New Mexico Books

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.

In the November 2000 issue of The Bloomsbury Review, in the "Gifts for Booklovers" section Lori D. Kranz wrote:

Her medium is clay, her inspiration the Galisteo Basin where she lives and works. Native New Mexican Priscilla Hoback makes what she calls "clay murals" or fired clay paintings. Hoback started out as a self -taught potter in Santa Fe, where she was born, and for many years created and sold functional pieces for the kitchen in her studio/shop on Canyon Road and at local craft fairs. In 1977, with her children gone to college, she yearned for a change, for a more peaceful life in the country, and so she bought a small, run-down ranch near Galisteo village, which she turned into a studio, a house, a garden, and a home for her horses, dogs, ducks, and chickens. In her meanderings through the basin valley, she became fascinated with its geology, wildlife, ancient petroglyphs, and abandoned mines-particularly clay mines. Her work grew in both size and inventiveness as she began to incorporate these influences, gathering raw materials from the land, experimenting with her own recipes, and firing them in a large kiln of her own making.

For her murals, Hoback uses the wet clay as her canvas, drawing images on it with her fingers, a pen, or a trowel. Then she brushes on pigments and creates texture by scraping away or building up layers of clay. Her imagery is of animals :horses, buffalo, deer, antelope, birds, and her favorite, bears. Before it has dried, she cuts the clay slab into smaller pieces and punches holes in them, which allows them to be screw-mounted on plywood for later hanging. Then comes what she considers the best part: the firing. Hoback sees kilns as "combinations of dragon, slave, and ancient god." The result of her efforts is a unique blend of ceramic art, painting, and installation art.

Living Clay is Hoback's story : her life, her process, her creations, her beautiful desert surroundings, all illustrated in full color. From an accomplisher potter she has become a singuar artist. "Hands ask, clay responds." she says. Her book is a testament to the beauty of what hands are capable of.

"I gather the clay for my work, one mural at a time." ~Prinscilla Hoback

While traveling across America as a teenager, I remember borrowing money from my brother in order to buy a set of clay dishes in New Mexico. I was fascinated by the colorful glazes and simplicity of the design. Prinscilla takes clay to new levels of creativity. I love her "Earth Dancers, 1998 Mural" that shows horses dancing like spirit horses across clay backgrounds. She finds horses visually exciting and loves the image of horses silhouetted against the sky.

Prinscilla Hoback started to make bowl forms, pitchers and plates and platters. She fell in love with clay and while working at her mother's restaurant, The Pink Adobe, she learned to make pots. Soon, she was selling sugar bowls, cream pitchers and coffee mugs. As she states, it was a "earn as you learn" situation.

Now she spends her time quarrying her own clay, developing glazes and building high-fire kilns. Her murals depict herds of horses, antelope, buffalo, white deer and migratory wild birds. Her work is a passionate expression of all she loves. Her new passion is writing and she loves gardening and cooking.

What I mostly remember about New Mexico is how warm the earth felt on my feet and then there are those hail storms! It seemed very much like Africa to me. There are people who love the scent of the earth where they live and I recognize this love of the earth in Prinscilla. I was amused at how she mixed dirt from her driveway with commercially prepared clay and then started to use native clays.

This is truly a fascinating book with creative writing and pictures of the artist's life and loves. There are pictures of her home in Galisteo and she takes the reader on a small tour of the Galisteo basin. If you love pottery, the creative story of the kiln will fascinate you and you might be amused by Prinscilla's humor.

The cover is quite beautiful with a burnt orange background of clay and horses dancing playfully on a mural.

~The Rebecca Review

if you like to read books that are interesting and strange and funny and sad you will like to read this book. this book is much better than this review. the book is well written, this review is not. everything this review lacks, the novel contains. if you like boats you must read this book. this review is failing to do this book justice. it is very good, you will be happy, it will make you smile.

This neglected masterpiece needs to be returned to print immediately. It is one of the greatest novels of the past half century. Prose this exquisite and sad and funny deserves a wide, ecstatic readership. This is a sea-tale about the deep loneliness between intimates and how that very loneliness can result in an even more powerful bond.

Good suspense tale of the civil war. It is a little known side tale of the civil war.
Not much is known about the fighting that went on in New Mexico with the Union forces and Texas.

Lt. David Buckalew and what few men he has left are on their way back to Texas after being beaten by the Union Army. On the way they find out about a bunch of weapons and powder hidden on a ranch. They decide to capture it and take it back with them to help their cause. They are only 20 men strong and this number will drop. The weapons and powder are hidden on a ranch owned by people who back the Union. They are successful it starting toward Texas with it but it is a long way from over. Bucklaew and his few men have to fight the people for the Union also a group of Indians led by Comanchero Floyd Bearfield, who wants the stuff to sell. Bucklaew is a green Lt., therefore, his men may more attention to Sergeant Noley Mitchell than to him. Can he get the material back to Texas? Will the men ever respect him? The book moves fast and will hold your attention. Some people get killed you don't want to and some live you don't want to. A good Western book, but then Kelton usually writes a good one.

An unparalleled accomplishment. Nina Barragan combines abundant research with an artistic panache ... producing a thorough and vivid narrative of the relocation of Russian Jews to Argentina at the turn of the century. This is a remarkable, powerful story, historical fiction at it's best. Told primarily through the diary of Rifke Schulman, a fictional yet deceptively `authentic' immigrant, the story unfolds leaving an imprint of this heroic woman's life forever in our memories. A beautifully crafted book.

The format is striking and gripping in itself. An imaginary journal of a remarkable, strong willed, independent woman is interspersed with short stories. The stories are poignant, contemporary portraits of Americans, each of whom has some tenuous link to the journal. The grandeur of this vision and the urgency of the details, make it difficult for the reader to put the book down. In the journal, the dramatic politics and cultural events of the early twentieth century come alive through unforgetable characters from the white slave trade to the striking unions. In the short stories we frequently come to know wonderful, engaging personalities who share a common reality: there are some things they just don't get. An unforgetable book!