Written shortly before his death, Davy Crockett: My Own Story is the autobiography of the famous "king of the wild frontier." As you'd expect in such a work, Crockett takes a chronological approach as he outlines his early life, marriages, involvement in the Creek Indian wars, serving in congress, and bear hunting. The last chapter appears to be excerpts taken from his diary at the Alamo- where his life came to a tragic and early end, as is well known.
Though it ends abruptly, I really enjoyed this book. Crockett's language is simple- he's clearly a backwoods country bumpkin- but he has an endearing passion for life 'lived right,' simplicity, justice, and common sense. It made me feel as though we've made our modern lives too complicated, and could benefit from a return to basics. He "knowed" many things, and had mighty big adventures in his short life. I found it telling that he focused far more on bear hunting than he did his stint in congress- almost as though he found the former more important or interesting.* While it wasn't perfect, and didn't give a complete portrait of the man, it was enjoyable, telling, and is worth a look.
I'll end with a paraphrase I found compelling: regarding leadership, Crockett's approach was "neither seek nor refuse" office. In other words, he wouldn't look to be a politician, but if asked, he would run. In a world where some are ambitious beyond discretion, he has a point.
Rating: A-
*it probably was
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