Southwest Books

Myth, mystery, and truth all become blurred when White-Eyes speak of Geronimo. Regardless, Angie Debo de-mystifies the man with as much objective documentation as is available for this man. And in a writing style that is both objective and humane, Debo offers Geronimo in a light which shines truthful.

Since no one is around to verify an event that was horrifically biased against this medicine man who simply wanted to be allowed to be APACHE, we can only read what is available and decide for ourselves. I have decided that this is simply one of the most well-rounded, unbiased accounts of an extremely powerful human being, unwavering in his desire to be who he was born to be: APACHE.

While reading this great historical document, it's hard not to admire and respect Geronimo and develop a genuine disdain for the injustice heaped upon all Native People's by White-Eyes narrow view of their world.

This biography truly reveals the man behind the myth. Geronimo has had a reputation as either a bloodthirsty, pitiless scalp hunter (the conservative view), or as a divinely-guided leader trying desperately to save his people from destruction (the romantic view). Both of these are partially correct, but neither gives any indication of Geronimo as a human being, and that's what Debo does ably in this book. Debo compiles all the information available to give an impressively detailed portrait of the man's life, and uncovers many aspects of his personality, both good and bad. So we get the predicted praise for his bravery and honesty; but the author is not afraid to criticize his ill temper, vindictiveness, and lack of eloquence.

While the focus remains on Geronimo himself, this book also serves as an informative history of the final days of Apache independence. Many interesting characters are covered in a good amount of detail when Geronimo is absent from the narrative, like Victorio, Loco, Chihuahua, Kaywaykla, Naiche (my personal favorite) and even the white generals Crook and Howard. There is ample coverage of the tribe's post-glory days when they were imprisoned on various disagreeable reservations, and the depressing consequences of the loss of their culture and the deaths of many tribe members from disease. The only flaws in this book are Debo's criticism of previous information sources as inaccurate (they were, but the author's criticism is often arrogant), and a rather sappy, overly sentimental writing style.

Ms. Debo has presented a complete analysis of the man Geronimo, from both sides of the Apache conflict. She deals with the prejedice of the day as well as the myths and legends of the time. I was well informed by her conclusions and believe the concepts she presented were both truthful and informative.

Books commonly do not live up to the hype they receive, so when I read comments about this one being, "the only definitive book on this notable Indian" and others to that effect, I was initially skeptical. Then I read the book and found myself agreeing with the praise heaped on it, for Debo did indeed write a balanced and readable account of both Geronimo and the Apache, not to mention various parties from the U.S.A. who dealt with them (such as those in the Department of the Interior or army figures such as General Crook or Britton Davis), all based on years of careful research, personal interviews and extensive correspondance. The result is a book that gives a little of everything pertaining to Apache life in general and Geronimo and his contemporaries in particular. She writes with interest about past Apache history, Apache customs (such as the Dance of the Mountain Spirits), geographical distribution of various factions within the tribe, and the lives of those associated with Geronimo such as Cochise, Mangas Coloradas, Victorio, his wives, his sisters, Naiche, Nana, or Loco, to name but a few. Moreover, she writes of the division of opinion and lifestyle within the Apache themselves with respect to living on reservations and raiding. The raiding and killing done by Geronimo and other Apache hostiles, coupled with the duplicity and injustice of the U.S. government, ultimately brought disaster on many of the peaceful, productive Apache. The years of imprisonment and exile following Geronimo's capture show the great forbearance of the Apache, along with the difficulties faced by all parties in trying to preserve the Apache way of life while at the same time trying to become incorporated into mainstream American society.

Geronimo himself is treated fairly and shown in all his complexities. The reader is neither given the hero worship type biography nor the spiteful villain approach, but rather a temperate account of a strong, courageous, independent, yet flawed human who both fought for his people and yet brought disaster to them as well. As such, the man's humanity is revealed: his kindness to children and relatives, his good work ethic (even in old age), his fidelity to justice as he saw it, his courage in battle, his deeply religious nature, and willingness to endure hardship are just as evident as are his hatred towards Mexicans, weakness for alcohol, and willingness to murder and steal. Photographs are liberally sprinkled throughout the text, providing excellent visual aids.

I found Debo's writing to be neither overly sentimental nor dry as dust. She obviously took great interest in her subject and from time to time placed personal comments in the text or footnotes which give the reader the feeling that they are receiving a STORY and not merely a dry academic treatise. This is definitely a five-star book and I read it with great interest.

This book was recommended to me by a Herbal healer from the Tuscon Area, I think that anyone would find it a valuable addition to their libreary

this is an excellent book for newcomers to wildcrafting and medicne processing. the excellent pictures follow up with the medica info for each plant. these plants are easily found with the right description/photos both of which are detailed in this book. thank you Mr. Kane.

This is an excellent reference book. It is a little dry and the pictures were all in the center rather than with the plant descriptions. I'm sure that was done to save on printing costs--the pictures are on high glossy paper and there are photos as well as phenomenal drawings by Frank Rose. The photos and drawings are probably the best I've ever seen in this type of book. Instead of cross-referencing the pictures to the descriptions the photos are alphabetized making making finding the picture very easy.

The book is well-written and an excellent reference especially for anyone living in the southwest. When the author does tell personal stories about experiences with the plants, (finding them or using them) they are very good. I wish more of these personal notes were in the book because they were enjoyable, but I suppose there was only so much paper.

Herbal Medicine Of The American Southwest: A Guide To The Identification, Collection, Preparation, And Use Of Medicinal And Edible Plants Of The Southwestern United States by practicing herbalist Charles W. Kane (Tucson Clinic of Botanical Medicine) and featuring elegant and accurate illustrations by Frank S. Rose is the "user-friendly" and easy to use guide perfect for exactly what is described in the title. Herbal Medicine Of The American Southwest informs the reader of how to find the plant, how to prepare it, what it can be used for, what side effects may occur, and what resources might be necessary to further define the plant, giving the overall book a very definitive and notable study of the plants it features. Herbal Medicine Of The American Southwest is highly recommended to all naturalists living in the southwest of America, as well as organic studies students, however especially recommended to all inhabitants of the featured area.

This was a very interesting book for me. I'd often wondered about the military capabilities of the Mormon Battalion; this is the first book to address the question directly. I can't give the book 5 stars due to some awkward sentences and typos. Nevertheless, military-minded Latter-Day Saints and serious enthusiasts for the history of the American West will enjoy this one.

History May Be Searched in Vain: A Military History of the Mormon Battalion is an in-depth historical study of the only religious unit in American military history - the Mormon battalion, which was recruited entirely from one religious body and had a religious title as the unit designation. Though the battalion served in the Mexican War and marched across the Southwest to California, it never engaged in battle, and has consequently been ignored by military historians. History May Be Searched in Vain seeks to rectify this oversight by delving into more than eighty diaries, journals, memoirs, and typed manuscript copies prepared by battalion members, including the journal of Dr. George B. Sanderson, widely feared and hated in Mormon legend as "Dr. Death". Illustrated with a handful of maps and black-and-white photographs, History May Be Searched in Vain spares no effort in its minute and accurate depiction of the battalion's unique formation and composition, daily life, strategic role, and legacy.

Norma Ricketts in her book on the Mormon Battalion focused on the human and religious aspects and the individual participants. David Bigler and Will Bagley in their book on the Mormon Battalion provided much technical detail and excellent source material. But Fleek has addressed the Mormon Battalion from the military perspective which is a new look at the subject. In so doing, he has clearly placed the Mormon Battalion in its proper role in the Mexican War and in the history of California. And, he has incorporated new information which was unavailable to the previous authors. His book is an excellent addition to the the subject and should be read by anyone with an interest in the Mormon Battalion. Best of all, it is a very readable book that will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in the history of the West.

It is about time a qualified military historian tackled the Mormon Battalion. I am a Civil and Mexican War nut, and I have known a little about the battalion for a long time. Finally, we have an outstanding study of this truly American unit, a unsung and fascinating story. Lt. Col (ret) Fleek has made the claim it was a religous unit, he convinced me. He has truly placed the Battalion in context with the rest of the war and the events by using these "interjections" concerning the unfolding drama in Texas or Mexico. His descriptions of John Fremont, Robert Stockton are right on, as adventurous idiots. Fleek has a high regard for General Kearny, Col. Cooke, the Mormon soldiers and also for Mormon leader Brigahm Young, though he takes issue with the Mormons and some of Young's involvment. For a Mormon himself, Fleek's fairness and objectivity are quite refreshing.

Outstanding history! Excellent writing! A marvelous product by Arthur Clark and Company, as always!

This book has a message for every age. Our everyday lives are entwined in our work and all we hold important. This book, has within a few pages, alot of the dreams that we must reach for in our lives, and the obstacles that try to sway us. It shows that even when we do not reach our goals life goes on. We do not see the consequences just the outcome of behaviors, our own and that of others. I would reccommend this book to everyone..

I actually purchased this book because I loved the cover art, and the title, "How the Stars Fell into the Sky," intrigued me. The image of the Navajo woman, star in hand, gazing up thoughtfully into the dark, "new" sky really captured and held my attention. I wanted to read this book! :) I also felt that it would be worth sharing and discussing with my students.

The illustrations are amazing; they feel warm, soft, and alive--not harsh or garish at all. Each image underscores the emotions and actions of this story of First Woman who wants to communicate laws to her people---present and future--in such away as the laws would always be accessible and always be remembered. She carefully places stars in certain patterns until the impatient, meddling Coyote offers to help--which eventually brings the woman grief and human beings confusion.

What's interesting about this story is the dynamic comparison / contrast that occurs with the main characters: First Man, First Woman, and Coyote. The First Man and the Coyote (Man and animal) are both extremely impatient to be getting onto other here and now "Life" activities while the First Woman considers the future, believing that writing the laws is necessary. Writing the laws requires time and careful efforts. It is a sacred duty she takes seriously. Thus, in this tale, the woman is the respectable, responsible, beyond-the-moment person and the dedicated law giver. (Some world legends and myths tend to place women in subservient roles and / or vilify them.) Her only mistake is trusting the Coyote to help her. [Perhaps, this is the warning embedded in the story: beware of "animal instincts," "urges," and haste because they can cause unhappiness, discord, and disorder.]

"How the Stars Fell into the Sky" contains the following collection of universal themes that can be examined and discussed in group / class settings:

First Woman is compelled to write the laws of her people. (Her mission, her divine calling)
First Woman cares for her people and their welfare. (Identification with a Group)
Coyote enters the scene (Animals with human characteristic--talents and flaws.)
First Woman trusts the Coyote at first. (Innocence)
First Woman witnesses the Coyote's tragic deed. (Experience)
First Woman respects the world, nature, and all its cycles (Acceptance)
Humanity has often looked to the heavens / stars for guidance.
Stars are jewels of the sky
trust / distrust
impatience and haste
darkness and light
organization; chaos (confusion)

My son is in 2nd grade and they're doing a unit on Native Americans. We read this book together and enjoyed the story as well as the beautiful illustrations. This book also lends itself to do the shadowbox project that goes along with the class studies. I enjoyed the Navajo concept of how the stars are patterned in the sky. We would recommend this book for the 7-9 year old group.

This is a thought provoking legend about the origin of the stars - the patterns and the absence of patterns to be found there. It contrasts human behaviour - represented by the first woman, with animal behaviour - represented by a coyote, and would be ideal for any child to hear, think about and to read. The illustrations are bold and vivid.

My dad was one of the "Sheridan Street Rats" who grew up with Bill Dunlop, so I heard many stories from him over the years that were also told in the book. I would often listen to my dad tell stories that involved Bill, so his name was very familiar to me when I finally had a chance to first meet him a couple of years ago. The book is very engaging and paints a very vivid picture of life in an Indian neighborhood in Northern Lower Michigan during the Depression.

This true story of Depression life in Hungry Hollow in Petoskey, Michigan is compelling and heartfelt. Bill Dunlop writes as well as the young Hemingway, who lived in the same town. The many adventures of the young boys that were friends are as captiving as in the movie "Stand by Me." You will have difficulty putting down this book.

As a kid, this book was a perfect reading level for me. It wasn't to hard. I would say that readers of all ages can read this. Sometimes it was very sad and gloomy and other times it was halarious. It shows how love was so important in the days of the great depresion. Non-indians were so cruel to the Indians those days.
I have met the author myself. He seems to be a very kind man. I just cant see how he made it through all the things that happened.
Again I recomend this book to all ages. i guarentee you will like it.

A beautiful book. Anyone reading Mr. Dunlop's introduction and the first chapter, "Boxcar Blues," will be hooked. In that chapter Mr. Dunlop tells how his father organized the young boys to collect bottles with caps, clean them and fill them with spring water to pass out to families riding box-cars seeking work during the depth of the Depression. His voice speaks with compassion, grace and a dignity that seems increasingly rare today.
Although the stories are told from the point of view of a young boy growing up poor and Indian during the Depression in a small northern Michigan town, the themes of community and sharing are universal. This is as much a story about man's best instincts as it is about the individuals in Hungry Hollow.

As an experienced hiker in the Big Bend region, I was still amazed at the marvelolus plants neither I nor others have ever seen. This guide is a MUST if you really want to see the hidden beauty of this rugged region.

Big Bend National Park, which is located in southwest Texas along the Mexican border, contains more than 800,000 acres (which is larger than the state of Rhode Island). Due to its unique location, this park is sometimes referred to as three parks in one because it includes mountain, desert, and river environments. A short drive can take you from the Rio Grande River and its canyons, to a mile high mountain basin or the Chihuahuan desert. As a result, plant life within Big Bend National Park is highly diverse.

While book does contain a lot of information on the many of the common plants found in the park, the book primary focus is to provide information on those plants that are often overlooked by other guidebooks. Each of the hundreds of plants featured in the book has at least one high resolution photograph that accompanies the text that allows the reader/adventurer to easily identify the plant and its flowers.

Finally, unlike many guide books which fit into the back of your pocket, the book is a standard sized book, which allows for large sized pictures to be included.

Exceptional book for the southwest plant lover. Not an exhaustive study of all the plants in that area but a nice crisp focus on exceptional, interesting or the unusual ones. Photography is dead on the money. Highly recommended.

Devoted to the plants of Big Bend National Park this book also captures the stark beauty of the park. After brief sections on the preface, acknowledgement and design of the book, the book opens by explaining the environment in the short chapter headed, "Big Bend, The Land of Extremes." Along with rainfall rate, temperature extremes, elevation changes of thousands of feet, and other facts of interest the author also writes of the ecological diversity and the human influence on the park from the earliest hunters to modern time as well as the history of park itself.

That is followed by a brief section on how plants are named and a section on plants helpfully organized under the various family names. Page numbers are also noted for the family plant names making it easier for readers to find the pages grouped together for a certain family plant name.

Page 35 begins the actual heart if the book with a plant name, a close up color photograph and an easy to read and understand text on the plant. The text for each plant covers a description of the plant, where it is found, and some interesting history on the plant such as its reputation for inflicting damage on people and car tires (Lechuguilla), what the Aztecs used it for (Havard Agave) and other interesting information.


More than 250 pages later after a color picture of a beautiful Spanish dagger, the appendices begin. Appendix A is devoted to the status of the plants and how endangered they are in Texas. Appendix B is devoted to selected locations in the park such as Boot Canyon, Casa Grande, Panther Pass, and many others and the names of plants found at each location. Appendix C is devoted to the author's suggestions concerning photographing plants and necessary equipment. All of the pictures in the book were taken by the author and he explains how to achieve the quality photographs he does. Appendix D is a brief two page explanation of what sources were used for the names of the plants and why.


A glossary of terms, a list of sources for more information on the park, reference materials and an index brings this beautiful and easy to use book to a close. Designed for people who want to know what they are looking at in the park, this book is superbly done in text and photographs and is easy to understand. Not only does it depict many of the plants within the park, numerous photographs also capture the surrounding countryside and the beauty of the park. This is a must have for your next trip.


Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

This is an essential guide for travel in Bangladesh. Like all the books in the Lonely Planet travel series, it begins with Facts about the Country, Facts for the Visitor, Getting There and Away, and Getting Around. Next comes a detailed description of Dhaka and the surrounding district, and then separate chapters for each of the major political and geographical divisions in Bangladesh.

Before traveling to Bangladesh, do take the time to read the Dos & Don'ts article in the Facts about the Country chapter. People in Bangladesh are generally friendly and polite, but they tend to be more friendly if you follow their rules for politeness. Men should give local women some distance, and even women should let other women approach them first. People who wear shorts in Bangladesh are risking at least their reputations, if not more. Going about in shorts in public would be akin to wearing a bikini bathing suit on Wall Street- -sure to gain a lot of unwanted attention. Western women will find themselves much more comfortable in local clothing, salwar kamis or saris as absolutely no woman wears Western clothing in Bangladesh. Women packing for a trip in Bangladesh might be better off packing no clothing at all, and just shopping for local clothing upon arrival because what they find in the local markets will be appropriate for both the climate and the culture. (That will also leave more room in your suitcase for gifts on the way in and souvenirs on the way out.)

Many educated people in Bangladesh speak English quite well. But the average person on the street doesn't, so take the time to study the useful expressions from Facts about the Country chapter when you get a chance. While you're at the airport waiting for departure, look around- -surely there's someone there who can help you with your pronunciation.

As for any travel in the developing world, make sure your immunizations are up to date before you go to Bangladesh. Hepatitis A vaccinations are highly recommended and get your travel doctor to write you a prescription for a full run of Cipro (strong antibiotic) to carry with you, and take plenty of rehydration packets. If you get seriously ill while in Bangladesh, it's better to try to get to Dr. Wahab's office (listed in the Dhaka section of this book), rather than the Cholera Hospital, as recommended elsewhere in the book.

As the book mentions, there's a lot to see in Dhaka. There's even more to see outside of Dhaka, where the air is better and the people are friendlier. A great way to get out of town is to book a tour with Prajatan or The Guide (info in the Dhaka chapter). We had a spectacular all-inclusive boat cruise through the Sunderbans with The Guide (Prajatan's boat had recently sunk). Don't miss shopping in the NGO handicraft stores, particularly Aarong (info in the Dhaka chapter).

As with any guidebook, the info for specific hotels and eateries tends to change between the time the authors visited and publication, but the historic sites and regional highlights will always be there. Read this book over several times before you go, and you will be ready as ever to start your adventure.

This is the best lonelyplanet guide book I've ever had. Normally, I find them OK but irritating. Miraculously, this one is different.
Firstly, it's not too big (unlike, say, the Indian one) and is not afraid to leave some good stuff OUT. Secondly, it's very well researched, which is impressive in Bangladesh because information isn't all that readily available. Nor is it patronising in tone!
Best of all, though, is that reference to women travellers isn't restricted to a nauseating passage on what women "shouldn't" do because of the dangers, and then special women's diseases. Instead, it actually suggests that there are advantages to being a woman and special places to visit (such as women's development programs) that might interest women in particular. Yay! Welcome to the 21st century LP! I don't know what this sudden change in tone is due to, but I hope it spreads throughout the LP philosophy.
Otherwise, the information is helpful and up-to-date. The maps are a bit dodgy and could do with some work. For example, Thanchi does NOT lie between Ruma and Keokradung, and nor is Keokradung the highest peak in Bangladesh. The Chittagong map, in particular, is fairly useless.
Still, a very nice job. Very impressive. Very interesting and well written.

This was my first Lonely Planet book and I could not have made the trip without this very informative and helpfull book. I highly recommend any Lonely Planet books to any one traveling abroad.

I found this guide to be very informative and helpful. The maps are a very good basis for getting a sense of where various sections of the cities are located. Some guidebooks are sorely outdated but this book is still quite current. Many of the places mentioned are still in existence. We plan to take several of the recommended trips from this guidebook as well as cycling trips. Since moving to Dhaka I have used this book continually for a reference book. I would highly recommend reading this book before coming to visit Bangladesh!

What an enchanting story, what beautiful illustrations, what a wonderful book! It's a great way to have fun with your children and introduce them to Sapnish at the same time! It delighted me from cover to cover and I look forward to the day when I can read it to my own children, over and over again!!

What an enchanting story, what beautiful illustrations, what a wonderful book! It's a great way to have fun with your children and introduce them to spanish at the same time! I look forward to the day when I can read it to my own children, over and over again!!

This is a great children's book with an introduction to Spanish and the Spanish culture. The illustrations are just delightful and thoughtfully done. The pictures and story will keep little ones entertained. The children and animals are so cute. Your children will just love all the animals and their costumes for the parade and blessing by the padre. This book will make a great gift for your children or grandchildren. A must buy for anyone with children.

As a grandmother now searching for candidate reading material for my three young grandchildren, I was delighted to find "Los Amiguitos' Fiesta. With a very charming story by Jean Cook Thor and unique, sensitive illustrations by Judy Shade, I have added a wonderful educational primer for my six and eight year old grandchildren. I was personally moved by the story and illustrations and have had the pleasure of a first read with my grandchildren who reacted the same. I highly recommend "Los Amiguitos' Fiesta". ...

Over a decade of bloody war makes trust difficult. "Making Peace with Conchise: The 1872 Journal of Captain Joseph Alton Sladen" is a transcript of the Captain's journal of their efforts to make peace with the chief of the Chiricahua Apache chief known as Conchise. A first person source of the white man's dealing with the red man, "Making Peace with Conchise" is a riveting and enlightening piece of history, enthusiastically recommended.

I read this book in one setting. What a fascinating journey Sladen takes you on in this first hand account of a significant moment in history. I've been reading books on the west my entire life and I have to say this is the best single book one could read on the American Southwest. It chronicles the remarkable meeting between General O.O. Howard and the Great Apache leader Cochise. Sladen records Cochise's personality and style in great detail. He gives a vivid portrait of life in an Apache village. He presents Tom Jeffords and Howard as they really were. He describes the incredible county this drama played out in with the sensibility of a true lover of beauty and nature. Sladen's become one of my heros along with Cochise and Edward R. Sweeney who edited this book and wrote a brilliant biography of Cochise.

Cochise is an elusive character. There are no photographs of him, and only one eloquent speech, which was recorded by an Army interpreter. Otherwise, we are left with vague secondhand accounts that often make him a two-dimensional cardboard cutout. Sladen's journal breathes life into this dynamic individual. It is fascinating reading, and, as Sweeney the editor points out, Sladen is not judgmental. He simply describes life in the Apache camp. A wonderful book.

Another book on my shelf from U. of Oklahoma that gets better with rereading.

Though this one was released more than 5 years ago, it reads as though written yesterday. And that is something, since the diary that underpins it was written in 1872.

This is must reading for anyone enjoying information of the period of the Apache wars in Arizona/New Mexico area. Other than the author's previous biography on Cochise, nothing is available giving personal views of Cochise and his people. And Cochise's statement that no whiteman would look upon his face was well kept. These two military men, and Tom Jeffords were among the few that ever did.

Enough good words cannot be said about this one.

Semper Fi.

I recently moved to the Sonoran Desert but had no idea what treasures awaited me until I bought and read this small book. This guide has opened my eyes to what is around me. I've taken pictures of interesting plants along the roads but didn't know they were medicinal or edible until I read about them here. The next time I go for a walk or drive, it will be with newly opened eyes. The illustrations are good, the instructions are specific. Some of the explanations and narratives are so hysterically funny, you will have no problem understanding effects of either taking or not taking described potion or poltice. I heartily recommend this quide on several different levels.

I've been utilizing this book for over 10 years as a teaching tool and reference for my Medicinal Plants of the Baja class. Michael Moore is
a hoot, excellent research on plant constituents and medicinal uses. Couldn't have done it without him! Check out www.bajabotanicals.com
Thank you, Michael.

This book was very easy to use. I wished there was more color photos but with such good descriptions and drawings you really don't need them. There are color photos for about half the plants described in the book. I love the way Michael Moore writes. He makes it so easy to read and understand. This book will be used for years to come in my home.

This book makes it easy to understand the preparation and use of herbs for a variety of everyday family herbal-aid applications. The instructions include the part of the plant used - flower, root, leaves, berries, bark etc. It goes on to explain why fresh or why the dry plant is useful and how to deal with your own gathering of the plant and what to do in simple A to Z instructions.