New Mexico Books

Davis Ford has compiled a labor of love, this by capturing the thoughts, ideas and personas of an era that is quickly leaving us. Just as Tom Brokow has referred to those who participated in WWII as members of a great generation, so are those whom Dr. Ford memoralizes in his book. You can almost hear the campfire crackle as the cowboys discuss their lives in a time soon to be remembered only by the false pictures generated by Hollywood of men who are truely of the ages. Everyone who has even sat astride of a horse, or watched John Wayne in action, needs to read this book to hear the true story of the American west and the men who made history, and won a country, in their own quiet way. This book will be read 100 years from now by those who want to know the true story of the American west and those that left their own personal brand on our country.

In his excellent book, The Last Cowboy, Davis Ford creates a colorful mosaic not only of Leroy Webb but also of many other authentic cowboys - as well as the development of an entire region. The format of the book enhances the story with quotes encased in barbed wire, action pictures, regional maps and appropriate quotations interspersed in the text. The Last Cowboy is an outstanding chronology of an era told through ancestral history, geographical details and economic facts woven into telling the life story of Webb. It is a pleasure to read this well-researched and well-crafted history, augmented by humorous anecdotes and the personal observations of the author.

If you like literate fly fishing books, pickup this one along with Gordon Wickstrom's 1st book. The author opines on sundry topics trout and fishing related. Shakespeare. Yeats. Fly Patterns. A very idiosynchratic book. If you like Frank Mele, Ted Leeson, Bill Barich, Mcguane at his most academic (in the best sense of the word) - you will like Wickstrom. Highly recommended.

In several of these essays, Wickstrom has stepped out of his niche as a writer on fishing to a position as a writer who uses fishing as a ledge to stand on whilst observing life its own self. I felt myself in the company of a first rate mind that has lived vividly and (much, much more important) thoughtfully in the great world beyond the banks of the stream. Melville knew that we are all drawn to the water, and that it needn't be a grim November to find us standing at the edge of whatever island we're on, looking out. Bill at the Canon City flyshop says that we go fishing because we need to stand in a river. And I think he's right. But most of us go stand in the river so as to build a cocoon of focus that excludes the great world, and so find rest and solace from its busy wounding and exhilarating interference. Wickstrom, from his ledge in the river, looks out on that great world and makes up thoughts about it. Those thoughts are refined and purified by the action of the river and his passionate attention to its denizens, but never do they use the river as a palliative or hiding place. Instead they use the river as a source of clarity and gravitas.
"Gravitas, the heavy tread of moral earnestness, becomes a bore if it is not accompanied by the light step of intelligence." So says the Oxford Dictionary, and they ought to know. Wickstrom's light step draws us in to relish and consider of his ideas.
What a fine book.

This novel is very realistic, I loved the story! The smallest details of his life come to life for the reader and you feel like you are there with Billy as he walks into court.

There is so little details about what really happened during this trial, but Boggs is very imaginative at filling in the blank spots, to put this historical event in a tangible perspective for those of us that weren't really there to be able to see how it was. He even does a good job letting the reader know what is fact and what is pure speculation, so you come away with a good sense of what really happened, all the while having read an interesting and entertaining book. Any Kid afficionado should read this one.

It's is a great book that transports you to a world full of adventures some happy and others hard, but always finding the bright side of life and of things. It made me feel the same things Renate felt and made me laugh when she enjoyed life. I think this is a superb book but also the story of her life is an example for everybody, to learn that there is only one life and one must live it to the fullest.

From Rosemary Boyd, Editor, Laurel Press: "Renate Horney is one of the most vibrant and energetic, yet 'mellow,' people I've ever met. An octogenarian who radiates youthful enthusiasm, she is constantly on the go. One could read her memoir simply to absorb the attitudes suitable for enjoying a gratifying and fruitful older age if the book weren't so much more. The following excerpted comments from some of her readers express how much more."

From Sara Reimer, writer for the NY Times: "Once I started reading "Lazarus, What's Next?" I couldn't put it down. I wish it had been twice as long--I wanted more. You've had the most extraordinary life and I loved the warm, funny, and honest voice you found to tell your tale. It was happy and sad and profound all at once. I laughed out loud..."

From Jeanne W. Frank, writer: "The book is wonderful. It has all the elements of a page-turner: spontaneity, thoughtfulness, honesty, and the joy of life."

From Laurie Linda: "I've read countless biographies and memoirs, but I found yours to be absolutely spellbinding. I literally could not put it down, enjoying every moment."

Being a direct descendant of Rafael Chacón -- his granddaughter Ernestina was my maternal grandmother -- I admit to the possibility of a biased opinion, but I truly think this is an absolutely wonderful book. Although the memoirs themselves are quite extraordinary, Jacqueline Meketa's additional biographical research and information is exceptional.

I think Meketa's own words will give you the best sense of the importance of this book -- the following is an excerpt from the last part of the Introduction, pages 8-10...

The Chacón memoirs are unique and must not be underestimated. He was an important figure in nineteenth-century New Mexico who, until now, has been overlooked. But, with the publication of this work, Rafael Chacón will assume his rightful place as the voice of literally thousands of Hispanic New Mexicans who, muted by illiteracy and overpowered by an invasive Anglo culture, were unable to communicate their values, tenets, and sentiments to both their contemporaries and to those who were to come after. By sheer strength, the English-speaking Americans were able to superimpose their own standards and mores on the Hispanic culture, which had been in place for centuries; even worse, some Anglos allowed neither their position as foreign newcomers nor their ignorance of the native language and customs to dilute, to any degree, their prejudicial judgments and attitudes.

Although a few open-minded Anglo visitors to New Mexico in the last century did give a fair rendering, in diaries, articles, and letters, of the native people, by far the majority were blinded by their own backgrounds. This typically Victorian attitude of white supremacy not only inflicted much pain but also perpetuated many untruths. Perhaps now the distorted portrait of New Mexico's earlier colonizers, seen through a glass darkly, will be corrected through the rare Hispanic perspective preserved in Chacón's account.

Rafael Chacón's captivating eye-witness accounts of life before the arrival of the Americans paint a picture of a people who, although lacking many of the advantages and trappings of a more industrial society, lived with dignity and contentment. Their very isolation and somewhat primitive circumstances had given birth to a way of life in which simple pleasures were much appreciated. Courage, self-restraint, sharing, courtesy, a willingness to work hard, and mutual respect were highly valued. And overriding everything was a deep bond to the Catholic religion, which thoroughly permeated the daily thoughts and actions of the Hispanic populace. Though they were frequently deprived of the sacraments because of the shortage of priests and the requisite cash donations, they maintained an ardent attachment to their faith.

Rafael Chacón's account of his life is a singular gem for a number of other reasons. Its very length, scope, and sweep make it unusual, but, in addition, the author was an educated man of talent who was, as far as is known, the only man present at so many critical events paramount in shaping the course of New Mexico history during the tumultuous nineteenth century. Chacón's writing is rich in anecdotes, personal insights, and stories that cannot be found in official documents or formal histories depicting the events about which he writes. It contains detailed and pertinent information, much of which was previously unknown. Even more interestingly, in several instances Chacón voiced opinions or made charges that subsequent research supported, exposing some clay feet and contradicting certain items which had been accepted as incontrovertible by many researchers and writers.

Inevitably, any written account is filtered through its author's sensibilities and must be judged thus. But the premier characteristic that Chacón's peers attributed to him was integrity, and so it seems safe to observe that he was a man of honor and scruples who tried to set down honestly and without prejudice what he remembered of past events. Research has shown that Chacón did make some errors, mainly in the area of specific dates and numbers, and these have been pointed out where known; but, overall, he did an absolutely amazing job. How many of us, in our mid-seventies, could look back over an entire life and recall events as accurately as he has done?

It was indeed providential that Rafael Chacón was blessed with a long life, for his longevity had the effect of enhancing the value of his knowledge of bygone events once time had elapsed and his contemporaries no longer survived. Unfortunately, it is often human nature to trivialize current events while still, paradoxically, assigning great value and interest to happenings of earlier times. Thus it was that after the turn of the century much more importance was attached to Rafael Chacón's memories by both historians and family and friends. This was the impetus that finally moved Chacón to labor for six years to complete his written account. It is expected that this, the most complete picture ever drawn by one man of the Mexican and early territorial periods of New Mexico history as seen through the eyes of a Hispano, will be of interest to many future generations.

Rafael Chacon (1833-1925), personally witnessed the end of the Mexican Period and was an active participant in commercial, military, and political events during the early decades of the American era from territorial status to statehood. Legacy Of Honor: The Life Of Rafael Chacon, A Nineteenth Century New Mexican is unique in its detail, anecdotal style, human interest and presents one of the few existent Hispanic points of view on the era and events surrounding the creation of New Mexico. Chacon wrote his memoirs in his seventies to record for his family the drama, adventure, and sorrow he had experienced, including his later service in the American Civil War. He fought at the Battle of Valverde, fought Indians under Kit Carson, escorted the first officials to the new established territory of Arizona, and was one of the few Hispanics to attain the rank of Major, commanding Fort Stanton at the end of the war. Chacon went on to serve several terms in the territorial legislature before homesteading near Trinidad, Colorado. Legacy Of Honor is a superbly informative, biographical contribution to academic American history collections, and fascinating reading for American history buffs.

Charles Cutter, professor at Purdue University and all-around nice guy, has written a superb overview of an often overlooked aspect of Spanish frontier history. Son of legendary Borderlands historian Donald Cutter, Charles proves himself a premier historian of the period in his own right.

Charles Cutter, professor at Purdue University and all-around nice guy, has written a superb overview of an often overlooked aspect of Spanish frontier history. Son of legendary Borderlands historian Donald Cutter, Charles proves himself a premier historian of the period in his own right.

i read this book in the original spanish a couple of years ago and was blown away. rosencof creatively weaves together his own history with that of his ancestors who perished in hitler's camps. i have not read this translated version, but it is probably excellent since it is part of a series that has included terrific books.

Like Mauricio Rosencof, the author of this book, I am Uruguayan - but this book has a message for every reader, regardless of his or her nationality, religion or political ideology.

The son of poor Polish/Jewish immigrants (his father was a tailor), Mauricio Rosencof's childhood was punctuated by poverty and absence - that of his elder brother, who, as he tells us, "protected me all my life, until he died", and that of his parents' Polish relatives, assassinated by the Germans and authors of the real or imagined "letters that never came". But Mauricio's early years were also marked by the kindness of his parents, by his hungry alertness to the world, and by the magical background of a long-gone Montevideo - all of which he evokes masterfully.

Suffering was to feature prominently in adulthood too. For about twelve years (1973 - 1985), Uruguay was scourged by a shameful and bloody military dictatorship that ended one of the longest and stablest democratic traditions in South America. Mauricio, a left-wing activist, was imprisoned and tortured, while his aged father and mother were persecuted as the "parents of a subversive". During these dark times, the letters that never came were the ones he could not write, the ones that told of the brutal treatment meted out to him, of the terror, the hope and the endurance.

I read the book in the original Spanish and so cannot comment on the translation, but I hope it does justice to Rosencof's spare, austere and yet profoundly evocative writing.

It should also be noted that "The letters..." inspired a play (which included Hebrew dances or "rikudim") and ran for a long time in Montevideo's renowned "Teatro El Galpón".

This wonderfully crafted memoir is an urgent and important read which speaks of family ties, heritage, love, grief, beliefs, and - above all - the force of the human spirit.

Mr. Keenan rescues Yellowsone Kelly from obscurity. The book is a joy to read and has many nuggets of information in it about how life on the frontier was rugged and survival was a struggle. Kelly did indeed live a life that people could only dream about. As civilization changed he adjusted to city life. Kelly should rank with Carson,Boone, and Crokett.

Born in Geneva, NY, Yellowstone Kelly--Luther S. Kelly (1849-1928)--had a wanderlust and desire for adventure that carried him to the Philippines and Alaska. But he made his reputation mostly from his scouting work in the northern part of the Great Plains when this region was first being settled. Kelly was involved as a scout in the U. S. Cavalry campaigns against the Sioux and other tribes in the 1870s; during which Custer and his men were wiped out in one engagement. Besides being depended on by Generals Miles and Sheridan for his knowledge of the area, Kelly later became acquainted with Buffalo Bill and Theodore Roosevelt in their activities in the upper Plains. The author of other books on this era of American history, Keenan writes a colorful, engaging biography of the life of the prominent, though not well-known, scout whose life and adventures coincide with the opening of the upper Great Plains after the Civil War and the waning of the old West. Kelly spent his last years tending an orchard in Paradise, CA.

The Little Ghost Who Wouldn't Go Away/El Pequeno Fantasma Que No Queria Irse is a bilingual (English and Spanish) storybook for young readers, about Rebecca Garcia, a young girl determined to learn why a little ghost continues to quietly haunt the mountain community of El Rito in New Mexico. A warm and engaging story about discovery and emotion, The Little Ghost Who Wouldn't Go Away is nicely illustrated by Kris Hotvedt with a handful of black-and-white drawings.

Having lived in northern new mexico for most of my life, I can relate to this book. My kids love it and ask me to read it to them again and again and again.

Marc Simmons has done a wonderful job documenting the Southwest through many of his writings. In "The Little Lion of the Soutwest" he brings to life Manuel Antonio (Duran y) Chaves. Manuel lived through a drastically changing political environment of what he considered his homeland since when the Duran y Chaveses first found their way into what is now the American Southwest in the early 1600s. Simmons documents Manuel's childhood, military service, and livelihood through his son, Amado's collection, and other historical documentation. Mr. Simmons puts a face on some of the personalities that helped shape (what is now) New Mexico during the 1800s.

These are the tales of which my family grew up on. This story reminiscents to how well our great+ grandfathers lived compared to what resulted when many hispanic families were pushed off their lands. As a child, I remember hearing tales about the dealings with the Native Americans, having huge herds of cattle and sheep, and that there were a few in the family who fought in the old wars. During that time, I chalked these up as family "fish tales". In reading "The Little Lion", some of these myths come to life. Mr. Simmons helps in piecing together a history of what one great man of the Chavez family went through. For this I am grateful to read about because my fifth great grandfather was one of Manuel Antonio's uncles. Mr. Simmons writing's on Manuel Antonio Chavez makes many proud of the honor of being part of this "Distinctive American Clan".

This book is one I will always cherish, knowing someone took the time in giving a voice to a few lives of the Southwest. This is the stuff that should be taught in American History.

Manuel Antonio Chaves, New Mexican pioneer, Indian fighter, soldier, and rancher, made quite a reputation for himself during his lifetime (1818-1889). Born at Cebolleta, northwest of Albuquerque, Chaves first gained prominence as a foe of his corrupt uncle, the Governor of New Mexico, Manuel Armijo. He participated in the Mexican War and distinguished himself at the Battle of Taos Pueblo. In 1855 he was a captain of New Mexican volunteers in the Ute-Jicarilla War and rode against the Apaches on the Gila River in 1857. In the Civil War, he guided troops at Glorieta Pass, helping assure a Union victory. After the war he settled down to a rancher's life near San Mateo where he died in 1889.

Even though Chaves participated in a number of important events in the development of the Southwest, he was not a major figure in terms of the historical record. Not much has been written about him, and Simmons had quite a task before him to present an adequate picture of the man. He's done an admirable job, however, and the book is an interesting and informative account of El Leoncito.