Crockett of Tennessee: A Novel Based on the Life and Times of David Crockett

by Cameron Judd

Finalist for the Spur The thrilling adventures of an American icon come alive in this vivid and authentic retelling of his remarkable story From humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to his heroic death defending the Alamo, frontiersman, adventurer, and politician David “Davy” Crockett embodies the spirit and ideals of the national character. Even during his lifetime, tales of the sharpshooting, skilled woodsman were—to his delight—told, retold, and elaborated on. As a US congressman, the former Creek War militiaman steadfastly opposed President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act. As a soldier, he made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for an independent Texas. Nearly two centuries after his untimely demise, he remains a legendary figure in American lore.   In this fictional account of Crockett’s life, author Cameron Judd offers a nuanced portrait of the man behind the myth. He depicts Crockett’s triumphs as a hunter, cattle drover, warrior, and legislator in riveting detail and poignantly illustrates his subject’s hardscrabble youth and complicated relationship with his father. Meticulously researched and rich in vibrant action, Crockett of Tennessee captures the charisma, ambition, and bravery of the man known as the “King of the Wild Frontier.”

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

560 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 1994

About the author

Cameron Judd (AKA: Tobias Cole) is a bestselling author of over forty historical and Western novels, including The Canebrake Men and Crockett of Tennessee. A former award-winning journalist, he continues to write his acclaimed column “Clips to Keep” and lives with his family in Greene County, Tennessee.

Reviews

[James (JD) Dittes · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novelization of the life of "Crockett of Tennessee" (with an emphasis on the hero's life in his home state, as opposed to the legendary "Davy" of that name), Judd uses a couple of novelization techniques to illustrate key aspects of his life--no less, the actual circumstances of his death which has come to light from a contemporary Mexican diary during my lifetime.

First, Judd invents the half-breed Indian, Perseus Tar, an orphaned friend whose appearances frame the novel, and whose ill repute tests and augments Davy's loyalty. Tar joins Crockett on battlefields of the Creek War and at the Alamo, allowing Judd to bring out key elements of the story--and offering an explanation why Crockett, who participated in the massacre of Creek Indians at Tallushatchee (1813), would later as a congressman risk his political career fighting against the Indian removal policies of Andrew Jackson.

I'll admit, I grew frustrated with the book by how slowly it moved at first. Judd is a resident of Greeneville, Tennessee, and the period of Crockett's life from the ages of 12-20 are covered very thoroughly--well into the second half of the book. The reader learns of Crockett's family, his strained relations with his father, his two failed proposals before his marriage to Polly, and other homely details.

Yet when Judd's narrative moved on to Crockett's political career, the details flow. Judd traces the historic line, showing Crockett's rising popularity (and rising ambition), while placing the reader with him as the anti-Jackson Whigs try to make him a national figure.

This is more of a novel-historical rather than an historical novel. No doubt there are books out there with more information about Crockett, but Judd does a good job of fleshing out his hero and illustrating the Tennessee in which he grew up.

[Joe Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the tale of Davy Crockett. The author does a fine job of blending fictional and real persons to explore the struggles, tragedy, and adulation of Crockett. The author fills the story with a lot of details so the reader is immersed in Crockett's hardscrabble life in rural Tennessee in the early 19th Century. I knew Crockett had served in Congress, but I did not know about the extent of his popularity and his opposition to many of the policies of Pres. Andrew Jackson. It's in this part of the story where we learn how the myth of Crockett is created.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Davy Crockett life was not easy or simple.
Thought this would be like an Alan W. Eckert book. It did not.
Different look at Crockett and life on the frontier.
We tend to forget how easy life is today as far as I go to the store, drive my car, and sit in a warm house.
Survival, fits this book.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book starts out slow, but hang in there. When David grows up and enters politics and military life, it gets a lot more interesting and the author picks up the pace.

Most people my age know the folk song, “Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier…” and that’s the only reason I’d heard of David. I read the book description which mentions Davy’s arguments with Andrew Jackson, fighting at the Alamo, etc. and I wanted to learn more. There must be more to the legend than just being an expert hunter and outdoorsman. And there sure was a lot here!

The author weaves the historical details into a story that largely features what we think to be a fictional friendship of Perseus Tar. Sometimes this felt like a distraction. But it does do a nice job of showing David’s personal character traits nonetheless.

Some parts of the book were repetitive and I think the author couldn’t completed it in fewer pages. But overall, it was interesting and enjoyable.

I read this book for the ATY 2023 Challenge: a western. Although Tennessee isn’t considered a western state today, it was part of the western frontier in Davy Crockett’s days, complete with outlaws, exploration and wild, untouched nature.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read by experienced narrator Allan Robertson, this fictionalized look into David Crockett’s life sheds light on the man behind the legend. A native Texan, Mr. Robertson aptly voices a variety of dialects for the wide range of characters. It is evident that author Cameron Judd researched primary and secondary sources extensively. Judd recounts stories contemporary to the time, Crockett’s stance on political issues, and details of his family life. It was interesting to learn there was a play, The Lion of the West, written about him during his lifetime as well as learning about Crockett’s Presidential aspirations. Though he had almost no formal education, Crockett held his own in the halls of Congress and voted his conscience. Judd weaves fact and fiction together and leaves the reader wanting to learn more about this legendary figure in American history. Recommended for US history buffs and vicarious frontiersmen

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a work of historical fiction. It is a biography of David Crockett, the frontier’s man who became a congressman, a national celebrity and a Texas hero at the Alamo. While it is fiction, the author attempts to follow and cover the major events in Crockett’s life. It is mostly based upon the autobiography that Crockett wrote with some assistance from a ghost writer in 1835, one year before his death. Some fictional characters are used to keep the story moving along, but the major actual characters in Crockett’s life are portrayed as described by Crockett’s autobiography, letters and correspondence; plus, known facts about such historical figures such as President Andrew Jackson. Certainly much of the dialogue is made up by the author, yet that dialogue is presented in a reasonable way as known by Crockett’s life, attitude and behavior. So, by using fiction, the author presents the biography in a more readable fashion rather than just recitations of dates and events.

[Harold Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting historical novel that gave more information about David Crockett's early life in East TN and also told both good and bad points of Crockett. This book made him more real without diminishing his historical significance. I knew he and Andrew Jackson feuded but never realized Crockett was considered by the Whig Party as a potential candidate for President. It was interesting to me that Crockett lived in proximity of several of my ancestors, I wonder if any of them ever were acquainted.

[Rick Farlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHIRP AUDIOBOOK

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook, as Davy Crockett has always been one of my favorite American heroes… No doubt, the storyline in this book is greatly enhanced by the addition of his lifelong friendship with Percious Tar (a fictional character), but his presence helps to bring out the frontier personality of David Crockett. He was a statesman and hero who helped to build America. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[Realtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novel! Could not put it down! I am a big fan of Crockett and Cameron Judd brought to life this man better than any other I have read. Great character development. Felt like I was in the story watching the events unfold. Love his books but this is one of my top reads. Highly recommend if you are a lover of history and of David Crocket.

[Leroy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

David, I hardly knew you.

First met David Crockett as a young boy working for the Walt Disney Studio as a child actor. They said his real name was Fess Parker but I knew better. To me he was and always will be Davy Crockett. Cameron Judd has again introduced me to an old friend. I shall be forever grateful. Thank you Mister Judd.

[Bamboozlepig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written story about the life of Davy Crockett. Judd's writing style was easy to follow and the characters (both real life and fictional) were interesting. My one tiny complaint is that Judd spent more time on Crockett's early years than when he got into politics and went on to fight at the Alamo.

[Drpsychorat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow paced book to begin with, this book picked up the pace and was literally impossible to put down. Well written, well researched and based mainly on the facts, I am really glad I read it. I was particularly interested in what the author said about Crockett’s political career- something I knew little about.

[Richard Schloss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book... in fact I am considering becoming a Davy Crockett Laurette. I am inspired to vacation in Tennessee. I am considering taking up how to hunt wild game to survive. I am thinking about drinking cider and eating cheese. Then, I would like to visit the Alamo. Very impressive story.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

A well-written and mainly factual account of the greatest American folk hero. What literary license the author uses is logical and based on historical data and the best research at the time. Recommended.

[Margaret Gulinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing New

Not particularly well written, plotted or researched. The characters and plot mechanisms were stale and rather difficult to find credible. Others by the author that I’ve read are better in all regards than this effort.

[James BELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book about Davy Crockett

It's called a novel but it reads purer close to everything I have ever known about one of my life long hero's, David Crockett. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Tommy Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story of hometown hero, but too much fiction for my liking.

[Keith B · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Crockett bio. Not bad. I've been reading Judd for years.

[Steve]

Excellent book by Cameron Judd. Fast paced and interesting story about Davey Crockett!

[Ben Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. A feel for the history with a dash of fiction to create some drama. Enjoyed it.

[William M. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, an interesting man with a great story.

The story took place at a time in history that I have studied for years. I have lived in the areaeas covered in the book.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantstic book! I enjoy history and was totally engaged with the book. Learning more about David Crockett from Tennessee was worth the time to read the book.

[Kerri Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

not sure about the historical accuracy but it was a great read.

not sure about the historical accuracy but it was a great read. Brough Davy Crockett to life (three more words)

[Richard Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book and loosely based on facts.

[Carol Fordahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical novel based on two autobiographies that were dictated and partially written by Davey Crockett himself. Their purpose was to promote his fame while running for political office. Huge gaps are in the narrative regarding how the heck his second wife supported herself (and many kids) while he was away, which was much of the time. He left for Texas to find a place where they could move and start anew. The battle of the Alamo as told herein is gripping.

[Jennifer Molyneaux · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting chronicle of the life of David Crockett. He writes like an academic, not a novelist. Nevertheless, I read it with interest because I live in Tennessee and many of the locals mentioned are familiar to me

[Cyndy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written; a different Davy Crockett than I ever imagined but very interesting just the same.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novelization of the life of David Crockett. From his boyhood, to becoming a living folk hero, a Congressman (12th Congressional District), and his death at the Alamo.

[Julie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a History nerd this was a great book. This was an enjoyable read.

[Sherry Oliver]

Did not finish it. Too stiff and failed to engage this reader. Author told story from "a distance" which did not serve this colorful character well. The "romance" disappointing.