Book Review: Richard Coke: Texan by Rosser Coke Newton, Sr.

Richard Coke: Texan by Rosser Newton Sr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brimming with the passion of the past and the parallels with the present.

Richard Coke: Texan is a new biographical account of the 15th governor of the state, following the tumultuous period of Reconstruction under the radical unionist Governor Edmund Davis and ushering in a 100-year-dynasty of Democratic leadership. Fascinating reading, complemented by snippets from contemporary periodicals, the author’s deep research and engaging writing style make his story compelling and relevant, revealing eerie parallels in our current political landscape.

One of my favorite elements is the breadth of quotations from a variety of original source documents. The language, while formal and reflective of the discourse of the times, is still often bitingly critical of the political figures, decisions, and events. I don’t remember seventh-grade Texas history class ever being this compelling.

I recommend RICHARD COKE: TEXAN to those interested in Texas history, especially during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.


View all my reviews