New Mexico Books

This pathbreaking volume recasts the history of Texans of Mexican origin. Drawing upon seldom-used data from decennial censuses of 1850 through 1900, Stewart and De Leon seek the key reasons why ethnic inequalities of social status, work, income, and literacy emerged in nineteenth-century Texas.

Despite liberal democratic tradition enshrined in notions of equality on the frontier, Texas became a land of "not room enough" for Tejanos. In the years from 1850 to 1900, frontier society in Texas gave way to modernity and a market-driven economy. New opportunities evolved, and while both Anglos and Mexicans sought to profit, Texans of Mexican origin did not share equitably in new benefits.

By exploring the dynamics of socioeconomic transition in Texas, the authors offer reasons for this result, while also reflecting on the resourcefulness and resilience of Tejanos as they carved out a place for themselves in a rapidly changing enviroment.
--- from book's dustjacket

"What is thinking?" That is the question with which author Vera John-Steiner opens this definitely thought-provoking book. It is a tall order to fill, but she does so both with insight and eloquence by studying experienced, productive thinkers. I have read this book twice because it is so full of gems I could not seem to collect them all in one visit. One of the biggest strengths of the book is that it provides the depth needed by academic researchers as well as the accessibility of language and explanation most non-academic readers prefer. She examines how thinking develops, the emotional and intellectual intensity of creative work, the tools creative thinkers use, and the similarities and differences among "languages of the mind" such as words, images, music and models. She bases her ideas on the reflective sources of thinkers themselves ­ more than 100 interviews, plus letters, journals, works in progress, biographies and autobiographies ­ sources which have been neglected by behavior scientists in the past but have proved invaluable for illuminating the succinct, telegrammatic thought processes or "inner shorthands into artistically and intellectually convincing achievements." By using in-depth analyses of these self-reports and "working papers" of great minds in the arts and sciences, John-Steiner shows that creativity (1) requires sustained effort (it is not an instantaneous "aha" as it is sometimes portrayed) and (2) is not a product of "lone genius" but of social scaffolding, interaction and apprenticeship. Creativity, like this book, is a journey of wonder, exploration, evaluation and novel ideas that is well worth taking.

In the words of another: "[The Fayum Bulletin] is of historical interest by its very nature...[and] should appeal to a wide spectrum of geologists, paleontologists, historians, and inquisitive members of the general public." - Kennerd B. Bork, in his review of Bulletin 22 in Earth Sciences History, v. 22 (2003), n. 2, at pp. 229-230.

In acclaimed western writer Max Evans's newest book, he tackles tough questions such as, "Is love greater than friendship?" and "To what lengths will one go to win love back?"
Will best friends T.C. and Ray survive the long, cold, solitary winter on a mining site in Eastern New Mexico? First, they must overcome their fears and jealousies. The ending will leave readers suprised and one particularly gruesome scene proves Evans's mastery of description--both of his characters and of the settings in which he places them.

Chuck McCutcheon is an old classmate of mine, but I have to say that I found this to be a fine work. His book is direct and forceful in presenting the lengthy story of the creation of a facility to house radioactive waste. The author almost never bogs down in the technical or mundane even as the people he is writing about are doing exactly that. There's a lot to be learned from this book, namely, how Americans deal with periodic reminders that the unpleasant (or, in this case, deadly) byproducts of our military and technical might need to be dealt with, someway, somehow, somewhere.

Easily the best of the few books in English on the history of the Mexican States of Chihuahua and Durango from the earliest times up until Mexico's independence from Spain. Has good maps and photographs. The narrative takes a balanced approach from both the military and religious points of view which were so important to the settlement of northern Mexico. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of this area of Mexico and even it neighbors such as Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to round out your knowledge.

My 28-year residency in New Mexico ended with my recent move to California. Viewing Miguel Gandert's photographs opened the floodgates of memory in ways I had not anticipated.

Gandert's images carry the viewer into the most important dimension of ritual: the experiential element. Witnessing these ritual dances, even as a mere spectator, can be a moving experience. A vivid recollection of one New Year's Day at Jemez Pueblo Plaza comes to mind. I sat crosslegged on the ground at the inward-facing edge of the assembly, following the action of the Matachine dancers. A little boy portraying El Torito, the bull, was being chased by a whip-wielding Abuelo, who represents both wise elder and taunting clown. I held my hands over my head, feigning a protective gesture in mock fear, as they ran around me in ever tightening circles. The double-line pattern of the danzantes suddenly shifted and swept over me on both sides with ribbons flying in a swirl of color. In that moment I found all concept of time and structure collapsing into liminality. Afterwards, I became concerned that I might have inadvertently violated ritual space. Upon expressing my feelings to a tribal member, however, I was assured that no such transgression had taken place and that I might have even received a blessing.

The event described above could, no doubt, be interpreted quite differently from another standpoint and through another's eyes. Similarly, this book can be appreciated on many different levels. It's relevancy to universal elements and ritual may resonate with a widely diverse audience. Gandert and four knowledgeable essayists create a compelling cultural admixture of polarity and paradox. The resultant images emerge through layers of time, space, and history like so many bubbles from some deep, ancient well. This book is truly a verbal and visual treasure.

Readers interested in expanding their knowledge of the Matachines tradition will also find a valuable resource in The Matachines Dance: Ritual Symbolism and Interethnic Relations in the Upper Rio Grande Valley by Sylvia Rodriguez.

Ol' Max is the fascinating life story of a fascinating man, written by an equally fascinating writer. A book well worth reading that shows just what a person can do if they really want to do it. Since I know both Ol' Max and Slim personally, I can vouch for the authenticity of this biography of a man who succeeded against all odds at accomplishing any damn thing he wanted to. I've sat in bars sipping cool ones with Ol' Max and listening to his stories. It was a humbling and heart-warming experience. Read this book. You certainly won't regret it.

Robert Dyer
Novelist

Ol' Slim's Views From the Porch: A Plethora of Punditry, A Wonderment of Wisdom is an anthology of twenty-six of Slim Randles' timeless columns, originally run in New Mexico Magazine. Charming, sketchy black-and-white illustrations by Grem Lee illustrate this tongue-in-cheek funny allotment of reflections from who's going to wear the Universal Wrestling Foundation crown to the marvels of dutch oven cookery to why China is more fly-free than America, to why it isn't truly spring until you see concrete blocks flying about in the air. A delightful sampling of homestyle American wit.

Using a qualitative research approach, Prindeville concisely and accurately demonstrates the unique position of American Indian and Hispanic female leaders in U.S. and tribal politics. Focusing her study in the southwest, Prindeville interviews influential women: tribal leaders, activists, and state legislators.

This text is ideal for anyone interested in learning about female tribal leaders and activists within the American political system.