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Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans
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An insider's history of Texas that examines the people, politics, and events which have shaped the Lone Star State, from prehistory to the modern day
Here is an up-to-the-moment history of the Lone Star State, together with an insider's look at the people, politics, and events that have shaped Texas from the beginning right up to our days. Never before has the story been to ...more
Here is an up-to-the-moment history of the Lone Star State, together with an insider's look at the people, politics, and events that have shaped Texas from the beginning right up to our days. Never before has the story been to ...more
Paperback, 792 pages
Published
April 7th 2000
by Da Capo Press
(first published 1968)
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Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
Like Michener's novels, T.R. Fehrenbach starts at the beginning. I mean the beginning. As in the Ice Age. This makes Lone Star a broad, ambitious history, but also saps its strength towards the end. Up to and through the Civil War, there is a lot of great detail, fascinating personages, and rollicking stories. Then we get to the last couple hundred pages dealing with Texas in the 20th century and we get broad strokes, no personalities, and vague racism. (The book was originally written in 1968,
...more
It only took me about 4 1/2 months, but I finally finished this mammoth book. At 750+ pages, sometimes I felt like I was reading War and Peace, but it hardly ever lagged, and was persistently well-written and informative.
Having moved to Texas a few years ago, this book answered many questions that I once had about this state and its inhabitants. Questions such as:
• Where did all of these street and city names come from? (Austin, Houston, Travis, Lamar, San Jacinto, etc.)
• Why are we supposed to ...more
Having moved to Texas a few years ago, this book answered many questions that I once had about this state and its inhabitants. Questions such as:
• Where did all of these street and city names come from? (Austin, Houston, Travis, Lamar, San Jacinto, etc.)
• Why are we supposed to ...more
Book Challenge Category: A Book With More Than 800 Pages
I love Texas. I love the land and the people. But, it is also important to face the uncomfortable parts of our history-- honestly and forthrightly. But this book is not one to do this.
I love the descriptions and personalizations of Austin and Houston. And the level of detail in this book gives so much more context than my Texas History books in school. But, I have no patience for sympathy towards slavery, demonization of Native people, and ...more
I love Texas. I love the land and the people. But, it is also important to face the uncomfortable parts of our history-- honestly and forthrightly. But this book is not one to do this.
I love the descriptions and personalizations of Austin and Houston. And the level of detail in this book gives so much more context than my Texas History books in school. But, I have no patience for sympathy towards slavery, demonization of Native people, and ...more
Lone Star is seven hundred sixty-seven pages of fascinating stories about Texas. It’s all here---the original peoples, the Spanish explorers, the Mexican settlers, the American settlers, the wars, and Texas as part of Mexico, Texas as an independent nation, and Texas as part of the United States. As I read along, I kept thinking how much reading these stories explains a lot about the way Texas is now---the conflicts on the border today mirroring conflicts on the border many years ago, the desire
...more
Read the 2000 version. I had this book on the shelf for a long time, but finally got around to reading it. Relearned a few things long forgotten from 7th grade history and picked up some new facts. For this book, you can tell it was written by someone from Texas and the South. The American Civil War is always referred to as the War Between the States. His focus centers on the land and the role of land in Texas. Fehrenbach doesn't take the approach that Texas is the greatest land on earth, nor do
...more
It can be argued that Austin is to Texas what Lawrence is to Kansas (for all my Kansas brethren, you know what I mean), and I’ll admit that I had many stereotypical ideas about Texas before I moved to its capitol city. But I’ve found it to be a truly unique state with a fascinating history, and Texans have a rather singularly deep appreciation for the sense of place and identity the state stamps upon its citizens. So forget what you think you know, and take a look at Texas with a pair of fresh e
...more
Lone Star is an excellent history of the state of Texas. Fehrenbach was born in San Benito - has to know what he is talking about! He has written a dozen or so historical works, and was head of the Texas History Commission (I forget the exact title of the organization).
I read this book on my iPad. This is the 1968 edition, revised in 2002. Wish he would revise it again - he must be in his mid-eighties. I will keep it on my iPad because I'm sure to refer to it from time to time.
If you're going to ...more
I read this book on my iPad. This is the 1968 edition, revised in 2002. Wish he would revise it again - he must be in his mid-eighties. I will keep it on my iPad because I'm sure to refer to it from time to time.
If you're going to ...more
As big and brutal as the land it's about, 'Lone Star' is a comprehensive, poetic history. Ferenbach shows centuries of violence, opines why they were inevitable and why many of the greatest of Texans were the most violent. No one comes off well, from the First Nations to the assorted Europeans who either betrayed them, failed them, or fell in war with them.
Did I say 'brutal?'
This book is worth reading, but not quick. Don't let the dated racial terminology throw you off. Read, review think for y ...more
Did I say 'brutal?'
This book is worth reading, but not quick. Don't let the dated racial terminology throw you off. Read, review think for y ...more
Yikes! Seriously in-depth history of Texas. It took me like a year to read through the mission period, alone. Still, once you've slogged your way through a bit, you realize exactly how amazing Texas is. Umm, sorry to thse of you who think Texas is less than amazing. Read this, and maybe it will change your mind.
I have lived in Texas most of my life and finally this book explained it to me. Fehrenbach not only tells the history of Texas but explains the character of Texas and Texans. This book should be the textbook in public school Texas History classes. He is partial to Texans being one himself, but he is very thorough and even-handed. An excellent book.
Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
While I am aware Texas isn't perfect, I'm very thankful to call it home and to be a 7th Generation Texan. While James Power wasn't the most influential Texan, I'm proud to call him family.
Very interesting history of my unique state.
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
While I am aware Texas isn't perfect, I'm very thankful to call it home and to be a 7th Generation Texan. While James Power wasn't the most influential Texan, I'm proud to call him family.
Very interesting history of my unique state.
Comprehensive. From pre-human to nearly current, Fehrenbach covers Texas completely. This is a good book, and written with clear affinity for the Texas mystique and ethos; a must read for any Texan.
Lots of good history about Texas, but a lot of racism as well. Lots of referring to black people as "negroes" and by the n-word as well as referring to Native Americans as "barbarians" and saying that black people in Texas were "racist". Otherwise, a good historical overview of Texas.
Excellent history of Texas
Good history of Texas
This is a good history of Texas. Consider reading it, especially if you grew up in the Lone Star State.
This is a good history of Texas. Consider reading it, especially if you grew up in the Lone Star State.
With so many friends I've come to know living in the great state of Texas I wanted to learn a bit more. Of course no children's-sized version would do for this head-strong girl, I dove right in. I approached this book knowing I just wanted to learn some new things about Texas. In no way did I expect to remember all the information I'd read.
I actually enjoyed this book, despite my sometimes grumbling about how long it was taking me (ended up being 7 months!) or something about the history I didn' ...more
I actually enjoyed this book, despite my sometimes grumbling about how long it was taking me (ended up being 7 months!) or something about the history I didn' ...more
So, this is an incredibly thorough history, and I felt I learned a while lot about Texas history that I never knew. It's an educational and engrossing read. When it sticks to the facts of history, it's very enlightening and fun. It's when the author editorializes at length that things get a little sticky.
The author, writing in the time he was (1968), clearly has a certain perspective on events that clashed with mine. He obviously romanticizes the "frontier" (and the accompanying imperialism). Fi ...more
The author, writing in the time he was (1968), clearly has a certain perspective on events that clashed with mine. He obviously romanticizes the "frontier" (and the accompanying imperialism). Fi ...more
If you are new to Texas, or maybe not so new (it's been 15 years since moving to Austin from Chicago), this book can rid you of a great deal of naivete. Some things every Texan really should know:
Where and when did Native Americans begin using horses?
Empressarios such as Stephen F. Austin, who were they and what was their purpose?
What European country (other than Spain) had/has a dominant cultural influence in San Antonio and the Hill Country?
What popular sentiments caused Texas to secede from ...more
Where and when did Native Americans begin using horses?
Empressarios such as Stephen F. Austin, who were they and what was their purpose?
What European country (other than Spain) had/has a dominant cultural influence in San Antonio and the Hill Country?
What popular sentiments caused Texas to secede from ...more
If you like Texas history this is a must read.
Texas is a subject near and dear to my heart, as it is my chosen home. After decades of living and working in the high tech HQ, we chose to come to Texas when the Valley changed dramatically. We have been here a long time, and love everything about it, so when I saw this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. It was more than I hoped for.
Believe it, or not, it starts with the migration over the landbridge from Africa to North America. That was a lot earlier than I expected, but I kept reading. ...more
Believe it, or not, it starts with the migration over the landbridge from Africa to North America. That was a lot earlier than I expected, but I kept reading. ...more
Fehrenbach presents the history of Texas as a sweeping epic. He starts with the earliest known (at the time of his writing) prehistory and traces the rise and decline of Aboriginal American, the Spanish, the Mexican, the Texian, and the US civilizations. At nearly 800 pages, this a door-stopper of a history book. It's not a quick read by any means, but incredibly interesting from start to finish. Fehrenbach writes a compelling narrative with a eye for historical color and a knack for adding it o
...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this comprehensive historical perspective of Texas, and the Texans. It started with ancient times when Amerinds came to settle the area, and ended with modern times.
Texas is a state unlike any other perhaps. They have a history of their own, one born of actively living on an unfriendly Indian frontier for generations.
Lots of informative explanations of how Mexicans migrated to the state, and didn't assimilate. That explains why today many Mexicans who have lived in Texas fo ...more
Texas is a state unlike any other perhaps. They have a history of their own, one born of actively living on an unfriendly Indian frontier for generations.
Lots of informative explanations of how Mexicans migrated to the state, and didn't assimilate. That explains why today many Mexicans who have lived in Texas fo ...more
Lone Star is a great history, and not just of Texas - it taught me much about American culture as well. What sets it apart is it's focus on the broader political and social situations outside the state. For instance, when discussing the Scotch-Irish, Fehrenbach does not merely say "The Scotch-Irish came to Texas" but explains how their pattern of migration suited their restless temperament (having hopped from the borderlands to Ireland to America and finally the frontier), what differentiated th
...more
I bought this book because after emigrating to Texas 15 years ago, I thought it was time to find out more about the state's history. I have always been fascinated with its early years and especially the settler's relationship with the Comanches. The book is hefty--almost 800 pages--and covers a lot, but doesn't cover everything. It didn't mention the hurricane that destroyed Galveston in 1900, and says nothing about Kennedy's assassination in Dallas. It does--to my joy--talk about the Battle of
...more
Lone Star is a densely detailed history of Texas up to the late 20th century. Fehrenbach begins with native peoples before the arrival of the Spanish. He spends most of the book in the 19th century circling back and forth among national and state concerns and realities connecting well how majority attitudes and politics developed in the state in often striking juxtaposition to the nation. His presentation of the 20th century is sketchy with only broad strokes but perhaps he was too close to this
...more
Very good survey history of Texas. Surveys usually tend to be dry and due to their broad nature only give a superficial history at best. Fehrenbach does a good job of keeping it interesting by delving into specific stories at points to highlight an era. He does tend to gloss over major events, the Alamo, San Jacinto, etc. in favor of "previous writers have given good coverage" or "much has been written previously" but that's the nature of a survey. All in all a good general book about Texas hist
...more
May 10, 2013
Michiel
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Texans or future residents of the state
Recommended to Michiel by:
Book Lust
Shelves:
texas,
non-fiction
I'm giving this 4 stars because it's a readable history of a huge subject. However, smaller bits are done better in other books.
Where Fehrenbach shines is in the parts about the Indians. He knows his stuff and presents it well. He makes me want to dig deeper. Where things got laggy was during the Civil War, and the blow-by-blow of border wars with Mexico.
One thing about Fehrenbach, he is Texan and is unapologetic of putting things forward from a Texan's perspective. His book gave me a new perspe ...more
Where Fehrenbach shines is in the parts about the Indians. He knows his stuff and presents it well. He makes me want to dig deeper. Where things got laggy was during the Civil War, and the blow-by-blow of border wars with Mexico.
One thing about Fehrenbach, he is Texan and is unapologetic of putting things forward from a Texan's perspective. His book gave me a new perspe ...more
I was really spoiled when it came to learning Texas history. Unlike most people, I first encountered Texas history by reading original documents in Houston, Galveston and Austin. Now that I'm a Texile, I've started looking at secondary sources.
I have a graduate degree in History, and I take any scholar's work with a grain of salt. This is a great addition to Texas history.
I read it as an e-book, which turned out to be really stupid decision on my part. The long blocks of texts are difficult to ...more
I have a graduate degree in History, and I take any scholar's work with a grain of salt. This is a great addition to Texas history.
I read it as an e-book, which turned out to be really stupid decision on my part. The long blocks of texts are difficult to ...more
I wish I could give this book 3.5 stars. It was not mediocre, so I couldn't give it three stars. For a 700 page history book it keeps you engaged, but being history it sometimes is hard to get through. I feel like I know more about Texas history now (which was my goal) and have a better sense of some of the attitudes me and my compadres have there that seem foreign to people in other parts of the country. I don't agree with all the things the writer says, but overall I'm glad to have read this b
...more
Very enjoyable book on Texas.
Almost finished.
If you want to know how history and culture effects the milieu of the people around you and why things are the way they are then this is a very good read. It is a good read on its own.
I guess I have always taken being a Texan for granted but now I want a stetson, a pair of black boots and a Colt 45. Since I am afraid of horses I guess I'll just look the simpleton I am walking down the streets of Oxford meting out justice as I see fit.
Almost finished.
If you want to know how history and culture effects the milieu of the people around you and why things are the way they are then this is a very good read. It is a good read on its own.
I guess I have always taken being a Texan for granted but now I want a stetson, a pair of black boots and a Colt 45. Since I am afraid of horses I guess I'll just look the simpleton I am walking down the streets of Oxford meting out justice as I see fit.
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Theodore Reed Fehrenbach, Jr. was an American historian, columnist, and the former head of the Texas Historical Commission (1987-1991). He graduated from Princeton University in 1947, and had published more than twenty books, including the best seller Lone Star: A History of Texas and Texans and This Kind of War, about the Korean War.
Although he served as a U.S. Army officer during the Korean War, ...more
Although he served as a U.S. Army officer during the Korean War, ...more
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“As a construct, history is too often revised to match contemporary views. It has been said that each generation must rewrite history in order to understand it. The opposite is true. Moderns revise history to make it palatable, not to understand it. Those who edit “history” to popular taste each decade will never understand the past—neither the horrors nor glories of which the human race is equally capable—and for that reason, they will fail to understand themselves.”
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“Travis no longer expected rescue. He wrote, apparently, to stir his countrymen into action, that the country might be saved: . . . I shall have to fight the enemy on his own terms. I will . . . do the best I can . . . the victory will cost the enemy so dear, that it will be worse for him than defeat. I hope your honorable body will hasten reinforcements. . . . Our supply of ammunition is limited. . . . God and Texas. Victory or Death.”
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