Texas Independence

Houston, Texas: The Anson Jones Press, 1938. First Trade Edition. Octavo. 300pp., illustrated. This book was apparently presented in a deluxe limited signed edition of 500 copies which included 11 folding maps in rear pocket. The present edition is the first trade edition which only provides a list the maps. Much history has been written about Texas by well known historians of the 19th century. Their work begins with the first claim by Spain, later France, then Mexico. This is an important work involving the people of Texas, their independence and the roll the author's father, Sam Houston, played in helping attain Texas's Independence. The state archives had suffered losses in three fires. At San Felipe in 1836 and at Austin in 1855 and 1881. This work had been prepared from original drafts and certified copies made at an early date, of public and private documents, from contemporary and standard histories, newspapers, from conversation with the veterans of the revolutions, in their homes, at their reunions and on the battlefields, until the last survivor passed away. Those documents and copies were selected from the papers of Maj. Gen. Sam Houston during the war. The pivotal point in history was the military campaign, the climax of which was the victory of San Jacinto. A fascinating work which has become very scarce. Bound in blue silk cloth, spine lettering gilt, only very slight rubbing or wear to corners or spine ends, map on front endpapers, some dust soiling to page edges. A very nice copy in partial dust jacket which appears to have been nibbled. No names or bookplates. [Howes-H689, OCLC:9091865].