The Eagle and the Raven [Large Print]

Not your typical 1000 page historical drama, a very nice read bt choppy at times switching from character to character.

I just finished reading this short and sweet segment of Texas history for the third time. The first time I read this, I was a student in honors Texas history. Now, I can appreciate this work from the perspective of a teacher.

I'm a little surprised at the bad reviews. This book was obviously not meant to be comprehensive treatment of either man, or of those fateful years for Texas. This is a supplementary work, meant to be appreciated in tandem with other sources.

Above and beyond this however, The Eagle and the Raven is a study of two men whose similarities almost overpower their differences. Michener astutely lines up the characteristics and events side by side so the reader can find the overarching pattern. The book is striking when seen for what it was meant to be--a character study of two of the most fascinating men in the 1800s.

This short treatise is handled expertly--I even found the prologue worthwhile and interesting, although it didn't fit exactly with the subject matter. However, Michener's patient weaving of the tale leaves the reader with something weighty to remember. Despite all of the bizarre similarities between Sam Houston and Santa Ana, the one pivotal difference creates a stunning divide and left consequences throughout history that we continue to feel today.

This is a highly, HIGHLY recommended work. Don't expect it to be a dissertation on Texas--Michener already did that. Take it as it is, meet Michener where he is at, and learn. He is a worthy teacher.

Highly Recommended.