Arizona Books

Staging The Pastoral: Tasso's Aminta And The Emergence Of Modern Western Theater is a scholarly study of two performances of Torquato Tasso's pastoral play Aminta, which took place fifty years apart (1574 and 1628). Micro-reconstructions of these staging help reveal how the inception of Western theater was far less linear and simplistic than one might think. Author Maria Stampino (Associate Professor of Italian and French, University of Miami) performed extensive archival research and offers English-speaking readers numerous documents never previously translated. A highly technical dissertation especially recommended for students and scholars of theater, performance, and cultural history, as well as college libraries.

There are times when the past isn't exactly what it appears to have been, the future not so clear and the present downright scary. That's the position Eden and Jake both find themselves in throughout Stake Your Claim. Eden's past, as well as Jake's, are haunting them. The future surely can't hold anything for them together, and the present is painful as they fight falling for each other. Pick this up and read it on a lazy afternoon and fall in love with both Eden and Jake.

Merriam's turkey is a native Rocky Mountain subspecies and the subject of author Harley Shaw's intensive research. Stories of research biologist Harley Shaw's encounters with the wild turkey are supplemented by anecdotes about field work and wildlife management, providing a multi-faceted study which goes beyond scientific theory and observation alone. Stalking The Big Bird: A Tale Of Turkeys, Biologists, And Bureaucrats is enthusiastically recommended reading for sportsmen and wildlife environmentalists alike.

Robert Black does something unusual in this book; he edits and annotates the life history of a Hopi/Tewa Indian who was not a traditionalist, nor an especially warm or amusing man. Standing Flower - the traditional name of Irving Pabanale - was a Hopi policeman, judge, and negotiator with the white government early in this century. Black sat with him for many summers, recording his story. In this book, he does an outstanding job of writing comprehensive explanations and history to anchor this man's tale. I've studied many life histories, and always find them to be the best way to learn about other cultures. This book offers both the narrative and a scholarly - but readable - education about the Hopi and Tewa of Arizona. Well done!

This book is perfect for the novice, explaining the myths behind common sandpainting designs.

At last, Stuart Brannon returns to his Arizona ranch - but life is far from settled. A land company claims to hold a grant on the property from the Spanish, and gunmen occupy his house and land. Supported by his friends and neighbors, Brannon must fight to hold onto the last thing on earth he cares about - his ranch, where his wife and son are buried. He struggles with the dilemma of asking innocent people to suffer and possibly die for a piece of land that is dear only to him.

Another riveting tale. Brannon is unquenchable, torn between determination, gratitude to those around him, and the grief, which he must face anew after months of being away. Brannon's very real struggles touch the heart of anyone who has suffered loss. The end is especially touching, told through the eyes of yet another woman drawn by Brannon's faith and sterling character, but who must compete against the memory of Brannon's deceased wife.

This book is a "coming of age" adventure story written for all ages. It takes the reader a boot step back in time to the 1950's in the colorful wilds of Arizona. A good book for the family to read and share with one another! I think kids will be able to relate well to the 14 year old hero Jimmy Sterling who faces the timeless challenges we all deal with becoming our "own" person. He's just an average kid thrust by circumstances into an adult world and we watch him stumble and ultimately rise to the occasion. I believe adults will find the reading breezy and fun as they relive the nostalgia of their own youth. There is a lot to learn along the Destiny Trail about the rugged life of the trail drive and this slice of life tale takes you inside that world that's all but faded from our American landscape.

How often can one find a book that combines outstanding poetry (including prose which is really poetry), breathtaking photography, the deeply personal, and profoundly political in one book? In my experience, almost never. But this is precisely what Margaret Randall has accomplished in this unique and extremely moving collection. A collection the University of Arizona Press has produced beautifully--with page after page of full color prints that do full justice to Randall's stunning work. It's a perfect book both to own and to give. My best recommendation is that I have personally--to this date--bought eight copies of STONES WITNESS to give to friends--and I fully intend, as the occasion permits, to buy more!!!

This book is full of historical photos, and is full of humorous stories from actual interviews of pioneers who lived during this boom period. A very interesting history book. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the early 1900's boom periods in our history.

50 trails are covered in this book. Twelve are under a mile, which is nice for beginners. Each entry includes a superb historical review and a short trail description. Trails are grouped into ten areas from Globe to Sedona. Each area contains an overview map. Then each trail includes a map too. Pages in the front of book categorize trails from easiest to most challenging. My favorite is the section that list trails by waterfalls and swimming holes. Directions to each trail are accurate down to the tenth of a mile. All the trails listed are within a few hours drive from Phoenix. A great book for under ten bucks.