New Mexico Books

This book enlightens the reader to major enconimic forces influencing the history of New Mexico while telling the story of the development of the Camino Real through New Mexico and into the United States.

From Smokey Bear to the "Sundance Kid" from Pablita Velarde, Jake Viarial to Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici, New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary is a must read for anyone interested about individuals who influenced our state's legacy. Historian Don Bullis compiled and wrote New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary and stated that this book represents "a cross section of people who have had an influence on life - and sometimes death - in the Land of Enchantment." Hot off the press from Rio Grande Books - publishers of Tradición Revista Magazine - I found the book packed with a wealth of fascinating historical tidbits. New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary is organized alphabetically by last name and includes a short biographical sketch of each individual listed. In addition, some black and white photographs are included throughout the book.

The earliest entry begins with Etevanico, a Moroccan slave, who is recognized as the first non-Indian to enter Pueblo Country in 1539. Although as New Mexicans we recognize the historical legacy of indigenous leaders and presence long before European arrival, Estevanico is a prominent figure because he served as a guide for Fray Marcos de Niza who set out from New Spain in search of the Seven Cities of Cibola.

While flipping through the pages I recognized many prominent leaders as well as not so prominent leaders that I would not normally think about when it comes to remembering New Mexico's influences. For example, some of these include Dennis Weaver, who starred in the long running television series Gunsmoke. Weaver also starred in McCloud as a Taos Marshall named Sam McCloud. Others mentioned are Television Actor Bill Dailey, most known for his role in I Dream of Jeannie, who retired in Albuquerque and the "Rhinestone Cowboy" Glen Campbell who spent time in New Mexico and performed in several Albuquerque venues. I was delighted to read about the legendary Buddy Holly and his New Mexico connection. Holly worked with Norman Petty in Clovis and recorded That'll Be the Day, which attracted the attention of Decca Records.

Among U.S. Presidents, Herbert Hoover is noted for signing the legislation that created Carlsbad Caverns National Park in 1930. And, Abraham Lincoln is noted as making a number of appointments including that of Henry Connelly as Governor of New Mexico. Among Pueblo people President Lincoln is revered for giving each of the Pueblo Governors the "Lincoln Canes" which was recognized as a symbol of sovereignty in the 1860s - which continues to present day. The issuing of canes is not mentioned in the book. And more importantly, readers should remember the biographical sketches are not meant to be exhaustive but serve as citations for further research.

From the previous publications by Don Bullis on the Old West it is not a surprise to read about outlaws such as Davy Crocket and William Henry Bonney aka "Billy the Kid." But, it is quite fitting in New Mexico history and modern day influences to read about folks like the legendary Al Hurricane, Albuquerque Astronaut Sidney Gutierrez and the auto racing Unser Family.

New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary has a good overview of what I call the "classic notables." These include Po'Pay, leader of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680, Anthropologist Adolphe Bandelier, Robert J. Oppenheimer, Maria Martinez, San Ildefonso Potter, U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez, Rudolfo Anaya and the late Storyteller and Linguist Esther Martinez of Ohkay Owingeh.

In the Introduction, Bullis states that this is not a complete work and not all historically significant New Mexicans are to be found in these pages. This is Volume I in what will hopefully become a series of notable individuals who influenced New Mexico. This book represents a significant step to capture notable leaders, artists, outlaws and educators. A future publication should ideally build upon this and include biographical sketches of those who shaped New Mexico history like the first woman Governor of Isleta Pueblo, Verna Teller, and Dr. Beryl Blue Spruce the first Pueblo Indian physician, as well as inclusion of U.S. President Richard M. Nixon who signed over Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo in 1970. Regardless, New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary offers a valuable step for students interested in pursuing further research about the famous and infamous people who influenced our state. This first volume should and must be read for those interested in New Mexico's historical and cultural legacy.

Matthew J. Martinez
Ohkay Owingeh

Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (10/06)

"New Mexico" is a compilation of three novels of historical couples living in Roswell, New Mexico, hometown of author Janet Lee Barton. The heart-tugging Old West romance stories take place in the New Mexico Territory in the years 1897-1899.

"A Promise Made" (2003) begins with Emma, owner of the local café, suddenly the guardian of a baby girl named Mandy, after Emma makes a promise to Annie, the child's mother, while on her deathbed. Emma promises to Annie that she will care for and keep Mandy safe. But when the greedy councilman, Douglas Harper, is intent to find Emma an unfit caregiver because she is a business owner and single, Emma struggles to do all she can to keep her promise to her friend. Can obtaining a husband by mail-order be the answer to keep the evil councilman from removing Mandy from Emma's arms and into a foster home?

"A Place Called Home" (2005) finds Beth hopelessly attached to the two children of her husband-to-be, Cassie and Lucas, when an accident leaves the children without a father. Beth loves the children as her own until Uncle Jeb comes to town to make a home for his niece and nephew. How will Beth survive if she is separated from the children and they go live with their uncle? Everyone knows Uncle Jeb's reputation as a wanderer, so what kind of home will that provide for the children?

"Making Amends" (2005) is about daughter Darcie, her mother's boardinghouse, and their new boarder, John Harper. John has arrived in town to settle his unpopular uncle's estate, the evil and dishonest councilman, Douglas Harper, whom we first met in "A Promise Made." Overcoming the image the entire town has for the Harper name proves to be a major obstacle for John, and he vows to right the wrong his evil uncle has inflicted. Darcie has much conflict to overcome with John living in their home, for Douglas Harper caused so much pain to her own family, especially her father, and forgiveness is difficult.

Janet Lee Barton has written and compiled a winning combination of short stories for those who enjoy Christian Romance. A worthwhile message is offered in each of the stories to readers of all ages. The three stories in "New Mexico" are interconnected, for they all take place in the same location and we encounter the same characters in each of the stories, and this adds to the readers' enjoyment. I recommend "New Mexico" without reservation.

This book, a collaboration between D.S. Correll and Oakes Ames and his famous botanical illustrator wife, Blanche Ames (with additional drawings by Gordon Dillon), is an invaluable resource to anyone wanting to understand the diversity of North American orchids and their botany. Taxonomic names have changed, in some cases, but that does not take away from the beautiful illustrations nor the valuable information contained herein. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about orchid conservation!

Ruben Gallo is a genius. Never before has art been better used to explicate the weird, wooly, cilantro-ey world of Mexican culture. This is the rare thing -- an art-culture page turner. This book is the perfect dinner guest -- smart, witty, and with perfect phrasing. I endorse it!

Valuable asset for adherents to late David Brower's promise to restore Glen Canyon as wild river. Read Scott Slovic's 21 page afterword...& understand that Glen canyon Dam may soon be by-passed,standing, as a concrete artfiact to man's defamation of nature. (See Cadillac Desert, late author-Reisner)

May Castleberry's informed and informative text comprising New World's Old World is wonderfully enhanced for readers with exceptional black and white photos of ancient American cultures before the Spanish conquest. These archaeological sites have survived to be photographed in the 19th century and beyond: individual photos capture the pre-Columbian Native American monuments, their landscapes, and provide clues to ancient cultural customs. A fine visionary approach to archaeology and early Native American peoples.

This book is a must read for anyone interested in contemporary writing from Mexico. The incredible number of short stories, essays, and poems interspersed with paintings and photographs really provide an overview of what is going on today in Mexico artistically. Some of the writing you'll love, some of the writing will disturb you, but all of it is intriguing. I used this compelation as a starting point to find out which writers I'd like to read more of. This book provides clear evidence of what a rich culture Mexico has. With works by over 50 artists and writers represented, you'll definitely find an artist who moves you.

While I admire the "straight" photography of Adams, Weston, and the Farm Security Administration photographs of the 1930's. Now that I am older, I am drawn to the romantic, soft and somewhat dreamy photographs associated with "pictorialism." I found some examples in an old book by Paul L. Anderson. Anderson also mentions a "Struss Pictorial Lens." I would find examples of "pictorialism" at museum shows. Later I found a book entitled "Pictorialism in California" with wonderful photograhps. However, this book about Karl Struss is wonderful. Particularly his still photography prior to 1918. Struss' work with night and architectural scenes are wonderful! A revelation. He didn't "do" figures well. But any photographer interested in the history of photograhy will find a visual feast. The book is well produced and high quality images. This book explores an interesting person, who for various reasons, remains almost unknown today.

this book of poetry is amazing! It's so sad to think that the revolution these poets died for was destroyed by US imperialism. These poems remind us of the real lifes and hopes of ordinary Nicaraguans before and during the Sandanista liberation.