Adelsverein: The Gathering (Fiction)

This novel is the first of a trilogy focusing on the 1836-53 migration of German people from the Old Country to the Texas wilderness. Thousands anxiously emigrated to a new land, only to experience a frightening and often deadly sea voyage followed by hardship when they reached their destination. Disease, insects, snakes, droughts, tornadoes, famine, lame horses, outlaws, Comanches, plus shortages of ammunition and medical supplies were constant hazards. The plucky survivors built settlements and established ranches while Texas itself went through political growing pains. Showcasing Mexican firing squads to Texas Rangers, this first book gives a good historical lesson about pre-Civil War Texas.