Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution

Texas Classics

By: Stephen L. Hardin

Narrated by: A.T. Chandler

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Hardly were the last shots fired at the Alamo before the Texas Revolution entered the realm of myth and controversy. French visitor Frederic Gaillardet called it a "Texian Iliad" in 1839, while American Theodore Sedgwick pronounced the war and its resulting legends "almost burlesque."

In this highly readable history, Stephen L. Hardin discovers more than a little truth in both of those views. Drawing on many original Texan and Mexican sources and on-site inspections of almost every battlefield, he offers the first complete military history of the Revolution. From the war's opening in the "Come and Take It" incident at Gonzales to the capture of General Santa Anna at San Jacinto, Hardin clearly describes the strategy and tactics of each side. His research yields new knowledge of the actions of famous Texan and Mexican leaders, as well as fascinating descriptions of battle and camp life from the ordinary soldier's point of view.

This award-winning book belongs on the bookshelf of everyone interested in Texas or military history.

The book is published by University of Texas Press.

©1994 University of Texas Press (P)2013 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“In Texian Iliad you smell the smoke of battle.” ( Texas Monthly)

“Hardin has succeeded admirably in writing a balanced military history of the revolution, making an important contribution to the extensive body of work on the struggle that eventually led to Texas' becoming part of the United States.” ( Austin American-Statesman)

“I look forward to consulting this book for the rest of my career!” (David J. Weber, Robert and Nancy Dedman Professor of History, Southern Methodist University)

Solid military history but lacking in context

While Dr. Hardin's book can be applauded for its telling of the military narrative (which is the primary goal) it does lack a degree of providing the context of why the war was fought and more importantly glosses over many of the more negative aspects of the Texian fighters.

Great book

A great book and a superb job with the narration. Those men were extremely courageous and rugged!

Real Men

Men are gonna argue and bitch then do what it takes to win a war

decent bite

overall seemed a little short but i love the narrators voice as it was clear, well paced, and had an inflection that garners ones attention.

the book takes a good neutral stance and provides some interesting background information in addition to describing the major conflicts from both Points of view.

Great lesson

Learned a lot, only dislike is that narrator was a little monotone. He did however spice it up by using different voices when reading letters or notes of the time

This Book is Exactly what is says it is.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If they had any interest in the history of the Texas revolution from a military standpoint, yes. Absolutely.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Texian Iliad: A Military History of the Texas Revolution?

That we really shouldn't have won.

A joy to read

As a lover of historical events this book fulfilled the detail and facts that make great books memorable. Having met Stephen on a social level this book mirrors his love of history and the history of Texas.

The Definitive Book on the Revolution

The author presents a fair and balanced view of the Texas Revolution from a military perspective. More than just the Alamo and San Jacinto, the book presents other battles that are often ignored, which helped frame the lead-up to both the Alamo and San Jacinto. he presents a balanced view of all major players in the conflict, each man has their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

good listen

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Author writes history from a biased view

The author derides many historical figures in this book. He is an adamant Houston hater. He quotes so many of Houston's opponents and seldom mentions anyone supporting him. He also never points out the deficiencies of these opponents. So this takes an opponents view as true without including the whole context of both side. Something a historian DOES NOT do. He decries the actions of the Texan Army after San Jacinto that they slaughtered and murdered the Mexican army. He simply mentions that the same Mexican army did the exact same thing at Goliad and the Alamo. He seems to dislike the Texan army as "insurgents". This is not a term used during this historical period. If so then all white people settling in North America were "insurgents".