After two short weeks under siege, the climactic battle of the Alamo lasted under an hour, but its aftermath spawned a legend. "The Alamo: a Cultural History" explores the transformation of the fort from its 1718 inception as a Franciscan mission to its current status as a tourist attraction, historical monument, and international symbol of freedom. There are chapters on Alamo toys, movies, plays, poems, ghost stories and all other parts of the  diverse, sometimes weird, Alamo legend.

Reviews:

"An expert on the Alamo and its history, Thompson shows how the legend has been reinvented and shaped by novels, poems, and plays. To the reader's benefit, [he] wades through all the myth and fantasy to present a truer picture of events." (The Mexia Daily News )

"...amply illustrated and well-documented." (Library Journal )

"Fascinating." (Military Heritage Books )

"Delightful."(Dallasnews.Com )

"Readable [and] interesting." (Austin American Statesman )