This new historical narrative recalls on of the most exciting periods of Texas history, when a firebrand renegade from Tennessee, Sam Houston, emigrated to the Mexican state Tejas and helped lead the revolution of 1836 which broke the area off from Mexico, making it the free nation of Texas. This comparison of the adversaries Santa Anna, archetypical Mexican Caudillo, and Sam Houston, Texas patriot, paints fascinating portraits of the two charismatic men, each bigger-than-life but flawed in amny ways, each a dominant figure in his nation's history, each remembered for radically different consequences.

In his intriguing prologue, Michener explains the unuusual genesis of the book, a 'story worth retelling, and preserving when retold.' Of particular interest to Michener fans, the prologue presents his readers with a very personal 'glimpse of a writer at work,' and describes the stimulus behind his prodigious spurt of creative energy since 1986. In an intimate explanation of why a professional writer nearing h is mid-eighties continues to work, he defines the goals he has set for himself throughout his career.

Well-known Texas artist Charles Shaw has worked closely with the author to provide fourteen exquisite and precisely detailed illustrations to enhance the book.

This hardback book is in great condition and weighs 15.8 oz.