New Mexico Books

Death Stars, Weird Galaxies, And A Quasar-Spangled Universe: The Discoveries Of The Very Large Array Telescope by Karen Taschek is an informative and easy-to-follow study of the Very Large Array (VLA) as constructed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in in San Augustin, New Mexico. Ably authored, and historically concise, Death Stars, Weird Galaxies, And A Quasar-Spangled Universe presents the story of Karl Jasky and his discoveries, and continues on to share a wealth of fun and interesting finds attributed to the VLA's research. Beautifully illustrated throughout and a welcome addition to school and community library Astronomy reference collections, Death Stars, Weird Galaxies, And A Quasar-Spangled Universe is very highly recommended as a complete, active, thorough, and exclusive coverage of the fascinating world of the discoveries made with the technology of modern astronomical sciences for readers of all ages who are interested in the science of astronomy.

Many Viet Nam War veterans write poetry, but very few write with the power, passion and skill of R. L. Barth. A trained classicist, Barth is at his best when writing in the epigrammatic tradition of Simonides, Martial, and Pope, although this collection does include a few somewhat longer narrative and lyric poems. Barth writes with savage indignation, acute wit, and wonderful control of language. He gives no quarter to chickenhawks who send other people to war and he refuses to accept or profit from our comfortable myths about war. There is little sentiment here, and no self pity. Most veteran poetry will be forgotten, but surely not Barth's. These poems are not about Viet Nam, but about war, human nature, and society.

Francisco Lomeli and Clark Colahan have made a major contribution to the colonial history and literature of Hispanic New Mexico in this book about Miguel de Quintana's life and writings. I am amazed that Quintana's writings were discovered in the archives of the Inquisition in Mexico City. I appreciated the contextual analysis of Quintana's thoughts expressed in his poetry. Readers of English will appreciate having his writings available for the first time in English. My profound "gracias" to Professors Lomeli and Colahan.

"While some may take issue with aspects of Mr. Coleman's oeuvre of humanist criticism, none would deny that as this country's first and foremost photo critic he has made a singular contribution to the field, broadening both the definition and discussion of photography.

" A collection of his writings from 1968-1978 called Light Readings has long been a must-read for anyone serious about photography, and has now been reissued in an expanded second edition. . . . And for those up to the challenge, there is his latest book of essays, Depth of Field, in which he distills three decades of thought on the bigger questions, such as 'Where did photography come from?' and 'Where might we be heading with it at the end of this century?'"

--Taylor Holliday, The Wall Street Journal, December 4, 1998

"While some may take issue with aspects of Mr. Coleman's oeuvre of humanist criticism, none would deny that as this country's first and foremost photo critic he has made a singular contribution to the field, broadening both the definition and discussion of photography.

" A collection of his writings from 1968-1978 called Light Readings has long been a must-read for anyone serious about photography, and has now been reissued in an expanded second edition. . . . And for those up to the challenge, there is his latest book of essays, Depth of Field, in which he distills three decades of thought on the bigger questions, such as 'Where did photography come from?' and 'Where might we be heading with it at the end of this century?'"

--Taylor Holliday, The Wall Street Journal, December 4, 1998

A superb read. Especially so if you have a love for the Southwest. I shared a copy with a friend...

I have this book, but it was published in 1990. In other words, I do not have the revised and updated version.

However, if this one is anything like the copy I have, it is wonderful. The full color pictures are lovely and are used to enhance the text.

Although this book doesn't tell the history of these states, it visits historic places within each state. Much of the history of these four states (NM, AZ, NV, UT) is told through the landscape and historic buildings of each state.

I have enjoyed every place that I have visited and my visits have only been enhanced by using this book as a resource in my travels.

It has been a very long time since I have enjoyed a romance story as much as I did this one. Paula Detmer Riggs truly has a talent for bringing out the best in her characters. I was entranced from page 1 'til the end. It was a believable tale with believeable characters.

I definitely recommend it.

Evan Shelby moved out to the great Gila Wilderness in New Mexico Territory, an area he had once visited before and held fond memories of. Diagnosed with tuberculosis, he wanted to live out his last days surrounded by the beauty of the land. The dry air of the southwest has done wonders since: Evan hasn't shown any symptoms in the past six months, and he has fallen in love with the Mimbres Valley area. He has also made many friends, though some still hold his past as a Captain in the Union army against him.

Now Evan's Destiny Valley is about to be shaken up. The Empire Cattle Company has come into town looking for more land on which to graze their stock. "Cash on the barrel" is only one of their enticement; unfortunately, men like Arch Kinder and Code Sloan are the other, roughnecks who are used to getting their way and are willing to do anything to ensure that Empire -- which is run by Lucinda Holloway, the daughter of the previous owner -- rules the roost.

It is common opinion that Empire's offering price for folks' homesteads is considerably lower than the value of the land, but no one is brave enough to confront the company's representative at the town meeting -- no one but Evan. He states his opinion publicly, bringing the ire of Kinder and Sloan down on him. Making things a mite more complicated is the fact that he is falling for Lucinda, and she for him.

I haven't read enough Westerns to know what makes a good one (my limited exposure has consisted primarily of Louis L'Amour and Max Brand), but I do know that I was completely engaged by Destiny Valley. Five-time Spur award-winner Fred Grove (The Great Horse Race, Comanche Captives) has produced a fine piece of frontier literature with masterful characterization. He slowly lets us get to know Evan and Lucinda, and even Kinder and Sloan, ensuring that we know who is mostly good and mostly bad (because no one's motives are entirely noble). He also takes his time telling Evan's story, making his ups and downs all the more compelling.

Luckily, I came across this book along with several others at a dollar store, which gave me the opportunity to expand my boundaries a bit. I'm certainly glad I did, because Grove really knows his way around the West. I felt after reading Destiny Valley that I could find my way around the area without a map, and that's quite an accomplishment that I've noticed rarely of late. I'll be picking up another Fred Grove novel the next time I'm in the market for quality frontier writing.

This is a tremendous book. First published in 1994, it has proven its quality over the years. It is the most important book on the Devil in colonial Mexico, and one of the most significant books on religion in the colonial New World. It is frequently quoted by major historians of the period. The content is gripping, the style is elegant, and the approach is very accessible. Students like this book and find it very useful. A major work in intellectual, cultural and social history.