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Summary: A great book that almost answers the Alamo mystery
Review: Hardin handles the military story of the Texas Revolution thoroughly but concisely. His writing is both informative and interesting. Well-researched and authoritative source for a topic that's prone to myth and folklore. Hardin leaves the political history to other authors and other books; for that aspect, I would recommend Paul Lack's The Texas Revolutionary Experience as a solid companion. Hardin's book is especially engaging, and you don't have to be a Texas history buff to get something out of it.
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Summary: A wonderful read, but........
Review: Hardin's book was very refreshing and as an old illustrator, I admired the effort and talent of Mr. Zaboly's artwork. Mr.Hardin's account of the Alamo siege was probably as informative and accurate as possible with one glaring exception. It is unfair to throw out all evidence that Mr. Crockett perished as the others did during the fight. De la Pena's recently discovered version, (after one hundred and sixty years), ignores first, second and third hand testimony, (from both sides of the battle), to the contrary. The overwheming evidence just doesn't support such a conclusion. As a society, we do not share the idealism that the men and women in 1836 lived by. Sacrificing one's life for a "noble cause" was the right thing to do. My great grandfather died during the Civil War. The letters that he wrote to his wife are testimony to the mindset in those times. His words tell a different story compared to some modern historians. I believe we should honor each man of the Alamo for the ultimate sacrafice that he made for his "noble cause".
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Summary: Excellent introduction and review
Review: I agree with the other reviews praising this book. I might quibble, however, about using the word "details," which would suggest to some readers matters of little importance. But certain details made all the difference in the outcome, and Hardin understands this. The illustrations were praised, but this needs to be explained: they are much enhanced by the commentary on them. My one criticism of this book is one that I make of many otherwise worthy history books: inadequate maps.
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Summary: most excellent but slightly bias...
Review: I discovered this book to be most excellent in terms of recounting the Texas Revolution. The book proves to be superbly written, researched and you can read it in clarity despite of the details of information, data and personalities involves. Hardin's narrative of the Alamo proves to be quite excellent (see the Osprey's book Campaign 89 for Hardin's indepth look) and the way he goes about retelling the horror stories of Texians' blunders make it hard for the reader like me to realized how victory over the Mexicans could have been achieved. But Texians did win but according to Hardin, no thanks to Sam Houston. I guess this was where I wondered if Hardin's crusade went bit overboard. The author totally despised Sam Houston and its shows in his book. From the pages, it looked like the Texians won despite of the best efforts of Sam Houston. Didn't Houston do anything right in 1836?? Still, this is a great book, a standard on the subject for some times to come.
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Summary: Read Jeff Long's "Duel of Eagles" instead
Review: I would recommend Jeff Long's fiery "Duel of Eagles" instead of this book. Long doesn't pull any punches, and retells the story of the Alamo in a brutally honest way. The book by Hardin is heavy on description of the conflict in military terms. I suppose if that is all that insterests you, then it would be a fine reading. But, it you want a more thorough and accurate account of the events that lead to the Battle of the Alamo, and the consequences of it's Aftermath, chose Long's book over this one.
Rating:
Summary: Read Jeff Long's "Duel of Eagles" instead
Review: I would recommend Jeff Long's fiery "Duel of Eagles" instead of this book. Long doesn't pull any punches, and retells the story of the Alamo in a brutally honest way. The book by Hardin is heavy on description of the conflict in military terms. I suppose if that is all that insterests you, then it would be a fine reading. But, it you want a more thorough and accurate account of the events that lead to the Battle of the Alamo, and the consequences of it's Aftermath, chose Long's book over this one.
Rating: 
Summary: An objective account of the Texas revolution
Review: If all you know of the Alamo is via Walt Disney and John Wayne, you will probably find this book a shocker. Both the Mexicans and the Texians were courageous and cowardly, brilliant and stupid by turns. This book is real history. But in the final analysis, real people are better heros than Hollywood images. I can't claim to have read every book written on the Alamo battle, but I have read a few. This book is the best I know of.
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Summary: The Way The Revolution SHOULD be Portrayed!!!
Review: There are not enough stars in my opinion, for this book. I was thrilled to see a book that addresses ALL the issues of the Texas Revolution - the hesitance of so many of the "leaders" of the Army of Texas; Santa Anna's inhumane treatment of POW's; the intense dislike of superiors on BOTH sides of the conflict. I was thoroughly impressed with Hardin's work. If you want a concise, accurate view of the conflict from both sides, this is the book for you. I was particularly happy with the commentary from the Mexican side, since that is not something easy to come by on this side of the border sometimes. On a note of accuracy, there have been some who call to question de la Pena's account of the fighting. Hardin used the de la Pena diary in his research, and I commend that. When I was reading reviews for this particular diary, I was dismayed to see people discrediting it based on weather! Whether or not folks realize it, YES it has been known to snow, even in South Texas, and YES there have been recorded blizzards IN SOUTH TEXAS. This reminds me of that statement, just because you haven't seen a million dollars doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Or better yet, Isaac Cline's statement in 1891 that Galveston could not possibly sustain a direct hit by a hurricane. I'll take my soapbox home now, but if you're a fan of 19th century warfare, this is a book that is a must have!
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Summary: Best Book on the Texas Revolution
Review: This is a wonderful book. Instead of just focusing on the Alamo, it talks about the Texas Revolution as a whole. It is very accurate and detailed, but at the same time very entertaining. Should be required reading for Texans.
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Summary: Great Book on the Birth of Texas
Review: Though I've lived in Houston all my life, the only knowledge I had of the Texan Revolution was what I remembered from my high school text books. Biased history books to say the least. I learned more from this one book about the war with Mexico than I ever learned in a high school classroom. Texian Iliad gives an excellent, honest account of the war and the battles and skirmishes that were fought. Views from both sides are delivered. The image Houston's men had of him was a surprising revelation for me as was the unorganization and in-fighting of the Texians. Illustrations by Zaboly greatly enhance the book as each drawing is given an in-depth description. Also included are photographs and paintings of the participants. I do think the book could have been longer and gone into even more detail, perhaps shedding more light on the character of the major players - Santa Anna, Bowie, Travis, Houston... But for a play by play account of the Texas Revolution, I doubt this book can be beat.
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