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Populism in the South Revisited: New Interpretations and New Departures. Edited by James M. Beeby. (Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2012. Pp. [xxii], 234. $60.00, ISBN 978-1-61703-225-7.) The study of [...]

A partnership deal was signed by Stephen F. Austin and Joseph H. Hawkins, in 1821, to start Anglo American colonization of Texas. Hawkins was a famous New Orleans attorney and Austin, who came from Arkansas Territory, was in a desperate situation after having failed in many business ventures. Hawkins provided financial and moral support to Austin to start a new venture of colonization of Texas. History of this partnership is discussed.

The bicentennial of Sam Houston's birthday, Mar 2, 1993, is ushering in a host of new biographical works about him, although none of them is a complete picture. Recent or reissued novels include works by Elizabeth Crook, James Michener, Jeff Long, Jeff Hamilton and William Seale. Four new biographies have been written by Madge Roberts, Marshall De Bruhl, John Hoyt Williams and Randolph B. Campbell. The best of the new biographies is Campbell's, 'Sam Houston and the American Southwest.'

Sam Houston's membership in the know-nothing American Party in 1855-56 was not an aberration but rather a perfect match. He favored Indians but was biased against Catholics and immigrants, in keeping with other party leaders' attitudes. His affiliation was based upon his traditional republican political philosophy, and the party fit his views well.