#issue 484

[booksofthesouthwest-blog]

Howard Terpning: Spirit of the Plains People

Howard Terpning: Spirit of the Plains People by Don Hedgpeth with an Introduction by Elmer Kelton, 2001. The Greenwich Workshop, www.greenwichworkshop.com, 180p., $85., full color artwork, hard 0-86713-060-1.

The Artist Howard Terpning says, "I become emotionally involved in my painting, especially when I am portraying some significant scene such as a spiritual ceremony or ritual. I put my own emotions into the picture and hope those emotions will be reflected in the people who look at it." This book captures the work of Terpning in page after page of full color reproductions of his paintings of Native American life. Terpning has been referred to as the "Storyteller of the Native American People." Scenes depict the simple daily life and momentous occasions, each with the emotions of human experience prevalent. "I want to show them as a people who were not always at battle but as a people who raised children, made love, cooked meals, hunted buffalo." The book is beautiful and important. Originally published by BSW Spring 2003, Issue 484

[booksofthesouthwest-blog]

A Revolution Remembered: The Memoirs and Selected Correspondence of Juan N. Seguin

A Revolution Remembered: The Memoirs and Selected Correspondence of Juan N. Seguin edited by Jesus F. de la Teja, 2002, The Texas State Historical Association, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station D0901, Austin, Texas 78712-0332, 216p., $19.95, soft 0-87611-185-1.

An important question of Mexican-Texan or Tejano history is examined here in the case of Juan Seguin, trying to reestablish his reputation as a patriot of Texas. Many questions are raised and answers are provided through three parts: the first, an essay by de la Teja examines Seguin and his father in early Mexican Texas history. The second part is a collection of Seguin's accounts, and the third are documents corresponding with the written accounts. It is understandable why there were accusations of Seguin being a traitor, and the author tries to eschew these. It is also understandable why his character as a contributor deserves to be reinstated for his performance in service. The question that will prove most interesting: what kind of man can go out for reinforcements and then come back after all his comrades are killed and collect the ashes? Is it admirable or questionable? Perhaps no book can answer that.