The Texas State Historical Association is pleased to offer a reprint edition of Stephen F. Austin: Empresario of Texas, Gregg Cantrell’s path-breaking biography of the founder of Anglo Texas. Cantrell’s portrait goes beyond the traditional interpretation of Austin as the man who spearheaded American Manifest Destiny. Cantrell portrays Austin as a borderlands figure who could navigate the complex cultural landscape of 1820s Texas, then a portion of Mexico. His command of the Spanish language, respect for the Mexican people, and ability to navigate the shoals of Mexican politics made him the perfect advocate for his colonists and often for all of Texas. Yet when conflicts between Anglo colonists and Mexican authorities turned violent, Austin’s accomodationist stance became outdated. Overshadowed by the military hero Sam Houston, he died at the age of forty-three, just six months after Texas independence. Decades after his death, Austin’s reputation was resurrected and he became known as the “Father of Texas.” More than just an icon, Stephen F. Austin emerges from these pages as a shrewd, complicated, and sometimes conflicted figure.

The definitive biography of the legendary Empresario who colonized Texas for the Mexican government before leading the Texas Revolution. First published in 1925, The Life of Stephen F. Austin remains one of the finest works of Texas biography. An historian at the University of Texas, Eugene C. Barker spent nearly twenty-five years researching and writing this magisterial narrative, combining impeccable academic standards with engaging and lively prose. The son of Moses Austin, who received an empresario grant from Spain to settle Texas, Stephen took the mantle and began settling the region for the newly independent state of Mexico. He sold parcels of land to families of Anglo-Americans who later became known as the Old Three Hundred. When this growing Anglo community rebelled against the Mexican government, Austin led volunteer forces to victory at the Siege of Bexar and later served as Secretary of State for the Republic of Texas under President Houston.

Stephen F. Austin grew up to become known as the Father of Texas. Readers can learn about his interesting and incredible life in this appealing biography that highlights both Austin's life and Texas history. Through vivid images and illustrations, supportive text, an accommodating glossary and index, and fascinating facts, readers will learn about Texas pioneers, empresario system, Freemasons, and how Austin became such an important figure in Texas history.

Bonded Leather binding

Almost a hundred years after the death of Stephen F. Austin this first full-length biography was published. And for almost a quarter of a century—dividing his time between editing, teaching, textbook writing, and serving in various academic capacities—Eugene C. Barker pursued the study which resulted in The Life of Stephen F. Austin. His accomplishment has long been regarded as a fine example of biography in Texas literature.