This book examines the contrasting realities and rhetoric of 19th-century Texas immigration through the personal accounts of English and Czech settlers. Authors Lawrence H. Konecny and Clinton Machann present a multifaceted view of immigration, juxtaposing the optimistic claims made in William Kingsbury's 1877 pamphlet with the lived experiences of immigrants. The work incorporates an Englishman's private diary and oral histories from descendants of Moravian immigrants to offer a nuanced perspective on the historical context and persuasive narratives surrounding settlement in Texas.

The book is structured to provide a direct comparison between promotional material and personal experiences of immigration to Texas. By reprinting an original pamphlet and including firsthand accounts, it offers a rich source for understanding the historical narratives and the lived realities of settlers. The juxtaposition of English and Czech immigrant perspectives highlights the diverse experiences and motivations of those seeking new lives. This approach allows readers to critically assess the historical rhetoric surrounding immigration to Texas.