it only across the top of the photograph. Please throw that split density magenta filter away and let the southwest present its beauty naturally. Still a great and valuable book to own.

This book offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado plateau. The full-page color photos are so incredibly vivid they almost jump off the page. It really makes you feel like you are there.

You get a look at towering mountains & magnificent nature made stone sculptures. Cascading waterfalls, meandering steams, peaceful snowscapes, brilliant autumn leaves, beautiful flowers & endless skies take your breath away.

Muench is a master at capturing detail and light, and this setting shows off his talent to the maximum. A narrative by James Lawrence provides a history of the area and conveys the feelings inspired by this natural wonderland.

Some images have small quotes & poems under them. In the back, each photo is shown in miniature with comments from photographer and technical details. This book provides a beautiful world to get lost in.

Overloaded with antique adjectives and enough typos to make an honest proofreader weep, this narrative history by renowned Texas historian Stephen L. Hardin is nevertheless an entertaining look at the mudhole and (yellow) fever swamp that was the Republic's first capital. Gary S. Zaboly's gritty drawings--especially his bird's-eye view map (apparently unavailable on the Web) of the squalid little town on sluggish Buffalo Bayou--complement the period photographs of the major players. It's a view of early Texas that chauvinistic natives would rather outsiders didn't see (such as the two-room clapboard shanty that was President Sam Houston's first executive mansion) and a caution that even battlefield heroics can't guarantee a happy postwar life. Get a copy and be appalled, amused and advised.

Texian Macabre is not just the story of one man's death, but of an entire generation of war veterans and their role in the new nation of Texas. Hardin paints a picture of David James Jones as the footstool upon which others stand to create American Texas. Jones and others like him won the Texas Revolution, but were robbed of their rightful share of what they helped to build and were thus relegated to being the backwash of society. Hardin does an amazing job realizing the inevitability of Jones' death.

A fascinating look at the near-dysfunctional founding of the city of Houston, which took root just as the dust was settling over the Texas War for Independence. It's an eye-popping revelation of the dawn of the first Texas capital, it's Dickensian characters, social order and bizarre caste system, not to mention its intolerable climate and general state of filth. Stephen Hardin, author of the seminal Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution, does what historians ought to do by transporting us to a different time and place and giving us a feel for what it was like to live there. Suffice to say that we would be as out of place in early Houston as we would be on Mars.

The story revolves around the hanging of David James Jones, one of thousands of furloughed Texan soldiers, who found themselves with little opportunity when their new country no longer had need of them. Mobs of them headed for Houston, where they remained idle and unemployable and became an embarrassment to the self-styled gentry and stiff-necked moralists who wanted rid of them. Although murder and mayhem and the daily slashing of one another with Bowie knives was common among this lower class, Jones found out that "rowdy loafers" like him paid a much higher price when the mayhem was directed at the gentry.

In telling the story of Houston's founding and its first efforts to make something of itself, Hardin also shows how the new Texas government abandoned its war veterans, many of them recent arrivals from the United States who had volunteered to fight for the fledgling republic. Jones was a particularly tragic case. He was among a handful of Texans who escaped the Mexican slaughter of the Goliad defenders and later fought at San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence. When the fighting ended, the government had little to offer its veterans other than huge tracts of land, which few chose to cultivate and, in any case, lacked start-up funds for ranches or farms. Instead, many sold the land to speculators and, like Jones, quickly squandered the proceeds in Houston.

Hardin introduces us to an assortment of truly odd characters, both rich and poor, including several ghoulish "medical" men, a self-righteous Yankee publisher and politician (an unbeatable combination), and ladies both of culture and of the night. The latter include Susannah Dickinson and her daughter, both Alamo survivors, who became prostitutes, although Susannah eventually found both happiness and respectability after marrying five times. Their story indicates the limited options women had at the time, which included little beyond marrying up or whoring. Like the abandoned veterans, they were victims of a society that closed most doors to them.

Regardless of what we may think of these early Houstonians, Hardin is right in cautioning against putting our thoughts into the heads of those who lived so long ago or applying our 21st century standards to them. Readers can't help but admire the considerable grit these people must have had to stick it out in such a place and their persistence in trying to make something of it and themselves.

Hardin writes like a polished novelist and he is a superb storyteller, but there's no mistaking his first-rate historical research (don't miss the fascinating endnotes). Throw in Gary Zaboly's superb illustrations and you have a truly unique look at the characters who populated Texas at the time of its birth.

AW

Texian Macabre is a wonderful non-fiction story about the Texas Revolution and the early days of Houston. Hardin has found a character in history that had a part in every aspect of the Revolution from the Goliad Massacre to the win at San Jacinto. It is so amazing that one person saw so much, and he experienced everything from hero to villain. Hardin is an amazing historian and storyteller as well and makes the whole picture come to life. As you read, you can watch as the city of Houston is built before your eyes, every rat scurrying across the road, every rowdy loafer causing havoc in the streets. It truly is an amazing story of a fallen hero and the city of Houston.

A wild ride indeed. A taskfully interwoven tale that takes the reader on an incredible journey. Mr. Hardin paints a most interesting picture of how two men went from respected war heros to "rowdy loafers" who paid the ultimate price in order to make Houston a respectable city. I highly recommend this book on the basis that you can not beat getting a little education while being entertained.