There's a problem loading this menu right now. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo in 1836—an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history— The Gates of the Alamo follows the lives of three people whose fates become bound to the now-fabled Texas fort: Edmund McGowan, a proud and gifted naturalist whose life's work is threatened by the war … Browse our magazines. Excerpt The Gates of the Alamo. "The Gates of the Alamo represents a remarkable blending of historical framework and fictional narrative. So — it’s a tremendously sad story — not surprisingly, given the foregone conclusion — but one of triumphs as well — and if I may repeat myself, it’s also one not to be missed. In the early spring of 1835 an American botanist named Edmund McGowan travelled southeast from Béxar on the La Bahía road, following the course of the San Antonio River as it made its unhurried way through the oak mottes and prairies of Mexican Texas. When Terrell gazes at the facade of the ruined Alamo church, with its empty windows and gaping doorway, he doesn't see the "cradle of Texas liberty"; he pointedly sees the face of a grinning skull. By Jeff Long Special to The Denver Post. Free Online Library: The Gates of the Alamo. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2020. The Gates of the Alamo Stephen ... All three wind up in the Alamo and are caught in the futile and ill-conceived 1836 battle on the outskirts of San Antonio de B xar. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2018, When I moved a couple of years ago, I donated most of my hardcover books to the local library. The plot takes a while to get going, but it comes together beautifully, Dickens-style, and takes the reader over much territory, rewarding her or him with important new perspectives on well known events. A starred review in Publishers Weekly hailed the book as “superb” and, in the judgment of Pulitzer Prize winning historian Joseph J. Ellis, it is “historical fiction at its very best.”. His book "The Gates of the Alamo" is a superb fictional rendering of the tumultuous events that took place at the Alamo as the territory of Texas was being wrested away from Mexico. Old friends are sometimes the best!! If someone asked me what the battle of the Alamo was all about, this is the book I'd recommend. When Terrell gazes at the facade of the ruined Alamo church, with its empty windows and gaping doorway, he doesn't see the "cradle of Texas liberty"; he pointedly sees the face of a grinning skull. The Gates of the Alamo. Become a member to get exclusive early access to our latest reviews too! With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail, The Gates of the Alamo is an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict. Stephen Harrigan’s secret is to tie real historical events and people together in fictionalized yarns of how the lives of the people of those times might have been. Meticulously researched and overflowing with fascinating characters, The Gates of the Alamo is an experience history buffs and fiction fans will equally enjoy. The author made the events leading up to and including the historic battle at the Alamo come alive. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. GATES OF THE ALAMO By Stephen Harrigan Knopf, $25. Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2019. It’s the stuff of legends, in other words, the turning point in the fate of Texas. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, See all details for The Gates of the Alamo, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The Gates of the Alamo by Stephen Harrigan As you will guess from the title, The Gates of the Alamo is about the famous siege of the Alamo in 1836. Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2020. Under ordinary circumstances, their lives would have been impacted only slightly by the events at the Alamo, but fate often has ingenious (and sometimes unfathomable) ways of mixing ordinary folk with the people who made history, and taking them along similar paths, and paths that cross. The Gates of the Alamo: A Novel. There has been a critical error on this website. Well friend, you're in the wrong place. I have finally gotten a little tired of all the sword and sorcery, so decided to revisit some of my old haunts. Write your own review of The Gates of The Alamo by Stephen Harrigan, read other people's reviews and browse a book excerpt from The Gates of The Alamo. Colonel Travis and his slave, Joe, are trying to stay awake in the early-morning hours of March 6, 1836, as they await the final assault. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. I liked: a realistic portrayal of the Alamo and it’s defenders as opposed to the popular myths, the different perspectives, and the strong female character. Our online member directory allows visitors to view members’ profiles, their latest website/blog posts and links to their Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads accounts. It has taken me almost two years to work up the nerve to read his long-awaited, painstakingly researched book. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. The single most retold incident of the American West, studied and pored over, could easily be that of General Custer’s misadventures at Little Big Horn. Novel puts new perspective on epic Texas battle. Filled with dramatic scenes, and abounding in fictional and historical personalities—among them James Bowie, David Crockett, William Travis, and Stephen Austin— The Gates of the Alamo is a faithful and compelling look at a riveting chapter in American history. I had only a superficial knowledge of that history, but my sense is that Harrigan's story is based on wide and deep historical research, and that it reflects a balanced perspective on the motivations and actions of leaders - famous and infamous - and ordinary people on both sides of the struggle. Review by Steve Lewis, The single most retold incident of the American West, studied and pored over, could easily be that of General Custer’s misadventures at Little Big Horn. As an individual who tries to write, I am humbled. As a history buff, I loved it. On a personal level — rather than the significance of events in the historical record — when death comes to someone before his time, it’s a matter of lost opportunity and potential, and that’s what Harrigan’s incidental message is, intentionally or not — and I cannot believe that it is not. Brother Alamo Society member Stephen Harrigan set himself a daunting task when he undertook to retell the story of the Alamo in a way that would please general readers and historians and literary critics alike. It is also where our staff first look for news and features for the site. Edmund McGowan is a botanist, working for the Mexican government on … If it is, the most obvious runner-up is that of the fall of the Alamo. He views the confrontation from both sides, the Mexicans conscripted to fight under the ruthless Santa Ana’s command, and the rebellious Texians (as they called themselves then). What makes The Gates of the Alamo work is Harrigan's ability to induce suspense about an event when everyone already knows the outcome of it. As an avid reader I was captivated. I haven't received it yet, so if there's something amiss, I will edit my review. The Gates of the Alamois the first full-length historical novel centered on the Alamo Siege and Battle. I was so happy to find this at such a good price. Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2020. 194 reviews. I looked up the author on Wikipedia as I was listening to this interview. How do I appear in the members’ directory. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. Help! For readers, writers and historical fiction fans across the world. In the book, Texas writer Stephen Harrigan argues that Peña’s narrative is badly flawed. A full-dress fictionalization of the historic siege remembered as "the Texas holy of holies," from the veteran Texas Monthly contributor and novelist ( Jacob's Well, 1984, etc.). Replete with vivid personalities, both fictional and (in greater profusion) factual, this is a surprisingly affecting yarn. 5 - Ever since its last defender was cremated, the 1836 battle of the Alamo has raged on in a twilight world all its own. With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail, The Gates of the Alamo is an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict.The time is 1835. The Gates of the Alamo. Over the last 20 years The Historical Novels Review (the society’s print magazine for our members) has published reviews of some 18,000 historical fiction books. Harrigan works from a deep well of background research, and he displays a sound understanding of the time, the place, and the people of Texas during the turbulent years of 1835 and 1836. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. There have been numerous books and a couple of movies dedicated to this pivotal moment in US and Mexican history and the event is ingrained in the popular consciousness of most Americans. But for readers willing or able to bear with those flaws in ''The Gates of the Alamo,'' sound reward does indeed await. The Gates of the Alamo tells the epic story of the legendary battle from both the Mexican and American perspectives." (Book Review, Audiobook Review, Young Adult Review, Brief Article) by "Kliatt"; Business Publishing industry Library and information science A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. Written by Stephen Harrigan Harrigan's fictional characters have richly detailed lives and personalities, and they blend seamlessly into the narrative of historical events and characters we've all heard about - Bowie, Crockett, Travis, Santa Anna et al. It is NOT a bare historical account of the battle of the Alamo, yet it probably gives a better feel for the experience of the combatants on both sides than any historical account I've read. The overall impression it left with me is one of profound sadness; there is a melancholy that suffuses "The gates of the Alamo," not martial clamor. Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2015. A New York Times bestselling novel, modern historical classic, and winner of the TCU Texas Book Award, The Spur Award and the Wrangler Award for Outstanding Western Novel It’s 1836, and the Mexican province of Texas is in revolt. If you like historical fiction you can't miss this one. Reviews. This story is spellbinding. Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought Fiction. The lives of three people intertwine during the siege and fall of the Alamo in 1836, an event that formed the heart and soul of Texas. Many travel thousands of miles to do so. Best-selling author Stephen Harrigan brings one of the pivotal battles in American history to life in this fiery, unforgettable novel. So you're looking for historical fiction about the Alamo, maybe an overview of the Texas Revolution, and that's what brought you here. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo in 1836--an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history--The Gates of the Alamo follows the lives of three people whose fates become bound to the now-fabled Texas fort: Edmund McGowan, a proud and gifted naturalist whose life's work is threatened by the war against Mexico; the … Stephen Harrigan. At least he has the innocence of youth to explain away his painful to read story line. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. This is a very readable historic novel set in the days of the Texas Revolution. The author obviously spent a great deal of time in research and the few liberties he took with the known history of the event did nothing but make the story even better. Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2016. Fictitious are Mary Mott, a widowed innkeeper in a small town south of San Antonio, her 18-year-old son Terrell, and a botanist named Edmund McGowan, whose life is wrapped up in cataloguing the flora of the Texas countryside. Powerful historical epic on a human scale, Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2002. This novel is, conservatively, 50% about an extremely awkward romance between two adults. As a student of history and especially Texas history, you will thoroughly enjoy reading "The Gates of the Alamo!" And I don't mean the swashbuckling Hollywood versions or the sterile history book required readings. Wisely, Stephen Harrigan, a longtime contributor to Texas Monthly magazine and now a third-time novelist, doesn't rely on readers' familiarity with Texas' independence movement to propel them through The Gates of the Alamo's almost 600 pages. If you just like history period, read this book. Stephen Harrigan will read from The Gates of the Alamo at a benefit for the Howson Branch Library at CC's Coffee House (3110 Windsor) on Sunday, April 2, from 7-8pm. With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail,The Gates of the Alamois an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict. Real people on both sides of the conflict and how they dealt with the harsh reality of life during those times made it hard to put the book down. Read the Review. Mar. --Margaret George, author of The Autobiography of King Henry VIII "A splendid novel--gripping, humane and persuasive." (Travis never had a TV show, though, even though he was in command, and he’s probably the least known ofthe three.). This page works best with JavaScript. I usually read sci-fi/fantasy, but I got this book at a yard sale years ago and it was one of my favorites. by Stephen Harrigan ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 6, 2000. In the early spring of 1835 an American botanist named Edmund McGowan travelled southeast from Béxar on the La Bahía road, following the course of the San Antonio River as it made its unhurried way through the oak mottes and prairies of Mexican Texas. If it is, the most obvious runner-up is that of the fall of the Alamo. Written by Stephen Harrigan Review by Steve Lewis. Highly recommended. It’s of necessity a gory tale, and Harrigan takes an unflinching view of the battlefield and war. The overall impression it left with me is one of profound sadness; there is a melancholy that suffuses "The gates of the Alamo," not martial clamor. Otherwise, I can't wait to get in my comfy chair and start reading!!! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Harrigan's real gift, though, is to make it all come alive through vibrant, full-color, story-telling. The Texas and the Alamo led thirteen colonies to become America, Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020. Discover more about our conferences, local chapters and more. © Historical Novel Society 1997 - 2021. Thanks, Great historical fiction if you don't want to read about the Alamo, Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2020. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo in 1836--an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history--The Gates of the Alamo follows the lives of three people whose fates become bound to the now-fabled Texas … Stephen Harrigan is a fantastic writer and any story involving the Alamo is on my reading list! A lot of mythology has been built up over the final days of the men at the Alamo, much of it more fancy than fact. A lovely book and an outstanding effort to take a well known story -- like the sinking of the titanic -- and renew it with characters, feeling and passion. If you are interested in the early days of the American frontier, this is a book not to be missed. Harrigan’s creative imagination lets exciting human tales flow through his remarkable writing, as the reader learns how the settlers of the Texas Frontier fought and died and lost the Battle of the Alamo, to win victory in the Texas revolution at San Jacinto and form the Republic of Texas to spearhead the completion of the Continental Coverage of the United States of America and the awesome growth of the greatest economy of all time, and it’s Western culture across the Continent from original 13 colonies and the Deep South through Texas, and West to the Pacific. It is ultimately a book about loss. A huge, riveting, deeply imagined novel about the siege and fall of the Alamo, an event that formed the consciousness of Texas and that resonates through American history. book review. THE GATES OF THE ALAMO. By. Another 30% is an equally awkward coming of age story for a young man. With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail, The Gates of the Alamo is an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict. Author of the novel The Gates of the Alamo, Harrigan puts his faith in the testimony of Susanna Dickinson, an Alamo survivor, who told officials after the battle that Crockett died … Harrigan takes the facts, and he fleshes them out with a saga that simply sings with elegance and authenticity. Our worldwide membership loves to meet up. Our features are original articles from our print magazines (these will say where they were originally published) or original articles commissioned for this site. I’m an HNS member but I don’t know my username or password. … The Gates of the Alamo By STEPHEN HARRIGAN Knopf. I disliked: how long it took to get to the Alamo, some of the subplots that seemed unnecessary. With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail, The Gates of the Alamo is an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict.The time is 1835. Mexico won this epic battle but they lost the war and some massive territory. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. The Gates of the Alamo vividly demonstrates how both fictional and true historical characters were living during the time of the Texas Revolution. The time is 1835. After years of painstaking research, Stephen Harrigan has crafted a story that has the ring of authenticity, stripping away much of the romanticism that has always encrusted the Alamo story, yet revealing the far greater drama of fact-based storytelling. The book provides a perspective of the Texas Revolution seen through the eyes of both fictional and historical characters. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. It is a pleasure, and a relief, to discover that "The Gates of the Alamo" fully deserves all the praise it has received. Stephen Harrigan's The Gates of the Alamo is simply the best novel ever written about the Battle of the Alamo, and it is immediately on this reader's shortlist of favorite books. With its vibrant, unexpected characters and its richness of authentic detail, The Gates of the Alamo is an unforgettable re-creation of a time, a place, and a heroic conflict. About The Gates of the Alamo. If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine and/or site, please contact us. He has recently finished a sweeping history of Texas, from prehistory to the present, entitled "Big Wonderful Thing". Texans were always larger than life, even while the land belonged to Mexico, and names like Jim Bowie, William Travis and Davy Crockett are still ones every schoolboy knows today. It is ultimately a book about loss. Harrigan's obviously fully researched reconstruction of the events of 1836, when a band of "Texians" determined to free "their" territory from …
Keep Calm And Love Meaning, Differences Between Mild, Moderate And Severe Anaphylactic Reactions, Chris Harrison Interview With Michael Strahan, What Is A Dead Axle, Gen Y Vs Shocker Gooseneck Hitch, Odt Naar Pdf, Hipe Scrabble Word, Merry Madagascar Full Movie English, Looney Tunes Lumber Jack, Mike And Rachel Wedding, King Jaffe Joffer Gif,