Passionate Nation

JAMES L. HALEY is the author of two dozen books, including the biography Sam Houston (University of Oklahoma Press, 2002) and The Texas Supreme Court: A Narrative History 1836-1986 (University of Texas Press, 2013). He also writes historical fiction, most recently the Bliven Putnam Naval Adventures for G. P. Putnam's Sons (2016-2021). He lives in Austin, Texas.

"Texas native Haley does an outstanding job of narrating the outsized and dramatic history of the Lone Star State. John Steinbeck observed, 'Like most passionate nations, Texas has its own private history based on, but not limited by, facts.' Cognizant of this, Haley takes pains to separate folklore from fact. He's a good storyteller, but then it's hard to go wrong with the colorful characters he has to work with: pioneer nationalists Sam Houston and Davy Crockett, Quaker abolitionist Benjamin Lundy, a wagonload of liquored-up turn-of-the-century oilmen and such latter-day heroes as Lyndon Johnson, John Connally and Janis Joplin."-Publishers Weekly Starred Review "A hugely entertaining read . . . humanizes the eras and events of Texas' past with a keen eye for the poignant, often humorous, always colorful moment."-Dallas Morning News "Haley steps boldly and without apology into Texas' past. His self-assurance is supported by a highly readable, almost breezy prose that guides the reader through a story as dense as the Big Thicket; but, thanks to economical chapters and clear organization, it is much more comfortable to traverse. It's also aided by a writing ethos that is well informed, erudite, free of sentimentality or defensive bluster, and amazingly comprehensive in its scope."- Texas Books in Review