The Davy Crockett Almanac and Book of Lists

Rating:
Summary: Crockett Almanac.
Review: Fittingly dedicated to Fess Parker, the tall Texan and actor who led the Davy Crockett craze in the 1950s and whose image became emblematic of the historical frontiersman, this book covers Crockett "from A to Z" even in the literal sense, with a section so titled. Even in the first paragraph of the Acknowledgements, the author, with admirable and even enviable selflessness, recommends that the reader might investigate "...original works [i.e., sources] for a more comprehensive appreciation of the legendary frontiersman." This book thusly focuses as much on historical fact as on the legend and myth, and seems to reach an ideal balance between them, leaning in the direction of the former while retaining a solid link with the latter.

It's a virtual treasury of information, facts, tidbits and fascinating details that would be difficult, if not altogether impossible, to find in any other single volume. The author, an educator, discusses matters that would interest virtually anyone with even a peripheral curiosity about the American icon Davy Crockett specifically or in Western history generally. Operatively, the book covers Crockett in all his incarnations - from the historical and distinctive frontier personage to the popular cultural image. It also contains well-executed illustrations by various people, including artist Rod Timanus, author of the recently-published "On The Crockett Trail" (Pioneer Press, Union City, Tennessee). Among the most compelling illustrations is a photograph, ca.1932, picturing Crockett's last home.

One entry states that during an 1834 visit to Camden, New Jersey, Crockett was pickpocketed of nearly $200 (in purchasing power an enormous sum in those days). Considering that the state has been the occasional but unjustified subject of jibes, it seems a testament to the integrity of the book that its author freely acknowledges that the offense against Crockett was committed in the author's own home state.

It may be hard to believe that sometimes authors become jaded from experience of publication, but we're fortunate to have a book like this from someone who clearly appreciates tangible and even tactile connections with history. We needn't read between the lines to see how he felt when he himself had the opportunity to handle one of Crockett's own rifles. This enthusiasm is reflected in his book, which was evidently thoroughly researched by consultation of documents and people (including historian Bill Groneman), and is effectively a setting of historical gems about Crockett and all that goes with him.

What you'll want to know about Davy Crockett, the historic icon and the man of popular 20th-century fame, you'll find here; those who want further information will be pointed in the right direction. There are interesting references to the Crockett of prevalent imagination, such as a Frankie Avalon quote from John Wayne's film "The Alamo," and the name of the actor who portrayed Crockett in a virtually forgotten but enjoyable 1956 film, "The First Texan," which starred Joel McCrea as Sam Houston.

The book also constitutes a "Who's Who" of Alamo people. One warranting mention is Ray Herbeck, Jr., Associate Producer of the film, "Alamo . . . The Price of Freedom," and the man responsible for "Remember the Alamo! - Mexican & Texian Music of 1836," a recording of music played on period instruments, and to which this reviewer was introduced at San Jacinto (coincidentally on the eve of the 123rd anniversary of Santa Anna's death), through the kindness of Western historian J.R. Edmondson, author of "The Alamo Story: From Early History to Current Conflicts" (recently published by Wordware / Republic of Texas Press, Plano, Texas).

Chemerka's book follows the same format as his previous volume, "The Alamo Almanac & Book of Lists." That he follows it effectively is meant even literally here: the new book is indeed as effective as the former one.

Physical characteristics can be surprising. Among the most personally intriguing entries in Chemerka's book are the titillating physical descriptions of David Crockett by those who actually saw him. Since he and the other Alamo defenders all lived and died before the advent of the camera, these contemporary descriptions, though few, are of significant historical value. While photographs of Johannes Brahms show that his hands were disproportionately large (which helps explain some of the forbidding stretches and leaps in his piano compositions), a description of Crockett the man states, "...his hands & feet were particularly small for a man of his appearance and character..." The physical descriptions of him go on to say, in part, that he "...was about six feet tall and 200 pounds, no surplus flesh, broad shouldered, stood erect, of great physical strength, fine appearance, swarthy complexion, high cheek bones, long, dark hair, his cheeks mantled with a rosy hue, eyes vivacious, and in form, had no superior." It's noteworthy that in this book there are two portraits which seem in particular ways to correspond to at least some of the facial descriptions: one is a painting of Crockett on p.144 - and the other is the photograph of the author himself on the back of the book. The similarities in countenance are of course incidental but they're certainly fitting, since the features, if not altogether "matching," seem to coincide. It takes little imagination to mentally superimpose both images without conflict. Mindful of this, perhaps it's no accident that the book's author is a man whose passion for Crockett and his era is evidently manifest, and possibly even unparalleled.

The few inconsistencies in spellings (Rembrandt "Pearle" instead of Peale) are merely tpyos, clearly occurred in the typesetting and in context mean little. Nothing is "perfect" except perhaps in the mind of the poet.

For readers interested in Crockett the man, this book is superb material and is, in a phrase, highly recommended as an invaluable "at your fingertips" tool - for anyone - both as a reference work and as very enjoyable, even fascinating and, perhaps more importantly, enlightening reading. - - JEFFREY DANE

Rating:
Summary: A "must" for all Davy Crockett fans & frontier history buffs
Review: For historians and biographers, the man who became an American legend has been difficult to define. William Chemerka's The Davy Crockett Almanac And Book Of Lists showcases a wealth of information on virtually every aspect of a life of dramatic accomplishments, helping the reader to discern between the Davy Crockett of history and the Davy Crockett of popular culture. Chemerka provides the Crockett Family Tree; his basic life story, and a large number of "Crockett Lists" ranging from Top Ten Crockett Books, Davy Crockett's First Railroad Journey, and The Davy Crockett Drive-In, to Davy Crockett Comic Books, Crockett in the School Books, and Other Published Deaths of Davy Crockett. The Davy Crockett Almanac is indispensable, "must" reading for all Davy Crockett fans and students of America's frontier history and heroes.