Touchy and tough Texans have always been inflammable-but never more dangerous than in the nineteenth century. During those turbulent times, Texans forged a unique character for themselves, tough and strong, in the Texas mystique. Pure, undiluted hatred vied with unbelievable courage. Raw cruelty, callousness, and meanness went hand-in-hand with loyalty, trust, and affection.

The author, whose roots go back to early-Texas, presents a bit of the essence and flavoring often left out of the historical account. She tells of the Battle of San Jacinto, when Texans vented their frustration for a fight that turned into a free-for-all. And she illustrates how kids who served in the home guard in Texas during the Civil War made life miserable for just about anyone they could. The Council House Fight in San Antonio hit an all-time low in diplomacy and destroyed any future-friendly relationship between Texans and the Comanches. Scott Cooley, who made the Mason County War his personal fight, was as near to being a Texas version of Billy the Kid as makes no difference.