Southwest Books

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.

I just recently discovered Antonio Garcez, even though he lives just a few miles from me!! If you love ghost stories especially true ghost stories this book is a must read!!! It will have you listening for bumps in the night and jumping at every sound you hear!!!
If you are lucking enough to live in the beautiful Southwest the stories will SCARE you even more!!!!
After you read this book you will want to buy all Antonio's other books!!! I did! Just be prepared some of the stories are repeated in his books.

As the author of this and other books on the subject of ghosts of the southwest, I wish to set forth the fact, that my books are not at all apppropriate for very young children. Indeed they are a collection of never before printed stories, of actual interviews I personally conducted, with individuals who have had one on one encounters with ghosts. These are not stories that have been handed down from one generation to another. These facinating stories are drawn from native people who have sat before me, and with only a tape recorder and camera, I've recorded an astonishing collection of personal accounts of their paranormal experiences. Included among these persons are american indians from both Arizona reservations and New Mexico pueblos. These individuals be they teachers, sheriffs, medical staff, state administrators, are essentially ordnary folk, who have encountered extraordinary experiences. The stories being authentic and detailed, will take the reader on an eye-opening journey. I know this book will engage readers to seek out my other books on similar topics. Make no mistake, this book is definitely, DEFINITELY like no other!

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.

I did not know that there were so many conflicts that occurred when Texas was trying to become independent of Mexico. These stories are tremendous and interesting and informative.

This is a history book and battlefield guide. The book list all known battles, raids, skirmishes and some not known in Texas from the Spanish exploration and settlement period to U.S. Cavalry fights with Indians in 1880. The author admits this might not be an all inclusive listing but it will meet most requirements of Texas Battlefield pursuance.
A description of each action, known location and historical markers cover the listings. Overview maps of the actions are included in the book but a person would have to check other maps elsewhere for details on some of the locations.
Also, included is an informative and interesting section describing some of the leaders participating in these actions.
I will drive clear across Texas just to see and read a historical marker setting in a cow pasture. Does this sound like you? This is an excellent book to learn something about battles in Texas. It is also an excellent guide to get you headed in the right location.

It is not often one can read of the intermingling of cultures so successfully combined as in Eva Wilber-Cruce's work. It is remarkable for its objectivity, its vivacity, and as a lesson of how best to get along with one's neighbors. Eva's recollections as a child and woman are remarkable and is a person easily taken to one's heart. Her considerable life is a valise which contains a portfolio of memories of the most meaningful sort. I would compare her book with Mari Sandoz' Old Jules; both about frontier life, one in the SW, the other in Nebraska. The reader has the added benefit of increasing his or her Spanish vocabulary that reflects the lifestyle in which Eva was raised. Beautifully written. An added plus for me was the reference to Archbishop Salpointe who was the heir to "Lamy of Sante Fe." It's a treat when a book ties in with another source written by a respected historical author like Paul Horgan.

Eva Wilbur-Cruce describes memories as far back as when she was three, and captures the wild yet captivating valleys of the Arizona/Mexico border, painting word pictures of Mexican ranchers, Tohono O'odham Indians and many other cultures intermingling. It is a story of how to live life to the fullest, as she learned it from nature, her family and those around her. She has learned well what the beautiful cruel country has to teach and she passes it on through artistic imagery.

I found Beyond the Four Corners of the World to be an excellent piece of work on two levels. On the surface it's a biography; one woman's journey away from - then back to - her roots and her homeland. On a deeper level, it's a rare glimpse into the religion, culture and lifestyle on the Navajo reservation. Upon completion of this book, I felt that I had gained insight not only into the mind and heart of Ella Bedonie, but also into the beliefs and values of the Navajo People.

The story of Ella and her struggle with illness and how it intersects with her spiritual and cultural world is at once fascinating and very sad. To read Benedek's account is to travel by literary horseback deep in the rez, and meet the residents of a different world, one which is changing, one which is struggling to hold onto traditional ways at the same time. I recommend this book to anyone with interest in native people, anyone interested in cultural perspectives on illness. And anyone else! Benedek is academic and personal, she takes you there.

This is a story of outdoor adventure and personal transition. These hunting tales are humorous, touching, and sometimes tragic, and through them runs the silent question: to kill or not to kill?

In a refreshingly original western voice, Stephen Reynolds tells his life story. As a game warden, he explores the wonders of wild, untamed places such as the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico, and the Brooks Range and Yukon Delta of Alaska. He meets people who use the land to live and people who live to abuse it. His is the heritage of a boy raised as a hunter, drawn to the excitement of the kill, but who experiences transform him into an outspoken protector of wildlife. Yet, this is no sermon or manifesto. Stephen Reynolds offers adventure, spiritual change, and transformation - but no easy answers. B&W illustrations.