About the Book
The Alamo, An Illustrated History, is an in depth review of the long and complex story of the intriguing site. The book contains over one hundred maps, pictures, and drawings, some never before published. There is also a review of three hundred years of historical records from a variety of archives, providing vivid eyewitness accounts of the rich human history which took place at the site. The highlight of the book is the six color bird's-eye view paintings by George Nelson which are his interpretation of the evolution of the Alamo.
"A useful volume, of special interest to history teachers.
. .The six original paintings and a brief chronicle of the the history of
Mission San Antonio deValero make this is one use full volume for any history
teacher. . . .photos can be primary sources for class activities...discussion
of the development of the mission is particularly useful...details about inventories,epidemics,
weather, construction,visitors and intrigue bring the old Alamo to life. .
. Children and teachers will find this book interesting, intriguing, and useful
when
studying Texas history or focusing on the Shrine's role in the development
of San Antonio and Texas."
Dr. Mary Black, Dept. of Curriculum and Instruction, UT Austin
| " A book that will change your perspective of the Alamo.
This is a highly recommended book for anyone with an interest in the Alamo,for
it is an archeologically-oriented artist's view of Alamo history. This book is clearly a visually intense overview of different developmental stages of the famous chapel and mission across the entire span of its history. Nelson makes no pretense at summarizing its history in any detail. . . it is not a recapitulation of the many investigations of the site. . . it is a very talented artist's conceptualization of what the place probably looked like at a number of strategic points in history, seen through his bird's eye view paintings, backed with some explanatory text containing evidence of why such views were created. This is a powerful work, helping the reader gain a better understanding, a more comprehensive perspective of this important complex in and around which so much of Texas history was played. . .worthwhile for the historian as a visual synthesis of development and the archeologist as a guide to other bits of structures and artifacts... A number of historical and recent photographs, especially an outstanding aerial view by the artist/author, contrast history and modern urban growth. This is a must have book." Jimmy Mitchell, editor, Journal of the Southern Archaeological Association |
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"George Nelson has chosen to catalog in a chronological
fashion events associated with the building of the Alamo and its geographical
setting from prehistoric times to last year. . . the images speak to
us and tell us of the changes endured by the most well-known building
in Texas. . . (Nelson's) reconstructions add immeasurably to the reading
of the public's understanding of 'What was a mission?' . . . He succeeds
where many literary works fail. . . " Adam Benavides, Jr.,
Southwestern Historical Quarterly, January, 1999
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Picture of back cover....
". . . a useful and beautiful piece of work. . . the most useful book on the Alamo and one we most frequently recommend." Frank Faulkner, San Antonio Public Library, Texana Collection
Paperback $23.95 Go to Online Gallery page to order! |
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Click here to see more pictures from the book and a complete history of the Alamo in pictures.
This book was used as a reference in the making of the new movie by Ron Howard "The Alamo" coming out December 2003. Click on the picture to read more about it!
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