Richard Coke: Texan (Lone Star Book Blog Tour)

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RICHARD COKE: TEXAN
By Rosser Coke Newton, Sr.


History / Biography
Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing
Pages: 300
Publication Date: November 4, 2024


SYNOPSIS

Richard Coke played one of the most crucial roles in Texas history. His leadership of his beloved Texas still resonates today—150 years after he became governor. Richard Coke: Texan weaves a rich mosaic of real people and events, immersing the reader in the life and times of Richard Coke.

Coke brought Texas out of Reconstruction following the Civil War and is often credited with restoring democracy to the state after this perilous time. Richard Coke: Texan tells the story of a young Virginia lawyer who emigrated to a Texas frontier village and changed history. It follows Coke as he starts a new life in Waco, Texas, serves in the Civil War, endures the hardships of Reconstruction, and is called to serve as governor to rebuild the state and restore rights to local government and the people of Texas. The story of Coke and his legislature taking office is one of the more dramatic moments in Texas history, with Coke’s predecessor, Edmund Davis, engaging armed forces to occupy the Capitol in an attempt to remain in office. But the true story lies in the leadership Coke demonstrated as a committed citizen, an honored soldier, a dedicated governor, and later as a respected senator—the effects of which still influence the government of Texas today.

Before the advent of digital technology, much of the record of this time was inaccessible to researchers. Authored by Rosser Coke Newton Sr., an indirect descendant of the governor, the book is enriched by first-person accounts, Coke family records, Richard Coke’s direct correspondence, and documented events from journals and debates of constitutional conventions, the Secession Convention, and legislative sessions. These are supplemented by newspaper articles, census records, city directories, and a myriad of other sources compiled at the time. These sources have been combined into Richard Coke: Texan, which not only delivers a rich history of the era but also offers a personal look at one of Texas’s greatest leaders.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosser Coke Newton Sr., a native Texan and prominent Dallas businessman, is an indirect descendant of Richard Coke, the 15th governor of Texas. From an early age, he developed an interest in Texas history and 19th-century frontier life, a period in which Richard Coke played a crucial role.

Newton connects his love of history with philanthropy, serving in key positions with the Dallas Historical Society and the Alamo Letter Society. He is a founding member of the Dallas Arboretum Foundation, a director emeritus of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and a supporter of many cultural and civic organizations.

He holds a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law. In 2002, he founded Petro Capital Group and has held leadership roles in numerous petroleum-related companies.


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REVIEW
Every now and again, I have the urge to read some history books and bolster up my non-fiction reading as a whole. This particular book was perfect for scratching that itch. It presents a cohesive and well presented biography of Richard Coke, who is someone I didn't know very much about prior to this book. I really enjoy reading Texas history, so this one was really up my alley. 

As a figure of history, there is a lot about Richard Coke to dislike, particularly in terms of government and political shifts. That being said, knowing history is very important, and knowing the errors of the past allows for more informed decisions to be made in the future. I appreciate that this book did not shy away from presenting the horrific actions taken and enabled by Coke. He was a Confederate and a slave owner, and his election was a core part of centralizing power to white supremacy in Texas. This is all factual and I appreciate the honesty of presenting that information alongside Coke's professional career. 

Providing an all-around window to the past where people are involved really lets the reader see the influence Coke had at the time. It shows how he got his foot into positions of power and held onto them. Knowing how people are influenced increases critical analysis of people and actions, allowing us to reflect on cause and effect very well. I appreciate how effectively this biography tackles the subject matter. It was very informative and enlightening into an era of Texas' past that I'm less familiar with compared to others. 

All in all, if you want a fair look into Texas history, to further understand the development of the state, I definitely recommend this book. It's highly informative, well-presented, and excels as an educational work that combines many resources into one coherent narrative for a full portrait of a former Texas governor. I give Richard Coke: Texan a Lone Star rating of  ✯✯✯✯ stars. 


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