Additional information
by Allen J. Wiener (Author)
". . . offers a fresh, very clear account of Crockett's road to the Alamo. Allen J. Wiener's research reveals that Crockett did not leave Tennessee to join in the fight for Texas independence, unlike the version portrayed in films and pop culture, but rather to take advantage of the vast land bounties that Texas offered. The book's description of Crockett's true status and role in the Alamo fight itself, as well as his death, is persuasive and well-documented."--Stuart Reid, author of The Secret War for Texas
" . . . presents a realistic profile based on a foundation of research that can only be described as exhaustive. Given its balanced tone and exhaustive research, this book actually has a chance to become the last word on an enigmatic subject."--Paul D. Lack, author of Searching for the Republic of the Rio Grande: Northern Mexico and Texas, 1838-1840. ". . . challenges the mythology of the Alamo's most famous defender and nearly every 'Davy' trope, from fantastic tales circulated in Crockett's lifetime to Billy Bob Thornton's on-screen fiddle playing in 2004."--San Antonio Express-News "A stunning tour de force of research and analysis that illuminates the last three months of 'Davy's' life. Wiener's book will stand in the top rank . . . . He also adds important new speculation and analysis on those last thirteen days in the Alamo."--William C. Davis, author of Lone Star Rising: The Revolutionary Birth of the Texas Republic David Crockett in Texas: His Search for New Land, by Allen J. Wiener, takes a fresh look at the well-known figure from the perspective of his quest for land in Texas and the new start it promised for his family. This retelling of what the author terms "the last adventure in the life of a nineteenth-century Tennessee frontiersman who became a national celebrity" presents a picture of Crockett that contrasts with the popular image of the brash adventurer who sought glory on the battlefield as well as that of the bitter, failed politician who came to Texas as a last resort. Wiener presents a nuanced examination of Crockett's motivations that places them in the context of the full arc of his career and aspirations, starting long before he ventured to the south side of the Red River.Notably, this book devotes a full chapter to the fate of Crockett's family after his death, contributing perhaps the most complete account to date of the astute legal actions taken by Elizabeth Crockett to secure title to the land obtained by her late husband's enlistment in the Texian cause. Uniquely to studies of Crockett, Wiener presents Elizabeth Crockett as a shrewd businesswoman who ably managed her husband's various enterprises at home while he was off campaigning or serving in Washington, DC.
David Crockett in Texas offers fascinating new evaluations of what we thought we already knew about one of the most studied and debated figures in Texas and American history.
Author Biography
ALLEN J. WIENER, based in Clearwater Beach, Florida, is a freelance writer whose other books include David Crockett in Congress: The Rise and Fall of the Poor Man's Friend, winner of the Independent Publishers Book Awards Bronze Medal for Best Regional Nonfiction; Music of the Alamo: From 19th Century Ballads to Big-Screen Soundtracks (with William R. Chemerka); The Beatles: The Ultimate Recording Guide; and Channeling Elvis: How Television Saved the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
