Empire of Bones: A Novel of Sam Houston and the Texas Revolution

This is a very enjoyable work of historical fiction. The character of Sam Houston is one of those American originals that seem so perfect for fiction that it is hard to believe he ever really lived. The exaggerated aspects of character - the dramatic costumes, high intelligence, temper, ambition, sensitivity, appitite and energy - all seem to be perfectly Texan, perfectly larger than life. Any number of good accounts of his life could be, and have been, written. What makes this retelling of the period of his life when he fought the Battle of San Jacinto significant is that it isn't simply a tale of the good guy Texans getting revenge on Santa Anna and the bad guy Mexicans. In this more balanced and reasoned telling of the tale, that great variety of human ambitions and greed that spark most wars and revolutions, is shown as a prominant part of the struggle to wrest Texas from Mexico. The cast of characters is interesting and the depiction of that early period in Texas history seems realistic and believable. The climactic battle of San Jacinto is told in hard detail and the probably over bloody response to the surprised Mexican forces shows that whatever cruelties the Mexicans were willing to meet out to those at the Alamo, their avengers were capable of as well.A really interesting and satisfyfing book. I don't know if Texans would go for it, but this Tennessean sure did.

Mr.Long is also the author of "Duel of Eagles" and this book continues his focus on Sam Houston. The form of a novel allows Mr. Long to explore themes that a purely historical book would not. Some Texas "historians" had sharp and negative reactions to "Duel of Eagles". This is understandable since the book is not the typical hagiography often passed off as Texas history. "Empire" offers an insight into the motivations and actions of some of those "brave Texians" who came to Texas seeking real estate and riches rather than liberty and freedom. Mr. Long's view is that Texas under Mexico was a tough and ruthless place which attracted some of the most greedy and grasping men of the age. At the same time certain men, Houston, Rusk, Seguin, and Smith are clearly complex and perhaps honorable men in rugged times. Mr. Long's works are a counter-balance to the propaganda and boosterism which seemed to infect much of the writings about Texas as republic and before. Whether you agree with Mr. Long's views, his research is thorough and his characters are real. This book is a valuable addition to any collection of books on Texas or Sam Houston.