Synopses & Reviews
Countering the widespread historical persona of David Crockett as little more than a coonskin-capped, buckskin-clad frontier hero, this remarkable biography chronicles his life in politics, revealing him instead as an inveterate entrepreneur, advocate for the poor, and career politician with a talent for hardball campaigning. Through a careful review of his letters, speeches, and political circulars, this provocative and insightful examination provides a unique, long-ignored perspective on the man behind the legend, and corrects inaccurate portrayals perpetuated by previous works, most notably James A. Shackford's landmark 1956 biography. Following his political rise from justice of the peace and magistrate to two-term representative in the Tennessee State Legislature and three-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, this account details the progress of both the Tennessee Land Bill (1829-1830) and the Indian Removal Bill (1830). This exploration offers an alternative context for one of American history's most important figures and evaluates the political objectives for which he constantly strove.
Review
"A thorough and magnificently researched study of the political career of David Crockett . . . a clear, introspective analysis." Greff Dimmick, MD, author, Sea of Mud
Review
"A true gem, essential for anyone interested in Crockett himself, the Jacksonian milieu, the roots of modern democratic practice." Daniel Feller, author, The Jacksonian Promise: America, 1815-1840
Review
"Certainly gave a clearer picture of the man and his motivations. I also understand better Crocketts reasons for traveling to Texas, where he gave up his life for independence." San Angelo Standard-Times
Review
"James R. Boylston and Allen Wiener have done a masterful job of recovering the real David Crockett, a figure of enormous historical significance in the tumultuous and critical Jacksonian age." Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prizewinning author, American Lion
About the Author
Jim Boylston is a member of the Alamo Society and the Alamo Battlefield Association, and has written articles for the Alamo Journal and the Crockett Chronicle. He is also the creator and moderator of the Alamo Studies online forum (www.alamostudies.com), a web-based discussion group devoted to the serious study of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. Allen J. Wiener is the author of The Beatles: The Ultimate Recording Guide and The Music of the Alamo.