The post-US Civil War Reconstruction period paradoxically saw expanded liberty and democracy but also violence. Making the case that this period was a continuation of the Civil War in which Texas was the most violent of any of the Southern states, Howell (history, Prairie View A&M U.) and the other contributors discuss attacks on black men and women by ex-Confederate soldiers, the Ku Klux Klan, and conservative Democrats, as well as clashes between white supremacists and Tejanos (Mexicans in Texas). They also examine the roles of the Texas Freedman's Bureau, and period newspapers. The book includes photographs, maps, and statistics on violent incidents. Annotation 2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
