The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston

By Marquis James

Book Overview

"The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston" is a definitive and Pulitzer Prize-winning account of one of the most colorful and influential figures in American history. Author Marquis James meticulously reconstructs the life of Sam Houston, tracing his journey from a Tennessee youth to his time living among the Cherokee-where he was given the name Colonneh, or 'The Raven'-and ultimately to his rise as a titan of the American frontier.

This comprehensive biography captures the high drama of Houston's military and political career, including his leadership during the Texas Revolution and his instrumental role at the Battle of San Jacinto. The narrative explores his unique position as the only individual to serve as the governor of two different U.S. states, as well as his tenure as the President of the Republic of Texas. Beyond the political triumphs, James provides deep insight into Houston's personal convictions, his advocacy for Native American rights, and his complicated relationship with the expansion of the United States. "The Raven: A Biography of Sam Houston" offers a vivid portrait of a man whose destiny was inextricably linked with the birth of Texas and the mid-nineteenth-century transformation of the American West.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025938402
• ISBN13: 9781025938400
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 522 Pages
• Weight: 1.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Great book.

Great biographical reading about Sam Houston. I am a lousy reader and a history book has to be really good to keep my attention. I loved this book.

Excellent book on life of Sam Houston

Marquis James shows why he won more than one Nobel prize for historical writing. In this book he takes you through the entire life of Sam Houston, giving the reader an insight on the events of Houston's earlier life that shaped his actions in the founding of the Texas Republic. Until reading this book, I had no idea just how important Sam Houston was to the history of not just Texas, but the entire United States.

Fascinating and fast-paced

I read this book because it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1930, but it stands with any more recently written biography. Sam Houston had a fantastically interesting life, and if you haven't read a bio of him you will be amazed. I recommend this book without reservation.