Inside the Alamo

Bibliographic Data: 

 

Murphy, Jim. 2003. Inside the Alamo. New York: Delacorte Press.

ISBN 9780385325745

Plot Summary:

There are many myths and tales associated with the fall of the Alamo. Inside the Alamo does a thorough job of debunking many of the myths passed down and confirms those truths associated with the key figures affiliated with the famous battle. The book begins with the first day of battle between Mexican and Texan forces, Texans being very outnumbered. Murphy's historical account progresses in a storytelling fashion to describe the events and people involved.  

Critical Analysis:

The attack on the Alamo unfolds slowly over the seven chapters highlighting each important event and the figures associated with the battle along the way. Murphy does a great job telling the story of the Alamo while incorporating accurate historical information. The Notes and Bibliography section at the end of the book provide the reader with detailed account of where the information and facts originate. The design allows for a visual and clear reading complete with black and white paintings, primary sources, biographical profiles, and quick facts in the margins. Murphy’s storytelling approach enhances the historical aspect and makes the reading enjoyable and memorable rather than textbook bland.

Murphy describes many possible theories to the details of the Alamo. Though some are highly controversial in the eyes of many historians, Murphy does a great job balancing the possible and the impossible. For example, the death of Jim Bowie is explored and four theories are given. Murphy agrees with most historians in concluding Jim Bowie’s life with a quote from his mother: “So Jim is dead? I’ll wager they found no wounds in his back”. There is no definite answer to many questions like how Jim Bowie died, however Inside the Alamo gives relevant arguments and circumstances in order for the reader to formulate and an opinion and understanding.  

Review Excerpt(s):

Booklist, Starred Review:

”…not only a valuable addition to American history units but also a great introduction to the historical writing method.”

 

School Library Journal, 2003:

“Murphy gives it his best shot and the result is an absorbing, interpretive, highly readable account of a two-week period in American history in which a couple of hundred independent Texans (Anglo Texians and Hispanic Tejanos) played a major role in U.S. expansionism.”

 

Connections:

* This is a great document full of activities to correspond with the reading of Inside the Alamo:

http://www.thealamo.org/resources/4thGrade.pdf

*Other books about the Alamo:

Garland, Sherry. Voices of the Alamo. Ill. Himler, Ronald. ISBN 9781589802223    

Lemon, Mark. The Illustrated Alamo 1836: A Photographic Journey. ISBN 9781933337180

Jakes, John. Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story. Ill. Bacon, Paul. ISBN 9780152005955