Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar: A Rhetorical Framing Study of Their Writings on Native Americans

(Hardback)

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This book is a rhetorical study of the writings of Republic of Texas presidents Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar which analyzes the frames applied in the writings of the two leaders to define Native Americans. Presenting their individual writings as a dialogue and an argument, it considers the points at which Houston and Lamars rhetorical depictions overlapped and diverged, and explores the range and overall social impact of each presidents portrayal of Native Americans. It prompts readers to consider the implications of such rhetorical framing both historically and through the modern day in application to a wide array of social groups.

Reviews

Taking as his subjects two presidents of the Texas Republic, Sam Houston and Mirabeau Lamar, Ryan uses a rhetorical version of framing analysis to comparatively examine how Houston and Lamar rhetorically constructed their public arguments concerning Native Americans in the early republic. Of note in his analysis is that even as Houston and Lamar did not actually debate each other, Ryan brings to light framing nuances that allow him to place Houston and Lamar in conversation, thus pointing to a new understanding of the public tensions that existed during that period. This is a wonderful idea that showcases not only the flexibility of rhetorical framing analysis, but also shows a new understanding of Houston and Lamar. -- Jim A. Kuypers, Virginia Tech

Author Bio

Christopher J. Ryan is director of rhetoric and professional and technical communication at The University of Texas at Dallas.