The Third Texas Cavalry in the Civil War is a history of a volunteer regiment that was formed and served during the American Civil War and was disbanded at the end of that war. Douglas Hale, Professor Emeritus of History at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, is the writer. He uses official records plus letters to recount their story.

It's kind of a dry narration with few maps. I guess because of the nature of cavalry actions you get a sense of the battle but not really detailed, even when the Third Texas fought dismounted. Even though he mentions individuals all the time -- this man was shot here, this trooper did a gallant action there -- it feels like he's kind of elaborating on the official accounts without making things up whole cloth.

Interestingly, since Hale had access to census information, he breaks down the unit by socio-economic status and slave holding characteristics to see if there is any conclusions to be gathered there. Not sure he concludes anything. Troopers were generally better off since they brought their own horses and leaders tended to be community leaders. There are also break downs by county.

As with other ACW unit histories I've read at the regimental level it can feel a bit sparse since most fighting is done by brigades. With the Third Texas it's the same as it was usually part of a Texas cavalry brigade so the brigade goes into action and Hale notes where the Third Texas contributed. But also since it's cavalry the regiment does do individual missions.

Overall I found the book interesting. I think the writing style is a bit dry though.