Southwest Books

100 Artists of the Southwest is an overlooked but excellent introduction to 100 of the top contemporary visual artists in the southwest in all media, selected by the editor. Artists describe their work in two-page spread with statements, color images, and photos. Most of the artists are in Santa Fe, but others are from various parts of New Mexico and Arizona. I don't agree with all of the choices, but I was happy to see Erika Blumenfeld, Cathy Aten, the New Mexico Capitol Art Collection, Alexandra Eldridge, Florence Pierce, Tom Joyce, Meridel Rubenstein, Emmi Whitehorse, and myself (Sherri Silverman) represented in this book.

One-Hundred Artists Of The Southwest by Douglas Bullis is an informative and seminal collection of succinct biographical descriptions and vividly authored portraits of the one hundred most important artists living and working in New Mexico and Arizona today. Providing the reader with representative samples of their photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures, pottery, weaving, and jewelry, One-Hundred Artists Of The Southwest deftly explores the lives of these artists ranging from Native American contemporary and ancestral visionaries to Hispanic updated representative presentations of religious icons. One-Hundred Artists Of The Southwest is very strongly recommended for personal, academic, and community library collections for its in-depth and informative content, enhanced with over four-hundred full-color illustrations stimulating an appreciation for southwestern-American artistic culture. Also highly recommended as a companion volume is Douglas Bullis', 100 Artists Of The West Coast (0764-319310, $39.95)

The battle of Adobe Walls is a little known incident that set the "gold standard" for long range shooting. This book is an excellent reference; I really liked it but it may be a little too much in the "scholarly" style for some readers. If you are interested in shooting or the American West this is a great book for reference and background.

The most in-depth look at the 1874 Adobe Walls post I have found, if you are interested in archaeology, and history of the buffalo hunters site, this is the book for you. The last 3/4 of the book deals with the arch. of the site. First quarter deals with the historical information. Photos of Billy Dixon, J. Wright Mooar, F. J. Leonard, and James N. Hanrahan (operator of the saloon at adobe walls) are included. Photos of many artifacts recovered during arch. excavations, include iron arrow points, grinding stones, iron tools, plate shards, buttons, etc. Great illustrations of the plan layout of the adobe walls site as it was in 1874, as determined by the arch. evidence, including perspective sketches of buildings, and the way each building was constructed. I have nothing but the highest praise for this book and commend the two authors for their publishing the book, as well as A&M press.

James Josiah Webb was a young enterprising man in his twenties who made several trips down the Santa Fe and Chihuahua Trails in the 1840's and this is his account of what life was like then. While not exactly filled with tales of high adventure or edge of your seat drama, it is a good character study of relationships between Americans, Mexicans and Native Americans. The chapters on his 1846 trading venture during war time Mexico are very insightful and gives the reader a feeling for what it must have been like going through those tense and turbulent times of political unrest. A good book.

In January 1888, a few months shy of his 70th birthday, James Josiah Webb sat down in his Connecticut home and began writing his memoirs of his days as a Santa Fe trader, which had consumed 17 years of his life from 1844 to 1861. Unfortunately, a year later, after writing about only the first three years of that experience, Webb died. Although unfinished, this is Webb's manuscript as it lay in his desk the day he died.

After settling in St. Louis from his family's home in Connecticut, Webb became interested in the trade caravans that took goods between Independence, MO, and Santa Fe (and other points in Mexico). In 1844 he made his first trading expedition; although it wasn't a huge success, he returned to St. Louis and, with a partner, planned another trip. This second venture the following year was a big success. But the war with Mexico threw a monkey wrench into things, and on his third trip the partners decided to bring their goods beyond Santa Fe to near Mexico City. They were arrested in Chihuahua, where they remained prisoners for a month, and when finally released, proceeded on to San Juan de los Lagos, where they sold their goods. His account ends with their return to St. Louis.

Webb must have had a phenomenal memory because his narrative is packed with anecdotes and encounters with other traders and trail travelers that seem fresh and complete. He apparently kept all his account books and business records for all his years spent in the trade, but there is no mention of him keeping journals. His style is breezy and informal, and the book hasn't been "doctored" in any way by the editor (except for spelling and grammar corrections). The editor, Ralph Bieber, has done an excellent job (in footnotes) in identifying geographical features mentioned and expanding on various people encountered by Webb. The only criticism I have is the book is lacking an index, which would be useful. It's a fascinating first-hand account of life on the Santa Fe Trail (and Mexico). Webb's manuscript ran some 250 pages yet covered only three years; one can only imagine had he lived longer to complete his memoirs how many volumes they would comprise. If the rest were only half as interesting and informative as this volume, they would still be worth looking into.

I took the AEPA in June 2007. I bought this book and the 91/92 test book by the same author and I can honestly say they are probably the reason why I scored so well on my test. The clearly state all the objectives that are included in the test. There is alot of reading, but the author repeats herself and summarizes what you previously read so it helps the infomation sink in with little effort. AFter taking the AEPA, I could go back and reference the books and actually find answers to the questions they had on the test. I will even use this book as a reference in the future for teaching. They are very infomative and go along perfectly with Arizona's state standards. A must for anyone taking the AEPA.

This study guide is well-researched and an excellent reference for aspiring teachers as they prepare for certification. The book is aligned to Arizona's outlined guidelines for elementary educators, and it provides specific information for the skills creating each competency. Written by teachers, this practical guide covers the basics of elementary subjects including Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and the Arts. Whether used for a new teacher just entering the classroom or as a reference during your teaching career, this book is a must-have for teachers!

As anyone who reads her history columns in the Albuquerque Tribune knows, Mo Palmer knows Albuquerque's history. Now, here, at last, is a book she's written on the subject, a book that probably no one else anywhere was as qualified to write.
In addition to being an area history columnist, Mo Palmer has been a photo archivist for the Museum of Albuquerque, and here, in "Albuquerque: Then and Now" she draws from all of her knowledge to create a truly valuable portrait of Albuquerque, then and now.
Every one of this book's even-numbered page features an amazing old historic photo of a notable Albuquerque landmark, and every odd-numbered page features that same landmark (or whatever took its place) today. And all of the photos are captioned with interesting and concisely written information.
Any Albuquerque area resident willing to pick up this book and take the time to flip through it will be sure to find the experience transformative and enlightening. It will amaze you just how much of Albquerque's architectural history has remained behind, and sadden you just how much some things have changed.
Buy it, read it, keep it for yourself as reference and a reminder, or give it as a gift to friends in the Albuquerque area, or to friends who you want to have visit you here.

I love reading Albuquerque history from many different sources, and I love "then" and "now" photos, and I also love reading the books that Mo Palmer recommended to my son when she was his history teacher. Well this perfect storm of affections converged this past month when my son gave me Mo Palmer's "Albuquerque Then and Now" for Christmas. This is not just another collection of stories from Albuquerque's past. Many stories tend to get repeated from one book to the next - the story of the Alvarado hotel, the early tuberculosis clinics, the early schools and UNM's early days, the Sear's fire, and so on. When you read Miss Palmer's book it would appear that it did not occur to her that she needs to cover that territory for you. It is very fresh, most of the "then" photographs were new to me, and the commentary was very enlightening to me. Much of the discussion focuses on the early communities and what they were like. I hope she will publish again soon.

I was given this book as a gift in 1993 and since then I have given it to several Native American women as a gift and all were VERY impressed. It truly gives honor to all Native Women and the traditions and culture that makes them so rich and alive. AHO!

I've had this book in my library since it was first published. Carolyn herself autographed it for me in '82. In all the moves and changes over the years, I could never justify getting rid of it. It's the best, most usable book on desert edibles I've ever read or owned.

Here's a breakdown:
1. Cactus and cactuslike plants - agave, barrel, cholla, etc.
2. Nuts and seeds - acorn, grass seed, jojoba, etc.
3. Grapes, berries and cherries - chokecherry, wild currant, etc.
4. Foods of the marsh and mesa - buffalo gourd, cattail, cota, etc.
5. greens - Rocky Mountain Beeweed, Canaigre, Curly dock, etc.
6. Agriculture - beans, chili, corn, etc.

Let's take a look at page 10, Cholla. Wonderful, detailed illustration - if you can't find the plant by these pictures, you're not trying. Common name, scientific names, habitat and description. First Para.:
"Indians sometimes called early spring - March - 'the cactus moon' because food was scarce, and this plant was often the only available vegetable food." Etc.

Next page, she spells out how to harvest and clean the buds for food. Cholla buds - basic preparation. Next recipe: cholla buds and squash.

One of my favorite recipe in the book is Prickly Pear jelly - oh, yum!!!

This is the book for anyone who doesn't know a wild grape from a hackberry. It even has a recipe for Dandelion Wine. It's a wonderful blend of desert culture and how-tos. How can you go wrong with that?

My old, tattered book is filled with specimens from my own desert excursions. It's been dog-eared, noted, dirtied and loved. It will be one book I'll never give up.

This book has tons of color and B&W pictures and some of the best pictures of the southwest ruins you are ever going to find. It also has numerous site maps illustrating the ruins and their vicinity. The pictures are not just your everyday tourbook photos. They are spectacular. The author mixes numerous aerial shots that show you overviews of the sites and mixes in a generous amount of detail shots to help you see what the sites look like when you are there. There are also sketches and conceptual drawings which tell about the history. Just because there are a lot of photos, do not think the text is lacking. The book has all you would ever need to know about the sites including history, archeological finds etc. It accomplishes this amazingly enough without boring the reader. The most important thing about this book is that it is comprehensive. An example is its description of Mesa Verde park which is 44 pages of text and pictures. The section includes a detailed description of the stops you can make off ruins road as well as maps and pictures of sites you can't even access. Overall, this is the book you want to have when you plan your trip and the one you want on your coffee table to show your friends and family where you have been. A must have for anyone fascinated by the Anasazi culture.

I have found this to be an excellent resource for finding sites of interest and a faithfull companion for exploring the site once I have arrived. The information provides a nice addition to any anasazi library

I really enjoyed reading this book. As an antique dealer, it was fun and interesting to read.

Any book with a dedication that begins, "For everyone who loves antiques..." deserves a read by people in our circle. It's a great bunch of stories. I've never seen anything quite like it. I'm wondering if young people would enjoy this book as much as the older folks. Any thoughts on this?

This is a beautifully produced book with wonderful photographs that capture the essence of Predock's work, the magical interplay of light and shadow. A characteristic of Predock residences is the interdigitation of the house and the land so that it appears as if the house almost grew out of and/or grew into the earth (pp.46-7, 82-3). The siting of the Boulder House (pp.46-7)against the majestic barren New Mexico environ is bold and assertive but at the same time is pitched in perfect harmony with its surroundings(pp.38-9). It embodies the primordial purpose of a domicile, a shelter from the harsh elements of nature and a haven where the inhabitant inside feels snug and protected. A unique feature of Predock's buildings is his almost metaphysical approach to design so that the structure seems to morph into a kind of mythic place, evocative of some distant place/ancient times/primordial culture. This is exemplified by the Fuller house as illustrated on pages 86-7. The Fuller house is classical without appearing derivative. It is timeless in its suggested monumentality. Predock's designs should withstand the vagaries of time. Though he is a gifted master of modernism, he is a universal architect of all times and all places because of his almost mystical reverence for the land and his profound appreciation of the "geological strata" of culture encoded in the place where his building is situated. Because he also understands stage craft from his background in dance performance, he is a clever stage master and understands the emotional impact of well choreographed presentations. (See the boulders spilling down to the pool on pages 100-1.) He is also a brilliant colorist, as exemplified by the elegantly tinted exteriors of his houses which blend in so seamlessly with the background landscape without the artifice of mimicking nature (pp. 86-7, 104-5, 120-1). This book does an admirable job of capturing these special attributes of Preodock's designs.

Predock is the George Jetson of our day. He ia a prime speciman of a spaceman. The man knows space. This is not so much a review of the product I received from Amazon as it is a prelude to a Predock. As you move yourself toward the crafting of your space and before your space craft blasts off, go for a test drive with Predock. He will put the rocket in your proverbial pocket. He will put the capital D on your dreamhouse. Predock is not the product but all props to Amazon for hooking me up with the man and his work. I am feeling deeply satisfied and inspired.

I thought I had all the books on Austin! This book is great. I love the series, and the photos are terrific. All the important sites are included.

As someone who lived in Austin in the '60's and returned recently, the comparison of landmarks 'then and now' was a wonderful stroll through Austin's memorable sites. We liked the book so much that we gifted others with it - it's a very popular conversation book which all our friends have enjoyed.