Southwest Books

This is a wonderful story about coming-of-age, but this book offers much more. It is an authentic account of ranch life in the fading days of the Old West, seen through the eyes of a young ranch boy and recalled now after a lifetime of cowboying. Mack's recollections will delight you. He spins yarns of bad horses and the men who rode them, tells of wild dogs that ravaged young calves, describes the dipping of cattle during the outbreak of the scab in 1925 and recalls lonely winter weeks spent at a remote camp where his home was a shack so flimsy that snow blew through the cracks and covered his bed. Many, many wonderful stories!

There are a bunch of cowboy memoirs out there and this is a good one. Mack Hughes was his parents' third oldest child, with something like seven siblings, almost all of them boys. His father, also a cowboy, brought his family to the huge Hashknife spread near Winslow, Arizona, in the 1920s, and Mack quickly came of age there helping to support the family. When he leaves again, it is 14 years later, and he's had a broad range of experiences from cowboying to running trucks of sugar from Phoenix for local bootleggers. We get to know his brothers (one of them a mechanic and lover of cars) and many more cowboys, some of whom Mack is truly fond of and makes no secret of it.

There are accounts of exteme weather, illness, an infestation of scabbies (cattle) and lice (he and a bed-mate) and spectacular wrecks that leave him with broken bones and a smashed face. He is touched by the deaths of good men, and he has near fatal accidents of his own, once losing a good horse and saddle over a sheer drop into a deep canyon. The language is colorful and salty, and with the help of his wife Stella (who wrote the book) he's able to tell a really good yarn, sometimes exciting as he and some friends chase a wild horse, or darkly humorous as they rid the countryside of wild dogs, or inspiring as he and his family struggle to survive during the Great Depression. The book also has excellent illustrations by Joe Beeler. Thanks to the University of Arizona Press for keeping this fine book in print.

THIS BOOK IS THE BEST. IT WILL HOLD YOU IN UNTIL THE VERY END. EASY TO READ, INFORMATIONL AND A TRUE EYE-OPENER. IT MAKES YOU PROUD TO KNOW THAT THESE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE THAT MADE THE WEST WHAT IT IS. THE BEST PART, IS'T ALL THE TRUTH. TO ENDURE WHAT THIS FAMILY WENT THROUGH AND THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT, REALLY MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS WE MAKE SO MUCH OF TODAY. I KNOW THAT THIS IS A TRUE STORY BECAUSE I KNEW THE MAN THAT IS WAS WIRTTEN ABOUT, AND HE WAS A TRUE AMERICAN HERO - EVEN TO HIS BITTER END, THE WORLD LOST HIM IN 1999. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE IN EVERY SCHOOL LIBRARY, IT HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER. IT'S THE BEST.

Patients in the hospital at Sells, Arizona, are away from what they're used to drink and eat. So they're served traditional foods. Respecting the traditional link to nature and people keeps up physical and spiritual strength. In contrast, in the 19th century, Zuni boys and girls were sent to Carlyle, Pennsylvania. They didn't feel part of a community or nature. They'd felt both in the southwest. They never made it back home. They died from loneliness.

In the southwest, life has always been about getting along with nature and people. One traditional way that southwestern cultures do this is through dance. Music sounds within the dancer. That energy joins the dancer to all creation. So the dancer becomes linked with human energy, such as ancestors and future generations.

The dancer also links to natural energy, such as rain clouds. This is why the Hopi rain dance brings rain. In fact, the Hopi say that their corn, grown unirrigated, and their way of life, in harmony with nature and people, will save the world. The Apache also got through war, reservation poverty, depression and censorship by drawing energy from community, nature, and prayers.

It should be no surprise, then, that a southwestern work of art has a link and use too. Pottery stands for the sacred earth bowl. Traditional designs keep the tie strong between past, present and future generations.

HERE, NOW, & ALWAYS comes out of an exhibition at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Along with artworks, such as beautifully useful basketry, pottery and weavings, there are also audios, videos and writings of southwesterners on ancestors, community, cycles of nature and people, and survival.

Southwesterners believe they didn't come from somewhere else. They've always been here first, right from the start, along the Colorado, Gila, Rio Grande, Salt and San Juan rivers. They'll also be the last. For example, the Hopi believe that the life of their people began at the Grand Canyon. That also will be their final spiritual home.

Les malades dans l'hopital de Sells, dans l'etat d'Arizona, prennent de la cuisine traditionnelle du sud-ouest. Se guerit-on lorsqu'on se sent lie avec le culture et la terre maternaux? En fait, les danses qui se font pendant la scheresse se servent de l'energie de la creation liee, depuis les danseurs, jusqu'aux ancestres, aux descendants et a l'univers entier. Les arts du sud-ouest, eux aussi, se font, pour lier le passe, le moment actuel et l'avenir du culture, du peuple et de l'univers. Ainsi sont-ils beaux et serviables, tels que de la poterie, du tissage, et de la vannerie. A vrai dire, les peaux-rouges se croient originaires des terres tout autour des rivieres Colorado, Gila, Rio Grande, Salt et San Juan, les destinations finales de tous leurs esprits lies aussi.

"I am here.
I am here, now.
I have been here, always."

Edmund J. Ladd (Zuni).

In 1989, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, NM, began to put together a project designed to present Native American culture, traditions, and contemporary life from an Indian point of view: not looking in from the outside but looking out from the inside, not analyzing in the way of anthropologists but giving its Indian contributors themselves a place to raise their manifold voices. The process thus begun resulted in a fascinating permanent exhibition presenting all aspects of Native American life from its historic origins to modernity, from arts and crafts to farming and hunting, and from the sacred to the secular (if that distinction applies at all, for there is a profoundly spiritual element to every single act performed over the course of the day). Endowed with a multitude of exhibits - many of them of priceless value - and using traditional displays as well as a multimedia approach combining various audiovisual tools, from its inception the exhibition rested on one inimitable centerpiece: the multi-timbred choir of the First People's very own voices.

Bearing the same title as the exhibition and illustrated by numerous photos, "Here, Now, and Always" provides an additional forum for these voices and sends them out into the world at large. "Listen carefully. Let the stories carry you to the center created by each Native community. Here, at the intersection of sky and earth, you will find the Southwest's people," the museum's former archeology curator, Sarah Schlanger, is quoted at the end of the introductory text to the book's first part, "Ancestors." And thus, the book's Dine (Navajo), Hopi, Zuni, Apache, Tohono O'odham (Pima) and manifold Pueblo contributors become messengers of their respective peoples; talking about Earth Mother, Sun Father, Changing Woman, Spider Woman and Spider Man, Salt Woman, the Great Spirit, the formation of the first clans and their wanderings, the sacred places marking their world and the meaning of home and community, the interrelation of the elements and man's interaction with them, the significance of clay, salt, corn, and tobacco, of minerals and precious stones, and of farming and hunting, the cycles of life, time, and the seasons, the importance of language, oral tradition, and sacred ceremonies in cultural preservation, and obstacles overcome and new challenges arising.

"Each mountain carries precious knowledge. Each is symbolized by certain birds, insects, trees, plants, songs, and prayers. Try to remember this when you think you might want to bulldoze these mountains. Let the sacred remain," warns Gloria Emerson (Dine) in the chapter entitled "Elements." Anthony Dorame (Tesuque Pueblo) explains about cycles that they are "circles that travel in straight lines." In the chapter on agriculture he recounts how his people revived their already-forgotten life as farmers, and wonders, "Today, we again hear the musical thump of a watermelon being split open in the field. Will we forget again what we now remember?" and later on, he adds that "[w]hen the branch is broken, the twig cannot survive. Without our language and without our ways, you cannot survive as a people." Similarly, recalling the young Zunis shipped off to Pennsylvania in the 1800s, all of whom died from loneliness after having been cut off from their cultural roots, Edmund J. Ladd (Zuni) - whose words also provided the project's title - reflects that these days, it is his people's language that is dying from loneliness. In the chapter entitled "Arts," Michael Lacapa (Apache/Hopi/Tewa) adds that the word "art" does not exist in his language at all, and muses, "We make pieces of life to see, touch, and feel. Shall we call it 'art'? I hope not. It may lose its soul. It is life. It is people." And in talking about a mid-20th century professor's prediction that traditional Indian life would vanish within a matter of years due to the spread of a cash economy, federal relocation policies, and WWII veterans' reluctance to return to their prewar lifestyle, Dave Warren (Santa Clara Pueblo) points out that like the footprints and handholds left behind by their ancestors in the southwestern canyons, cliffs, and plateaus, "tradition is deeply etched into our very being. ... [W]e are of these spaces, places, and times. We leave our footprints for another generation; we leave our handholds to steady their journey."

Bringing together all these and many other voices, "Here, Now, and Always" pays tribute to the rich heritage of the Southwest's Native people, and builds a unique bridge to a way of life, traditions, and beliefs sidelined and on the brink of extinction practically from the moment the first white man set down his conqueror's foot in the region, although these very traditions had survived in (largely) peaceful coexistence for centuries before. A slim volume of less than 100 pages, the book is nevertheless powerful testimony to the First People's resilience and ability to adapt to altered circumstances while maintaining the core of their cultural values. As such, it is highly recommended reading - and hopefully, also an incentive to one day go and see the exhibition from which it originates.

"Together we traveled,
in search of the center place.
In numbers we grew.
The center place had not been found.
The gods divided the people.
Some traveled north,
to the land of winter.
Some traveled south,
to the land of summer.
We are the people."

Edmund J. Ladd (Zuni).

Also recommended:
The Native Peoples of North America: A History
The Native Americans: An Illustrated History
Southwestern Indians: Arts & Crafts - Tribes - Ceremonials
Native North American Art (Oxford History of Art)
Four Corners: History, Land, and People of the Desert Southwest
The New Encyclopedia of the American West

A BEAUTIFUL book and great addition to a home library. This book is about Carl and Grace Moon who had a special connection to the Indians of the southwest, however it is also about the wonderful Native people who inspired them. Many beautiful photos and very in-depth text! These people are still there, I have visited with them often. I hope this book will serve as a wonderful tribute to them.

Mr. Driebe has done beautiful creative work in his compilation of In Search of the Wild Indian. It is packed full of photographs and has enough history and information to provide the reader with a great understanding of the photographer's life work while instilling the desire to want to learn more about these native peoples. The subjects in the photos are uplifting, haunting and expressive. The energy in this book is amazing. I thank Mr. Driebe for this gift -- it is ageless and will continue to take top billing on my coffee table.

Not often am I willing to spend this amount on a book; this one is worth the price. Excellent pictoral, and the details are just wonderful. Portrays Native Americans as no other work has; in detail and with respect!!

This is an excellent novel that was very well researched. The author knows his history and apparently thought this one through before putting pen to paper. Highly recommended!!

This novel is very well researched. It covers the early Spanish settlements in Mexico and New Mexicao from 1540-1680, and is the story of a fictional family based on the author's own ancestors. The writing is formal and somewhat stiff, but many times you can't put it down. And I learned a lot.

Jacona is the story of the Mestas family's experiences and love for New Mexico, especially Jacona, in the early years of Spanish exploration and colonization of the new world. Jacona has everything: adventure, hardship, battles, romance, family, politics and religion - a well rounded view of Spanish life and customs in the harsh but beautiful terrain of New Mexico. Growing up in Jacona myself, I was deeply touched by the story which brought to life a bit of my history and reinforced my opinion that Jacona is and always has been one of the most beautiful and enchanting places on earth.

keep it up we must talk as i am a landscape photographer from india but in dubai uae we could work something together pl email me and see my books elements

Jaipur: The Last Destination which was among the six books chosen by Christie's first catalog of art books under its Islamic/Oriental/Indian Section and recommended for its "stunning images." Published by St. Martin's Press in North America and I.B.Taurus in Europe, the book also received a national award from the Indian government, and has become a landmark in Indian art book publishing by having four reprints.

Being a Rajput whose father is from the Jaipur dynasty, I was very impressed with this book. Like the latest book (please refer to "Maharaj's Jewels"), I found this book very ornate with beautiful pictures and rich historical details. The book is full of facts and intersting tidbits a reader will find facinating. Like all table top books, this one will add integrity to one's collection...

Order was quickly received. Book was a gift and the person really likes it.

There are some books that are more than good--they are fabulous. And what makes this one so great? Pictures! And the right pictures...this is how it really looks...in a typical "garen" or landscaped area. That's what makes this book so fabulous. The book shows you what it could look like, shows you variances, and then how to do it. Buy it!

I love this book. I took it to the nursery with me to pick out my plants. I have started my native garden and all the plants are doing marvelously well- exactly as the book stated. I look forward to years of developing my Texas garden. I strongly recommend this book. I am a beginner gardener and really have no idea what I'm doing, but this book has helped me immensely.

This softcover Southwest Native Plant guide encourages the use of native plants for landscaping and contains information on landscaping for various purposes, such as attracting wildlife, and energy and water conservation. Great photos and contains lots of gardening advice.

Any residing or gardening in the southwest will find Landscaping with Native Plants of the Southwest an invaluable reference, as will libraries catering to Southwest residents. It covers not just domestic plants but wildflowers, trees, and cacti, offering a compendium of 'top picks' chosen and rated for their best ornamental and growth qualities and including maps and charts as guidelines for planting, maintenance and landscape design. Over 350 native plant species, subspecies and varieties are detailed and as interest in xeriscaping arises, any area interested in low-water planting will find it of interest.

As an environmental horticulturist in the Coachella Valley of California, I can strongly recommend this book as a very helpful desert garden guide. The plants and suggestions in the book are very good if one keeps in mind their location, elevation and soil type. I especially like that Miller gives the minimum water tolerance of individual plant species as most desert guides written in Arizona/New Mexico recommend too little water for sandy soils of the Coachella valley. California is not included as part of the southwest but those of us gardening in southeastern California know that we have much more in common horticulturally with southern Arizona than with the rest of our State. This book is one of only a half dozen good desert garden guides.Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes

The Legend of the Whistle Pig Wrangler, written by Kate Allen is a wonderful, exciting, enjoyable book that no household should go without. I have enjoyed this book for 2 years now. It has an amazing plot with wonderful illustrations. This book is a must have.

This cute story about a whistle pig (marmot) wrangler with a big smile and the talent to whistle "tickles" your heart. The illustrations are fantastic and are what drew me to the book originally. The brilliance of the picture detail make the character's eyes look real and the story come to life. There is even a illustrative spoof on a Dolittle painting. The glossary of cowboy lingo was quite helpful while my daughter was reading the story to me. Your childen will enjoy having this book as a part of their book collection - it won't stay on the shelf!

This cute story about a whistle pig (marmot) wrangler with a big smile and the talent to whistle "tickles" your heart. The illustrations are fantastic and are what drew me to the book originally. The brilliance of the picture detail make the character's eyes look real and the story come to life. There is even a illustrative spoof on a Dolittle painting. The glossary of cowboy lingo was quite helpful while my daughter was reading the story to me. Your childen will enjoy having this book as a part of their book collection - it won't stay on the shelf!

This book answers the question of what happened to the modern writer: He moved West. Little Kingdoms is a contemporary example of craftsmanship and care in writing. The sincerity of voice, found in both the criminal and the civilian, is astounding in its accuracy, and remarkable in its consistancy. The story's topic, a prison break and manhunt, is just as pertinent and compelling as it was upon publication. As are its characters; a sheriff and the men he pursues: a psychopath, an "outlaw," and a idiot bound together in desperation. There's no greater joy than discovering an unknown masterpiece, and that is exactly what you will find with this book.

Set against the lawlessness and the rectitude of Texas, this story creates a curious empathy with an escaped convict as he rambles across the landscape with an idiot and a psychopath. As this trio murders, rapes, and robs imperfect people, Irsfeld tells much of the story from the point of view of each of the criminals, creating at once a sense of dignity and disgust. In the fine tradition of William Faulkner, Little Kingdoms is a wonderful novel and a great contribution to serious fiction.

I found this book riveting. The characters are real enough to remind me of people I have met while I was a young soldier stationed in the South. For those who admire the literary style of William Faulkner, but who also find it hard to follow, John Irsfeld has preserved the basic Faulkner style, but updated it to make his book hard to put aside, once begun. I have added his book "Little Kingdoms" to my permanent library.

Wayne Short did his Great Uncle justice in this book while at the same time telling a full and complete story of Luke's life on the Western Frontier and his time as a gambler in the saloon's and mining camps of the Old West.

Luke Short is one of those guys that was overshadowed by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson but he was their equal in all aspects and their friend. This is a great book and a great story that needs to be told on the Silver Screen.

This review brought to you by OldWestAntiques.biz

This book is a great read for anyone interested in the life and times of one of the more colorful characters in the western expansion era. I enjoyed and learned of Luke Short and how his life interacted and effected some of the other well known characters of the time. I wish this author knew others of the same era as well, that he might write of them as well. Hated to see this book come to an end.

I loved this book! The author totally draws you in and fills this book with such anecdotes, facts, speculations, and often subtle humor that you cannot put it down. I was eager to read this book and learn more about a less-known famous figure from the Old West, and have also read Short's other books. I heartily reccomend all of them to anyone who enjoys humorous non-fiction as well as nondisputable facts. Short has the cunning wit of an intellectual and the story telling gift of a grandfather.