What do you think?
Rate this book
Sam Houston
In the decades preceding the Civil War, few figures in the United States were as influential or as controversial as Sam Houston. In Sam Houston, James L. Haley explores Houston’s momentous career and the complex man behind it. Haley’s fifteen years of research and writing have produced possibly the most complete, most personal, and most readable Sam Houston biography ever written. Drawn from personal papers never before available as well as the papers of others in Houston’s circle, this biography will delight anyone intrigued by Sam Houston, Texas history, Civil War history, or America’s tradition of rugged individualism.
Sam Houston is the winner of numerous awards, including:
T. R. Fehrenbach Book Award, Texas Historical Commission
Coral Horton Tullis Memorial Prize, Texas State Historical Association
Spur Award, Biography, Western Writers of America
Sam Houston is the winner of numerous awards, including:
T. R. Fehrenbach Book Award, Texas Historical Commission
Coral Horton Tullis Memorial Prize, Texas State Historical Association
Spur Award, Biography, Western Writers of America
536 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2013
James L. Haley’s Sam Houston is a well-written biography of an important American figure unappreciated outside Texas. Houston played parts in many important events of the first half of America’s 19th century. As a protégé of Andrew Jackson, he was seriously wounded fighting the Creeks under Old Hickory at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend. Houston went on to political prominence through a combination of canny aptitude and Jackson’s coattails. He served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the House of Representatives of the Republic of Texas, a U.S. Senator, governor of both Texas and Tennessee (still the only individual to serve as governor of two states), twice President of the Texas Republic, and commander of the makeshift army which secured the infant Texas revolution by defeating Mexican forces at San Jacinto.
I finished Haley's book with greater respect for Sam Houston. In an era characterized by greed and exploitation, Houston took a stand for the rights of Native Americans, having spent years living among the Cherokees. He supported protection of the rights of Texas’ Hispanic citizens in the racist climate following independence. He was a slaveholder who, while rejecting Abolitionism, opposed the expansion of slavery. He predicted slavery’s decline would result from irresistible economic factors. Houston was, above all else, a Union man. His finest hour was in calmly stepping down as governor of Texas rather than submit to secession. He refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy, considering such an act as contrary to his personal honor and a contravention of his constitutional obligations. Despite the continuing danger of pro-secession mob violence, Houston traveled the state speaking on behalf of the Union. He was a man of his times who displayed courage – physical and moral -- diplomatic skill, political savvy and common sense. He was also a drunk and a carouser who only embraced sobriety in later life.
Haley told Houston’s story well. He summed up his life: “The German philosopher G.W.F. Hegel once wrote that the mark of a great man is his ability to tell the people of his era what their will is and accomplish it. The tragedy of Sam Houston was that he told his era what its will should have been and it cost him everything.”
I finished Haley's book with greater respect for Sam Houston. In an era characterized by greed and exploitation, Houston took a stand for the rights of Native Americans, having spent years living among the Cherokees. He supported protection of the rights of Texas’ Hispanic citizens in the racist climate following independence. He was a slaveholder who, while rejecting Abolitionism, opposed the expansion of slavery. He predicted slavery’s decline would result from irresistible economic factors. Houston was, above all else, a Union man. His finest hour was in calmly stepping down as governor of Texas rather than submit to secession. He refused to swear allegiance to the Confederacy, considering such an act as contrary to his personal honor and a contravention of his constitutional obligations. Despite the continuing danger of pro-secession mob violence, Houston traveled the state speaking on behalf of the Union. He was a man of his times who displayed courage – physical and moral -- diplomatic skill, political savvy and common sense. He was also a drunk and a carouser who only embraced sobriety in later life.
Haley told Houston’s story well. He summed up his life: “The German philosopher G.W.F. Hegel once wrote that the mark of a great man is his ability to tell the people of his era what their will is and accomplish it. The tragedy of Sam Houston was that he told his era what its will should have been and it cost him everything.”
February 26, 2022
https://thebestbiographies.com/2022/0...
Readers familiar with Texas history (or America's westward expansion more generally) are likely to recognize Sam Houston (1793-1863). He left home as a teen to live with a tribe of Cherokee Indians - for three years. Later he managed Texas's war for independence, was President of the Republic of Texas, served as a U.S. Senator and, finally, was elected governor.
His personal life was no less exciting. He was thrice married and his final bride - 26 years his junior - bore him eight children. If Houston himself had never been born, it seems certain that an enterprising novelist would have felt compelled to create his roguish, adventuresome character - essentially a frontier-Texas version of Star Wars' Han Solo.
But Sam Houston is hardly an undiscovered historical figure. The most notable among several worthy, but dated, biographies is Marquis James's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston" which was published in 1929. But Haley's modern-day biography is supported by 15 years of research which included access to a significant cache of privately-held materials unknown to previous biographers.
To Haley's credit, his narrative does an excellent job exploring the strengths and weaknesses of previous biographies of Houston. No less thoughtful are his ongoing efforts to separate the "myth" of Houston's legend from the reality - to separate fact from fiction. Finally, there are wonderful moments that colorize Houston's portrait nicely: an evening he spent with a jug of Madeira, an exploration of his closest relationships, and consideration of his peculiar penchant for dressing like a Cherokee chieftain...
But if this biography could hardly have been better researched, it is quickly clear that it could have been better written. Haley's style is rarely vibrant or colorful and if there is a clear and engrossing way to describe an event, he often swerves to avoid it. More often, the narrative exudes a dry, clinical or aggressively matter-of-fact aura.
Readers unfamiliar with Texas history, the Texas Revolution or the broad cast of characters elemental to Houston's era will find it difficult to fully appreciate much of the storyline. And for every robust introduction to a supporting character the book offers, there are several others (such as Davy Crockett, Sam Bowie, Stephen F. Austin and General Santa Anna) who would have benefited from a more mesmerizing and fulsome debut.
Finally, the narrative often fails to provide background or context. Combined with the author's frequent failure to foreshadow or summarize important events or themes, many readers will quickly lose sight of the bigger picture and become lost in the weeds. But everyone who perseveres to the end will appreciate the indelible uniqueness of this early American.
Overall, James Haley's biography of Sam Houston is a historian's dream - the product of diligent research and exquisite care in uncovering and parsing the historical record. But for most others it is likely to prove dense, dull and disappointing. Clearly, the definitive yet thoroughly engrossing biography of Sam Houston remains to be written...
Overall rating: 3½ stars
Readers familiar with Texas history (or America's westward expansion more generally) are likely to recognize Sam Houston (1793-1863). He left home as a teen to live with a tribe of Cherokee Indians - for three years. Later he managed Texas's war for independence, was President of the Republic of Texas, served as a U.S. Senator and, finally, was elected governor.
His personal life was no less exciting. He was thrice married and his final bride - 26 years his junior - bore him eight children. If Houston himself had never been born, it seems certain that an enterprising novelist would have felt compelled to create his roguish, adventuresome character - essentially a frontier-Texas version of Star Wars' Han Solo.
But Sam Houston is hardly an undiscovered historical figure. The most notable among several worthy, but dated, biographies is Marquis James's Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston" which was published in 1929. But Haley's modern-day biography is supported by 15 years of research which included access to a significant cache of privately-held materials unknown to previous biographers.
To Haley's credit, his narrative does an excellent job exploring the strengths and weaknesses of previous biographies of Houston. No less thoughtful are his ongoing efforts to separate the "myth" of Houston's legend from the reality - to separate fact from fiction. Finally, there are wonderful moments that colorize Houston's portrait nicely: an evening he spent with a jug of Madeira, an exploration of his closest relationships, and consideration of his peculiar penchant for dressing like a Cherokee chieftain...
But if this biography could hardly have been better researched, it is quickly clear that it could have been better written. Haley's style is rarely vibrant or colorful and if there is a clear and engrossing way to describe an event, he often swerves to avoid it. More often, the narrative exudes a dry, clinical or aggressively matter-of-fact aura.
Readers unfamiliar with Texas history, the Texas Revolution or the broad cast of characters elemental to Houston's era will find it difficult to fully appreciate much of the storyline. And for every robust introduction to a supporting character the book offers, there are several others (such as Davy Crockett, Sam Bowie, Stephen F. Austin and General Santa Anna) who would have benefited from a more mesmerizing and fulsome debut.
Finally, the narrative often fails to provide background or context. Combined with the author's frequent failure to foreshadow or summarize important events or themes, many readers will quickly lose sight of the bigger picture and become lost in the weeds. But everyone who perseveres to the end will appreciate the indelible uniqueness of this early American.
Overall, James Haley's biography of Sam Houston is a historian's dream - the product of diligent research and exquisite care in uncovering and parsing the historical record. But for most others it is likely to prove dense, dull and disappointing. Clearly, the definitive yet thoroughly engrossing biography of Sam Houston remains to be written...
Overall rating: 3½ stars
September 1, 2021
Fantastic. Even handed Biography of a Historical firebrand. With a lot of research and care Mr. Haley walks through a historical minefield that is the life and time of Sam Houston. Everything from "Jasksonian politics", the Alamo ,the civil war, a rich family narrative and Lincoln. So much early American history is just one or two paragraphs in most education. It was great to go into a deep dive through this part of our history.
January 7, 2019
Sam Houston is one of those larger than life characters whom if he didn't come along at the time he
did a lot would be different, for better or worse. He's one guy I never want to stop reading about and
James L. Haley's book is both readable and factual. That is going some because the standard for
Houston biography was set years ago by Marquis James's The Raven. That one is not only factual
but positively poetic in many ways. It won a Pulitzer Prize for biography.
Haley's book is not only factual, but still a good read. From the day a rather restless roving spirited
youth left home and joined the army Houston was on the scene of much history in his 70 years on
earth.
Several things about Houston one should know to understand him. His mentor figure was Andrew
Jackson with whom he fought and was wounded at the Battle Of Horseshoe Bend. While recovering
from his wounds Houston performed as a detached duty as a representative to the Cherokee Indians
as a treaty negotiator. He was uniquely qualified for that having spent as much time with the
Cherokees as a kid. Probably no one had more concern for their rights and customs as did Houston
of all the figures in American 19th century. It was one area he had serious disagreement with his
mentor Jackson.
After leaving the army he studied law and got himself elected to Congress in 1820 as part of the
Jacksonian machinery in Tennessee. He got elected Governor of Tennessee in 1826 and was re-elected. But a scandal involving his first wife Eliza Allen when she left him made him resign and
go off to live with the Cherokee for years. To this day the speculation is rife about what the real
story was, but they did divorce which was one rare thing at that time.
Houston's main achievement was the founding of the Texas Republic and it's eventual annexation
into the union. He was the George Washington of Texas, commander of the Texas army and the
winner of the Battle of San Jacinto where a captured Santa Anna agreed to Texas independence from
Mexico. He was both first and third presidents of the Republic of Texas and when it came into
the union, one of its first Senators.
Houston was mentioned many times as a candidate for president. But he was not a man to shift
with public opinion. He disliked both the southern hotheads and the northern abolitionists. This
was a man who could make a speech in Boston and castigate those folks for being so self righteous
about slavery, but who exploit immigrants to the max. He was also known to buy and free slaves
in his lifetime. Yet he did own them courtesy primarily of second wife Margaret Lea of Alabama
who was a southern belle and much his junior. He married her during his second term as Texas
president. He also had a lot of kids by her as well.
Houston did not suffer fools gladly and was quick to take offense, in that just like Andrew Jackson.
He fought a few duels in his life. Another reason he did not become president is that party organization and management interested him not at all. Where and how far he got was first
through the sponsorship of Jackson and then on his own glittering prestige.
The last part of his life concerned him as Governor of Texas 1859 to 1861 where he struggled in
vain to keep Texas in the union. Instead he got removed as governor and died two years later
as part of the Confederacy.
Sam Houston had a grand pageant of a life and has been portrayed a few times in film and on
television in mostly stories about his time in Texas and their struggle for independence. But there
was so much more to him only a mini-series could do justice to his life. Until we get one, Mr.
Haley's book will serve that purpose.
did a lot would be different, for better or worse. He's one guy I never want to stop reading about and
James L. Haley's book is both readable and factual. That is going some because the standard for
Houston biography was set years ago by Marquis James's The Raven. That one is not only factual
but positively poetic in many ways. It won a Pulitzer Prize for biography.
Haley's book is not only factual, but still a good read. From the day a rather restless roving spirited
youth left home and joined the army Houston was on the scene of much history in his 70 years on
earth.
Several things about Houston one should know to understand him. His mentor figure was Andrew
Jackson with whom he fought and was wounded at the Battle Of Horseshoe Bend. While recovering
from his wounds Houston performed as a detached duty as a representative to the Cherokee Indians
as a treaty negotiator. He was uniquely qualified for that having spent as much time with the
Cherokees as a kid. Probably no one had more concern for their rights and customs as did Houston
of all the figures in American 19th century. It was one area he had serious disagreement with his
mentor Jackson.
After leaving the army he studied law and got himself elected to Congress in 1820 as part of the
Jacksonian machinery in Tennessee. He got elected Governor of Tennessee in 1826 and was re-elected. But a scandal involving his first wife Eliza Allen when she left him made him resign and
go off to live with the Cherokee for years. To this day the speculation is rife about what the real
story was, but they did divorce which was one rare thing at that time.
Houston's main achievement was the founding of the Texas Republic and it's eventual annexation
into the union. He was the George Washington of Texas, commander of the Texas army and the
winner of the Battle of San Jacinto where a captured Santa Anna agreed to Texas independence from
Mexico. He was both first and third presidents of the Republic of Texas and when it came into
the union, one of its first Senators.
Houston was mentioned many times as a candidate for president. But he was not a man to shift
with public opinion. He disliked both the southern hotheads and the northern abolitionists. This
was a man who could make a speech in Boston and castigate those folks for being so self righteous
about slavery, but who exploit immigrants to the max. He was also known to buy and free slaves
in his lifetime. Yet he did own them courtesy primarily of second wife Margaret Lea of Alabama
who was a southern belle and much his junior. He married her during his second term as Texas
president. He also had a lot of kids by her as well.
Houston did not suffer fools gladly and was quick to take offense, in that just like Andrew Jackson.
He fought a few duels in his life. Another reason he did not become president is that party organization and management interested him not at all. Where and how far he got was first
through the sponsorship of Jackson and then on his own glittering prestige.
The last part of his life concerned him as Governor of Texas 1859 to 1861 where he struggled in
vain to keep Texas in the union. Instead he got removed as governor and died two years later
as part of the Confederacy.
Sam Houston had a grand pageant of a life and has been portrayed a few times in film and on
television in mostly stories about his time in Texas and their struggle for independence. But there
was so much more to him only a mini-series could do justice to his life. Until we get one, Mr.
Haley's book will serve that purpose.
January 28, 2016
"Sam Houston" is a thoroughly researched biography of a fascinating man. Sam Houston's incredible life's journey led him from spending his teenage years among the Cherokees to becoming a war hero, US Congressman, militia Major General, and Governor of Tennessee by the age of 34. As the protege of soon to be President and national icon Andrew Jackson, Houston was thought to be the heir apparent and next in line for the presidency after Jackson's retirement. When a failed marriage and scandal ruined his political career, Houston abandoned civilization and went back to life with the Cherokees, who nicknamed him "Big Drunk." His later involvement in Texas led to Houston remaking himself as a military hero, the Father of the Republic of Texas, President of Texas, US Senator, and state governor.
Most interesting to me are the events toward the end of Houston's life. First, after marrying a godly woman, he was eventually saved and later immersed as a Baptist in a Texas creek. His life and reputation were completely changed by his conversion. Second, he devoted the last years of his life and political career to a losing fight for the preservation of the Union. He opposed secession but was overwhelmed by public opinion and forced out of the governorship. Houston declared, "I am stricken down now, because I will not yield those principles which I have fought for..." With remarkable foresight, Houston predicted the bloodiness and final outcome of the Civil War and sought unsuccessfully to avert it. Vilified in his failed attempt, Houston nonetheless remained loyal to his home, Texas, and died shortly afterward.
Haley's biography, while not always the easiest read, is nevertheless remarkably interesting due to the incredible subject material and the comprehensive research done by the author. I wholeheartedly recommend this as a biography of one of the most fascinating men in American history.
Most interesting to me are the events toward the end of Houston's life. First, after marrying a godly woman, he was eventually saved and later immersed as a Baptist in a Texas creek. His life and reputation were completely changed by his conversion. Second, he devoted the last years of his life and political career to a losing fight for the preservation of the Union. He opposed secession but was overwhelmed by public opinion and forced out of the governorship. Houston declared, "I am stricken down now, because I will not yield those principles which I have fought for..." With remarkable foresight, Houston predicted the bloodiness and final outcome of the Civil War and sought unsuccessfully to avert it. Vilified in his failed attempt, Houston nonetheless remained loyal to his home, Texas, and died shortly afterward.
Haley's biography, while not always the easiest read, is nevertheless remarkably interesting due to the incredible subject material and the comprehensive research done by the author. I wholeheartedly recommend this as a biography of one of the most fascinating men in American history.
July 25, 2014
I rate this as one of those books I am glad someone- my brother in Texas- recommended to me. In fact, he mailed it to me. It didn't take long for me to conclude there was a lot more I wanted to learn about Sam Houston. Most remembered for his contributions in Texas it had not occurred to me that his life and life long political career extended from Andrew Jackson to mid Civil War. Learning about his life and contributions added to my perspective of those very turbulent years as American individualism emerged, Texas, Oregon Territory and California opened the continent to 'Manifest Destiny', and the divisions associated with slavery finally resulted in the Civil War. (btw- the divisions in our country now pale in comparison to the troubles through his political career)
January 8, 2012
The book is well-written and very informative, but I'm only giving it 3 stars because it's correct to say that I "liked it," but not more than that. Overall it ran on the longish side for my taste, but if you're needing a resource about Sam Houston or Texas history in general, this would be a good one to turn to.
October 28, 2016
A very balanced, but respectful look at the life of a man who is very difficult to separate from legend. I thought Haley walked rather well the line between making Houston a saint or the worst of sinners - he just presented a man (albeit a rather amazing one).
September 30, 2012
The best bio of Sam Houston
November 11, 2017
I really enjoyed it. My favorite Haley book so far.
Houston was a fascinating individual and somewhat ahead of his time. Haley pulled me in, and I felt like I was part of Houston’s world.
Houston was a fascinating individual and somewhat ahead of his time. Haley pulled me in, and I felt like I was part of Houston’s world.
September 9, 2017
A monumental man requires a monumental biography, and there is simply no other way to describe either Sam Houston or the impressive tome about him by James L. Haley. Meticulously researched, lovingly written, and well argued, Haley's Sam Houston provides an essential and in-depth picture of a man, his ideas, and his times.
To some extent, Haley was helped in his task by the extensive corpus of primary and secondary sources which abound about Houston's life. Haley excels, however, in his masterful synthesis of personal letters, editorials, speeches, newspaper reports, and other histories to really capture both the spirit and the ideology which guided Houston's life. One is left with a sense, not only of what Houston did, but of what he believed. Haley is likewise astutely aware that as a man leads his times, so do the times lead the man, and Haley offers insightful but surprisingly pithy summations of the major historical events in which Houston figured. One is left with ample context but un-mired by historical effluvium, which is an extremely impressive feat in modern scholarship.
Haley's work is not, however, entirely bereft of faults. At times, Haley's obvious admiration for Houston skirts a little too close to the shoals of apologetics - Haley's treatment of Houston's first marriage, his odd efforts to defend Houston from charges of "racism," and Haley's prevaricating assessment of Houston's conception of Texas' role in the Confederacy are the most extreme examples of several instances in which rose colored glasses color Haley's assessment just a bit too much. Such faults are minor, however, and much to be preferred to the "revisionists," whom Haley often lambasts, who always prefer criticism to praise.
I would recommend James L. Haley's Sam Houston to anyone who enjoys a good biography, and I would consider it essential reading for any student of Texas history.
To some extent, Haley was helped in his task by the extensive corpus of primary and secondary sources which abound about Houston's life. Haley excels, however, in his masterful synthesis of personal letters, editorials, speeches, newspaper reports, and other histories to really capture both the spirit and the ideology which guided Houston's life. One is left with a sense, not only of what Houston did, but of what he believed. Haley is likewise astutely aware that as a man leads his times, so do the times lead the man, and Haley offers insightful but surprisingly pithy summations of the major historical events in which Houston figured. One is left with ample context but un-mired by historical effluvium, which is an extremely impressive feat in modern scholarship.
Haley's work is not, however, entirely bereft of faults. At times, Haley's obvious admiration for Houston skirts a little too close to the shoals of apologetics - Haley's treatment of Houston's first marriage, his odd efforts to defend Houston from charges of "racism," and Haley's prevaricating assessment of Houston's conception of Texas' role in the Confederacy are the most extreme examples of several instances in which rose colored glasses color Haley's assessment just a bit too much. Such faults are minor, however, and much to be preferred to the "revisionists," whom Haley often lambasts, who always prefer criticism to praise.
I would recommend James L. Haley's Sam Houston to anyone who enjoys a good biography, and I would consider it essential reading for any student of Texas history.
July 11, 2019
This is the best biography of Sam Houston. American history fans should put this on your to-read list.
Sam Houston had a fascinating life--wounded in the War of 1812, part of Andrew Jackson's inner circle, self-educated, Governor of Tennessee, suffering a fall from grace and then rising to become the Hero of San Jacinto, President of Texas and then Senator, and almost president of the USA. It was a wild ride of a life and Haley does a masterful job of showing the depth of Sam's character, his personality and the influence he had on the USA.
Sam was a true son of the South, but a staunch Unionist and a life-long supporter of the rights of the American Indian.
He was also a prolific correspondent and retained his letters and documents from an early age. This was because he was targeted by his political enemies and learned to keep evidence as proof against their lies.
As Haley says in the foreword it made his job difficult because each time he thought he'd read everything available, another cache of letters would surface. It's why it took 15 years to write the book. And it was certainly worth the effort because he's given us the most comprehensive portrait of Sam Houston. I've read Sword of San Jacinto and The Raven but this is by far the best written biography of Sam Houston.
Sam Houston had a fascinating life--wounded in the War of 1812, part of Andrew Jackson's inner circle, self-educated, Governor of Tennessee, suffering a fall from grace and then rising to become the Hero of San Jacinto, President of Texas and then Senator, and almost president of the USA. It was a wild ride of a life and Haley does a masterful job of showing the depth of Sam's character, his personality and the influence he had on the USA.
Sam was a true son of the South, but a staunch Unionist and a life-long supporter of the rights of the American Indian.
He was also a prolific correspondent and retained his letters and documents from an early age. This was because he was targeted by his political enemies and learned to keep evidence as proof against their lies.
As Haley says in the foreword it made his job difficult because each time he thought he'd read everything available, another cache of letters would surface. It's why it took 15 years to write the book. And it was certainly worth the effort because he's given us the most comprehensive portrait of Sam Houston. I've read Sword of San Jacinto and The Raven but this is by far the best written biography of Sam Houston.
December 1, 2018
Never has a life so full of action and adventure been so rendered into one of didactic and trivial boredom. If Mr. Haley could have devoted even 5% more to narrating the remarkable life of Sam Houston instead of the 1% as I read it, Mr. Haley might have joined the ranks of Chernow, Goodwin, McCullough, Ambrose, etc. as the expert stewards of historical figures' legacies that they are. One does not need to insert a line or two of every single source one relies upon during research, nor should the moving of the capital papers from Austin to Houston City occupy as much ink as the Texan's fight against Santa Ana in 1835-6.
Furthermore, every so often during this giant nap of a book, Mr. Haley crashes the cymbals of obsequious, informal, and vendetta-like assertions and make-believe insinuations over the reader who just wants to sleep uninterrupted until the book ends.
Mr. Haley put in a more than yeoman's effort into this work of his lifetime. Were he to be paid for effort...but the court of public opinion is a zero-sum game.
Furthermore, every so often during this giant nap of a book, Mr. Haley crashes the cymbals of obsequious, informal, and vendetta-like assertions and make-believe insinuations over the reader who just wants to sleep uninterrupted until the book ends.
Mr. Haley put in a more than yeoman's effort into this work of his lifetime. Were he to be paid for effort...but the court of public opinion is a zero-sum game.
Read
January 11, 2024Sam Houston by James Haley is a comprehensive look at the life of Texas first president and a man who could have been president of the United States had sectarian violence not sent the nation into Civil War. Haley is obviously a big fan of Houston and is gushing about him through the whole book. Houston has a military persona that smacks of George Washington in being able to retreat and wait for his right moment which occurred at San Jacinto. Houston fought and was an agent living among various tribes and a friend of Andrew Jackson. The two would collaborate many times throughout his life. He was a governor of TN, general, president of Texas and US senator for Texas. He was pro-union which cost him the support of many as the civil war started up and he was removed from office over his stance on the Union. Overall a very interesting read and I learned a lot that you don’t hear about beyond the battle and admitting Texas to the Union.
October 4, 2019
Maybe this was only a three star book. Like every biography (of a historical figure), it is a very long book, filled with the names of every person Houston so much as spoke to, and every date/place the author could ascertain. This is simply more information than an ordinary person can keep straight, especially since Sam Houston was apparently obsessive in keeping his papers.
I elevated the star-count because I learned so much information about Houston, the Texas Republic, U.S. politics at the time of the Texas Revolution, governmental maneuvering regarding secession (Houston was opposed and did all he could to prevent then delay, short of accepting Lincoln’s offer to send him an army), and Houston’s gigantic personality.
I would only recommend this book to Texas history buffs, with the caution that it is a slog through names, places, times and classical references.
I elevated the star-count because I learned so much information about Houston, the Texas Republic, U.S. politics at the time of the Texas Revolution, governmental maneuvering regarding secession (Houston was opposed and did all he could to prevent then delay, short of accepting Lincoln’s offer to send him an army), and Houston’s gigantic personality.
I would only recommend this book to Texas history buffs, with the caution that it is a slog through names, places, times and classical references.
May 18, 2017
Excellent book about an excellent man.
I taught Texas history for several years and always used the dramatic stories of the life of General Houston to tie together the incredible early history of the Lone Star State. I am a distant relative of the General through my mother's family and enjoyed studying the connections.
I taught Texas history for several years and always used the dramatic stories of the life of General Houston to tie together the incredible early history of the Lone Star State. I am a distant relative of the General through my mother's family and enjoyed studying the connections.
March 4, 2024
Absolute beast of a biography to get through. It is incredibly researched with plenty of cross-referenced material and original insights into Sam Houston’s life. It’s a bit cumbersome in some parts which can make it difficult to get through at times. However, this is a great read for Texas history and understanding Houston’s impact on American politics.
May 26, 2018
Having read all the bio’s on Houston, I discovered other than “The Raven,” Haley’s work on Houston is unique, fresh and new information with the usual. Haley went out of his way to not regurgitate the same info as all the others.
October 5, 2020
Excellent research, balanced approach to disputed topics of history, acknowledging what other historians have written and taken his own stances, while remaining completely readable and even enjoyable. There are so many hilarious tidbits as Houston was a first class character.
April 12, 2019
I found this to be a well written biography about a fascinating man.
October 12, 2019
Not terribly engrossing, but a good read full of information about Sam Houston.
Read
October 31, 2026For my 2026 All Recommendations Only Challenge. Recommended by a lawyer.
November 9, 2015
Well-written, but not in a novelistic or page-turner sense. The author seems to be writing mainly for persons who already know Sam Houston's life story in a broad sense and who simply want more detail. Thus, some of Houston's major life events are presented with neither buildup or climax (as in a biography aimed more at the general reader). Rather, the author begins analyzing said events more or less straight away, with the assumption that the reader already has the stage set in his mind from prior knowledge.
Despite this flaw, this book became one that I looked forward to diving into when I would sit down to read it. The author draws out every facet of Houston: shrewd politician; Southern man of honor; protege of Andrew Jackson; honorary Indian (at a young age he ran away from home to the frontier to live amongst the natives); autodidactic classicist (he had only one year of formal schooling but possessed an immense knowledge of ancient history); imperialist (he wanted the U.S. to conquer Mexico); habitual drunkard; non-believer turned Baptist; and defender of slavery, who, nevertheless, supported the integrity of the Union at the cost of his own political career.
Despite this flaw, this book became one that I looked forward to diving into when I would sit down to read it. The author draws out every facet of Houston: shrewd politician; Southern man of honor; protege of Andrew Jackson; honorary Indian (at a young age he ran away from home to the frontier to live amongst the natives); autodidactic classicist (he had only one year of formal schooling but possessed an immense knowledge of ancient history); imperialist (he wanted the U.S. to conquer Mexico); habitual drunkard; non-believer turned Baptist; and defender of slavery, who, nevertheless, supported the integrity of the Union at the cost of his own political career.
October 7, 2011
Superb biography of the great man. Obviously sympathetic but not a hagiography.
April 30, 2012
A good overview of Sam Houston's life. He was a man who stood up for his principles, but was very much a politician.
August 12, 2012
This was a great book. Haley's story-like prose and detail have painted a very vivid and unique picture of Sam Houston...one I appreciate learning about.
February 5, 2013
This is probably the best and most accurate bio of Houston. It is very readable and gives more insight into a very complex man than other biographies.
June 11, 2010
The book was a little dry but the subject is larger than life so he leaps off the page!!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews