Clifford Hopewell's biography is an in-depth study of Houston, probing into areas other biographers have overlooked and taking advantage of new material that has come to light in recent years. Other than one book exclusively about Houston's life among the Cherokees, Hopewell has devoted more material to this portion of Houston's life than any other biographer. Also included in this new work are facts recently revealed concerning the break-up of Houston's marriage to his first wife, along with other personal matters from letters and documents. Sam Houston had a checkered career before coming to Texas to become the hero of the Battle of San Jacinto which won Texas its independence from Mexico. Hopewell follows his career as the fledgling nation's first president then the new state's senator in the U.S. Congress. - Jacket flap.