Newell's History of the Revolution in Texas offers a comprehensive account of the Texas Revolution and the early years of the Texas Republic. Born in Massachusetts and arriving in Texas in 1837, Newell compiled this history from firsthand accounts and interviews, notably including conversations with Sam Houston. His work is admired for its balanced perspective and is one of the few that covers Texas during the Republic era, making it a rare and valuable resource for understanding this pivotal period in Texas history.
The book is particularly notable for its detailed descriptions of the events of the Texas Revolution, including information directly obtained from key figures like Houston, Lamar, and others. It also provides a broader context by sketching Mexican history leading up to the revolution and the early development of the Texas Republic. The appendices, which make up about half of the book, cover a wide range of topics pertinent to Texas at the time, from advice for emigrants to details about the state's natural resources and economy. An early printed list of those killed at the Alamo is also included.
The publication process proved financially ruinous for Newell, who resorted to buying back copies to sell at a profit.
Critics and historians have praised the book for its historical value, particularly the firsthand quotations and the objective, though pro-Texan, narrative. It begins with an overview of Mexican history from 1821, moving through to the Texas Congress's proceedings in the fall of 1836, offering an exceptional summary of this formative era. This work stands as a seminal publication on early Texas history, based on official documents and interviews with key historical figures, offering invaluable insights into the revolution and the early days of the Texas Republic.
Jenkins Basic Texas Books 151A:
This is one of the earliest books published about Texas after it became a republic. The history it presents is second-hand and sometimes perfunctory, but the quotations from participants are of considerable historical value. The descriptive portions add much to our knowledge of the early republic... The work begins with an excellent summary of Mexican history from 1821 to 1835, followed by a sketch of Texas history from 1832 to 1835, ending with Cos' retreat from San Antonio. The events of 1836 are described, including quotations from participating Texans and from previously published Mexican accounts, such as Almonte's diary. The account is pro-Texan throughout, but more objective than many other contemporary Anglo-American versions.
Raines, page 154:
One of the rare and reliable books on Texas, founded on official documents and information obtained from President Houston, Gen. Lamar, Gen. F. Huston, Col. Poe, Col. Ward, Col. Neil, and Capt. Shackleford.
Map
The book features a rare frontispiece folding map that covers Texas and Louisiana, highlighting cities, and rivers, and marking significant locations like the Alamo shortly after its famous siege. The map exists in two states, one titled "Texas," the other "Texas, 1838." The present example has the map in the dated state.
Provenance
Ted Lusher, prominent Texas collector, his sale, Heritage, December 2, 2023, lot 60058.