Important Mexican American Texas History
History and Legends of the Alamo and Other Missions in and Around San Antonio
Publication: Austin, TX: (the author), 1917. First Edition.
Notes: "This volume reconstructs the history of the Alamo back to pre-colonial times. Its importance lies not only in its portrayal of Texas' history as a product of Native American, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American contributions, but also in its focus on the role of Texas women and Texas Mexicans in shaping the historical record. At a time when Texas Mexican women held little influence, de Zavala attempted to rewrite the way Texas history was written and constructed."—from the Arte Público Press edition in its Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage series.
De Zavala, the granddaughter of Lorenzo de Zavala, an early Texas politician, was one of the leading advocates for the restoration of the Alamo. "De Zavala, for example, at one point barricaded herself inside the Alamo and refused to leave for three days, effectively under siege, as the sheriff cut off electricity and forbade anyone from bringing her food or water..." (Kinnally, Forgotten Futures, Colonized Pasts, 2019).
De Zavala argued that the Alamo should be preserved with the surrounding buildings from its era as a Spanish mission; she lost that battle and the building is now primarily remembered as the site of a battle during the Texas revolution.
Frontispiece of the Texas flag printed in blue, red, and black. 224 pages.
Edition + Condition: First edition (first printing). A very good copy, with the title on the spine written in ink. A previous owner's name is written on the cover and title page. Scarce.
Item No: #366299
Price: $750