“The story of the life and times of Richard Coke is long overdue. Painstakingly researched, this full-scale biography highlights one of the pivotal figures of the last half of the nineteenth century. From a country lawyer on the banks of the Brazos River, a decorated veteran, judge, governor, and US Senator from Texas – the legacy of Coke is a compelling read for all interested in Texas history.”

— John. A. Adams, Jr., Sul Ross at Texas A&M

“With access to great family stories, this book is a handsomely written and sympathetic portrait of a legendary 19th century Texas soldier, jurist, governor and U.S. Senator.”

— Barbara Radnofsky, A Citizen’s Guide to Impeachment

"Rosser Coke Newton and his co-author have provided a fascinating look into the mindset of one of the most influential ex-Confederate Texans from the Reconstruction and Redemption eras, Governor Richard Coke. We need more biographies and other histories illuminating the under-examined and multifaceted story of Texas between the Civil War and the onset of the twentieth century." 

— William Chriss, Six Constitutions Over Texas: Texas’ Political Identity, 1830–1900