Douglas A. Murphy’s Two Armies on the Rio Grande (Texas A&M Press, $45) is the most complete documentation of what is still, to this day, a bone of contention in both countries. The closer one gets to the Rio Grande, the more evident and pronounced the “discussions” become. Murphy has brilliantly explained the conditions, and delivers an in-depth look at the way the war was viewed by the U.S. and Mexico, with special insight into the way military men think and react. Murphy’s candor and fairness in detailing the conflicts of man is refreshing. All who read this account will be blessed not only by the accuracy of information, the in-depth study of historical and geographical events, but by the dedication of the writer to “get it right.”
—Max Oliver, author of Chief Red Nose