Alamo Sourcebook 1836

Alamo Sourcebook 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Alamo anal the Texas Revolution

By Tim J. Todish and Terry S. Todish

215 pages, softcover: $21.95

Reviewed by Robert L. Durham

Alamo Sourcebook 1836 is clearly a labor of love for both its two authors and its illustrator, Ted Spring. All three are deeply involved in the reenactment community, although their primary interest is the French and Indian War. They are also experienced in writing and publishing. Tim Todish has written a book on the French and War, as well as numerous articles, and is now working with Gary Zaboly on an illustrated, footnoted edition of the journals of Robert Rogers. Terry Todish has written several articles and is working on a biography of John Stark. Ted Spring has written and illustrated a series of historical sketchbooks on the French and Indian Wars and is currently working on an illustrated source book on the Texas Rangers.

Alamo Sourcebook 1836 contains seventeen chapters that tell the story of the Alamo from its founding until the present day. The book begins with the settling of Austin's Colony, moves on to a history of the Alamo Mission, then tells of the formation and organization of both the Texian and Mexican Armies, for me, one of the more interesting chapters.

Nine chapters of Alamo Sourcebook 1836 focus on the Alamo, starting with the siege and Battle of Bexar, when the Texians first captured Bexar and the Alamo from the forces of Gen. Martin Perfecto de Cos. We then learn about Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's march into Texas and about the Alamo siege and battle. There are chapters on the heroes of the Alamo, a chapter about Davy Crockett, a chapter about the Texian and Mexican leaders, a chronology, and an extremely interesting chapter that provides eyewitness accounts by participants on both sides. A chapter devoted to places to visit and other resources is a useful guide for those who wish to explore the epic story of the Alamo further. The most interesting chapter of all, for this reviewer, was one describing and illustrating the uniforms, weapons and equipment of the Alamo. A combination of illustrations by Ted Spring, a self‑taught artist, and text by the Todish brothers brings everything into sharp focus.

In addition to the main text and the descriptive text that accompanies the illustrations, there are many sidebars that deal with matters outside the sphere of the book, such as the de la Peña narrative, the roles of Masonic lodges in Mexico and the class system in Mexico. Alamo Sourcebook 1836 fulfills the object of its authors and illustrator admirably, providing a starting point for those interested in delving deeper into the Alamo story, although it is an admirable stand‑alone Alamo book in its own right. It is a well-researched account; the only error I spotted was a confusion attributing John William Smith's contribution as the Alamo's first messenger to Erastus “Deaf” Smith. However since this was correctly attributed to John Smith in the short biography of Smith that appears in the section on survivors of the Alamo, I am sure it was nothing more than a typo that slipped past the editing process.

To order write: Eakin Press, P.O. Drawer 90159, Austin, TX 78709‑0159.