Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett's Last Stand and Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution (New Narratives in American History)

If you're looking for your basic action-filled tale of land-grabbing "foreigners" valiantly holding their ground for 13 days against the "bloodthirsty" hordes of Mexican soldiers at the shrine of Texas independence, this book definitely is NOT for you. More of a thin, scholarly piece (less than 200 pages of actual text) this is more for the person who knows something about the battle of the Alamo and has read other books on the subject. Crisp's main thesis is well-thought-out; notably that many of the past injustices in Alamo writing have their roots in racist attitudes perpetuated from the 1800's following the fall of the Alamo and which are today, to some extent, still prevalent.Beginning with his childhood we are shown how even he, a native of Texas, was exposed to those racist attitudes and it was not until his late teens that he came to realize that just because a person's skin is a different color doesn't mean they are a bad person. Yet this attitude, he explains, was what gave the native Tejanos in Texas the proverbial "short end of the stick" when discussing the Alamo. As a result, what we get is more a story of personal discovery and education wrapped around the Alamo narrative.If you aren't familiar with the controversy surrounding such items as the de la Pena diaries (one Mexican soldier's account of the battle) and are simply looking to find out how good old Davy (he preferred David) Crockett died, there are other books on the market which should no doubt be read first. If, on the other hand, as mentioned before, you're well-versed in the Alamo battle and lore, you'll want to pick up this most recent Alamo book.Gets 4 stars instead of 5 mostly due to length since it seems there are other areas Crisp could have discussed as well. Eminently readable, you can read it in one sitting with no problem.

The book is a good source for explaining how reported history sometimes make mistakes and the importance due diligence when it comes to gathering sources. It also discusses how biased historians can misinterpret information.

I originally ordered this book because of my interest in David Crockett's death, on which I had been seeking information since 1968, when I first became aware that not all of the accounts of it agreed. Until I "discovered" the internet, I found it a difficult subject to research in New Zealand, and even when I started searching the internet, most of what I found related to the De la Pena memoir. It was only after I obtained Bill Groneman's excellent "Eye Witness to the Alamo" that I found myself in a position to enter the debate. By that time, I had become aware of the main participants and the debate, and knew Dr. Crisp was the leading exponent of the view that Crockett was executed. Dr. Crisp argues persuasively for his interpretation of the Dolson letter and the De la Pena memoir. Regarding the latter, although I still believe De la Pena was unaware of Crockett's identity at the time of the execution, I am no longer convinced that he named Crockett in his memoir purely on the basis of rumours he hads heard later, as after reading "Sleuthing the Alamo" I suspect he was more careful than that. As well as providing a stimulating discussion of Crockett's death, Dr. Crisp tells his own story which, in many ways echoes my own, and I found it so entralling that I read the entire book in one sitting. I look forward to reading his new book dealing with Dan Kilgore's essay on Crockett's death and its use of sources.

Interesting and thought provoking analysis of history. What else have we gotten wrong due to deep seated biases in our society of which we are not even aware? I am very impressed by James crisp’s diligence and high standards fir detail. Davy Crockett was captured and executed. He did not die fighting. Similarities to Custer in paintings is unreal.

I moved to Texas in 1985 fresh out of college in Iowa. Crossing the Red River the first time was almost a spiritual experience as The Alamo and Texas history have always fascinated me. When my sons attended school in Texas I learned more about how Important the myths became versus real deep scholarship and investigation. Of all the Texas history I have consume this book, Sleuthing the Alamo, really put it all in perspective. great writing with a back story I really relate too. Texas is and will always be great. The stories of how it came to be may conflict with personal feelings but in the end we still have the greatest state in the US to live in.

The book turns out to be much more than I expected. Started with the history leading up to the Alamo battle and its controversies but then expands into how historical myths related to white racial anxiety and cultural blindness were constructed nationally from the late 1800's to today's time.Very well written and a delight to read for clarity as well as intellectual, sociological and cultural insights. So sorry I missed it when it was first published in 2005.

A good study of the events that occurred during the brief battlement of the Alamo in Northern Mexico. However, the author does not commit themselves to alleged events of Crockett’s last hours after the skirmish. More recorded historical events necessary to convince historians to change Texas historical facts. Also, it is a quick read.

Being a fan of Davy Crockett since childhood I avoided the story of his capture/surrender for years, like others I dismissed it. So I read this book with not a little trepidation, but came through enlightened, Crisp has done a lot of thorough research of documents and in doing so gives credence to De La Pena's journal and in doing so also gives the reader an insight into how hard historical research is and how interpretation of documents can give a totally different view to what the writer intended either intentionally by the researcher who brings their own prejudices and influences to the interpretation or often by simple mistakes. Crisp has made the reader realise the importance of research and interpretation and made that often boring, laborious part of history interesting. Crockett is still a hero my thoughts about him haven't been diminished Crisp and others who have researched how he died have been subjected to a lot of criticism even abuse, when really we should be thanking them and praising them for the work they have done.

Crisp addresses the final days of Crockett and challengers the Disney view of the Alamo. He draws on historical accounts that are disputed but makes two very interesting points: that Crockett was........................ and that the Mexican contingent defending the Alamo has been completley ignored. A Book for the enthusiast. Some repetition of material and poor illustrations let the book down, but a very personal and interesting read.

Interesting.