Arizona Books

In Whitaker's heavily researched and well-documented study of the struggle for African American equality and rights in Phoenix, he proves without a doubt that racial discrimination was not confined to the South and some Northern cities during the latter half of the twentieth century as is commonly believed, but thrived in the West as well.
However, Whitaker's study does not focus on activist groups or civil rights legislation as one might expect. Instead he looks at the "race work" of the Ragsdales, a wealthy and influential black Phoenician couple who had achieved their career goals against all odds and through their own perseverance. Whitaker chronicles their rise to prominence, but more importantly, examines their contributions to their community and to the civil rights movement, as well as the influence and knowledge they imparted on colleagues and activists.
Their personal experiences along with that of other black Phoenicians provide compelling, but disturbing evidence of racial discrimination in Phoenix from the 1940s through the 1990s in areas such as housing, employment, and public accommodations. Whitaker also includes some discussion of the controversial MLK Holiday issue that earned Arizona the reputation as a racist state during the late '80s and early '90s (as a Californian, I know that Arizona continues to have this reputation in the minds of many people here today).
Dr. Whitaker's book not only helps to fill a gap in the literature on the Western civil rights movements, it also expands the discussion of civil rights from the activists and ministers to other members of the black (and sometimes Hispanic and Jewish) communities who generally do not get recognized for the efforts.
Whitaker cannot discuss every aspect of civil rights and race relations in Arizona during the late twentieth century, but his book is an excellent place to start. Hopefully "Race Work" will encourage more scholars to research this relatively unexplored area of inquiry and expand on the issues Whitaker brings up. Perhaps even more significantly, "Race Work," if read widely, also has the potential to cause many Arizonans, and Americans in general, to re-examine their own attitudes and feelings about race, if they have even examined them at all.

Race Work fills a much needed void on the topic of civil rights in the American West. Dr. Whitaker has written a very readable and insightful book on this topic. Arizona has been overlooked for its trailblazing in the areas of school desegregation, and integration of housing and public facilities. This book is a tribute to Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale, and his wife Eleanor. This is a must read for anyone interested in civil rights, historical perspectives of the American West, and biographies.

Scholars are finally beginning to recognize that African American history, the history of the civil rights movement, and the intersection of race, class and gender in U.S. history, can be examined in areas west of the Mississippi River! Whitaker's work is the latest in a growing body of literature in this area. His book is original, well-researched, and readible. More importantly, it truly offers readers a dramatic and colorful history of African Americans and "race work" in the American west...a region still ripe for further study.

This is the most important book on African Americans in the West in recent years and builds excellently on the scholarship of Quintard Taylor and others.
Dr. Whitaker shows how the Ragsdale's livelihood came through the mortuary business, but was not a dead end for the family, in fact it infused them and the African American community in Phoenix with the lifeblood of cultural and economic resistance and eventually the Valley with changes of integration. The Ragsdale's lives read as a textbook example of change and struggle as their stories are so intertwined with the national narrative for racial equality. Both Lincoln and Eleanor grew up with strong notions of "race work" the idea that you have a responsibility not only to succeed, but to help others in your community succeed too. Lincoln was a Tuskegee airmen and later part of an experiment to see about the integration of the Air force before following in the footsteps of his parents and entering the funereal business. Eleanor was a schoolteacher, prior to leaving her paying work to raise children and focus on the family's business interests.
As the Ragsdale's tried to break into the Phoenix economy and community they found closed doors and prohibitive racial barriers at every corner in the form of segregation and institutional racism. Through "education, entrepreneurship, political activism, integrationism, and philosophy of non-violent protest" the Ragsdale's helped to desegregate businesses, schools and social institutions throughout Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun. This was largely achieved through their social activism and leadership in groups like the NAACP, again tying them to the larger US historical narrative.
This work is very important as it dispels the historiographical myth that African Americans were not Westerners. Instead, it shows how African Americans fought the same kinds of racism and segregation as their counterparts in other regions, but with much less national support. The fight for the Ragsdales was carried out through the strong personalities of a few individuals in the Phoenix Valley, using tactics of national organizations within community associations.
This is an outstanding work and should be used in classrooms of the US West and courses dealing with race relations, as well as community histories. This work is both impressive and comprehensive and is a must own for general readers and scholars alike!

Sara Littlecrow Russell's debut book dishes out the horrors of bigotry with humor and a matter of fact tone that can only arrive in the company of truth. If you're looking for the feather and the flute, you've come to the wrong place. This is the fire and the blade. Nothing rings false. The poems feel as if they could have been written on paper bags while shopping yet with the surgical precision of finely honed craft. Honest, real and fleshy. So what are you waiting for? It belongs on the shelf of anyone who likes the direct gaze, the strong handshake, the wild dance. These poems do not waste your time, they ignite it.

Magdalena Gomez, Poet
www.myspace.com/magdalenagomez

A unique and thought-provoking book. Littlecrow writes with the voice of a strong survivor weaving the threads of tradition, belief and harsh reality in modern day America. Her writing is sharply clever and savagely witty yet shines with integrity. The images are vivid and accessible and will resonate with the reader struggling to hold their sanity in a world gone mad. A book to be savoured.

I tried to read it one poem at a time, tried to take my time, to let it all soak in. But I stayed up very late reading it, until my eyes wouldn't stay open any longer, and when I woke, I was unable to get out of bed until I completed it. Now I keep my copy at work, so I can lend it out to folks. This collection of poetry is vivid, fierce, powerfull, deep. Poetry for the people.

...it would be more appropriate in the backpack, car, bedside table, work place, public library, etc. Sara's poems are awesome - like swallowing little razors and every cut gets you closer to the truth. Kind of like Sharon Olds only more dazzling and gutsy. I don't read too many poets but I bought seven of these and gave them all to people I care about. Buy two - one for you and one to leave at a bus stop somewhere.

Dusty Richards knows his history. Servant of the law is definitely his best book yet. It's a fast read filled with adventure and historical details that make the setting seem real. Fans of the hard-hitting western are sure to like this one! I finished it in just over two days.

Dusty is an author pal of mine who also reads my books. He wouldn't stoop to give untrue praise about one of mine and I won't for him either. Much better to just keep your mouth shut. There are few genre that I don't read, but western novels are my favorite. That's why I wrote the historical western THE McKANNAHS. This western by Dusty was one of the most fast paced and interesting westerns that I've read in a long time. I told him that he cost me valuable writing time on the sequel to THE McKANNAHS. Couldn't hardly put Servants of the Law down to feed my Muttbunch and eighteen year old Siamese. If you enjoy westerns then don't miss this one.
Rick Magers
www.grizzlybookz.com

Mr. Richards is a master of the genre. It's been quite a while since I've read a more riveting and well-crafted story of the Old West. The characters were so wonderfully and masterfully drawn, that the tale elicited a wide mix of emotions--even from the cold-blooded killers!

The action was so vivid that I sometimes felt as though I could smell the acrid smoke and burning powder from Bobby Budd's belching .38.

Thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable ride through old New Mexico and Arizona.

Young Bobby Budd guns down the man who beat his mother and himself. Now he is on the run. Two years later at age seventeen, Bobby rides up to the New Mexico ranch of big John Chisum looking for work as an avenger and is hired to dispose of rustlers. After killing a rustler and wrapping his body in the hide of stolen beef from Chisum, Bobby, now known as the Coyote Kid, and his partnen Leo Jackson head for Arnold's store to resupply. Before even dismounting, Bobby kills a Mexican sitting on the porch of the store. The six year old boy of Arnold's wife Dolly is accidently killed by Bobby as well. Marshall John Wesley Michaels joins up with major Gerald Bowen to help the govenor of Arizona rid the territory of murders running loose. Michaels is assigned to bring in the Kid but he is not alone as Dolly insists on joining him in hopes of killing the man who murdered her son. Justice is finally served but not the way John Wesley Michaels wanted it done. SERVANT OF THE LAW with it's fast pace and action will keep you turning pages.

I read this book several years ago and recently gave it a reread and it continued to impress me. Both entertaining and enlightening, it was the kind of book that had me interested in and researching topics that I previously had little interest in. My recent travels to the southwest prompted me to return to Spirit Messenger, and it did not disappoint.

This book has a unique blend of genres. Culturally enlightening, contemporary suspense-mystery, and sci-fi all rolled into one. I've never read anything quite like it.

It is a culturally enlightening book that starts out by giving us a glimpse of the legends of the ancient Anasazi Indians. Throughout the rest of the book, the author introduces us to many more of the customs and legends of the present day Navaho, all of which are many centuries old. Author D. Charles Evano cleverly weaves these Anasazi and Navaho beliefs into the threads of the plot.

As the story unfolds, the book takes on the stature of a typical contemporary suspense-mystery as the characters play out their roles in settings that we are all familiar with. The intrigue gradually grows and we find ourselves wondering who could be the real culprit(s) behind all these hostilities, and for what. Little by little we find that the curious objects that seem to be the focal point of all the malicious activities are more than what they first seemed to be.

And finally, we realize that this book we have been reading all along is actually a sci-fi story. In the grand finale, the pieces all fall into place and the Anasazi/Navaho legends tie in together with the contemporary characters, objects and events to reveal the true sci-fi nature of this story.

If you like sci-fi and suspense-mysteries, and have even a little interest in Native American beliefs, I definitely recommend reading Spirit Messenger.

I read a lot of science fiction fantasy, this book is one of the most intriguing I've ever read. I guess it's because in some ways, although it stretches the imagination, some of it is very plausible. The author mixes fantasy and reality so well, it makes the scenario almost believeable. And I love his enigmatic characters, quirky enough to be real people. There's an undercurrent of Native American spirituality, set in a location that lends itself to an eerie, otherworldlyness, that causes your spine to tingle. It's definitely a must read, if you like this kind of fiction! I give it two thumbs up!! It would make a great movie.

A marvelous, enlightening, surreal adventure! I loved it. It is an attention grabber, and you're never quite sure, until the very end, who the real villian is. It is an escape from reality, and yet thought provoking as well. I can't wait for this author's next novel. If it's anything like this one, it's bound to be a best seller.

Back before the Manson Family or OJ, there was Winnie Ruth Judd...the famous murderess who is still a household name for anyone over the age of 90 (just ask my grandmother!). This is a wonderful chronicle of the fascinating true crime case...vivid and immensely readable!

Being a native of Phoenix Arizona, I found this book very interesting and it tells what makes the most sense. The frightning story and distasteful jokes of Winnie Ruth Judd has been told and re-told for years. "The small beautiful trunk murderess who killed two people..chopped them up..loaded them both into trunks...and took them to LA on a train......alone!!" This never did make sense to me. Except for a few secrets Winnie kept until her death...this book explains what happened.

the first book on the Judd case "Winnie Ruth Judd: The Trunk Murderess", is a better read than this one, probably because it's authors were screenwriters. But Ms Bomersbach's book has far more information, much of it new and some culled from personal interviews with Winnie Ruth Judd herself! The author is a top notch researcher to be sure, but not a great storyteller. This book works best as a supplement to its predecessor; I think of them as a set, and with Amazon's used book section, they will both be available for years to come for only a couple of dollars each. Note: Get the Sanctuary paperback reprint of this book--updated after Winnie's death, it has more pictures than the hardcover and an expanded text.

THE TRUNK MURDERESS: WINNIE RUTH JUDD,by Jana Bommersbach. Winnie Ruth Judd never stood a chance in Phoenix, Arizona for justice. I read this book and now everytime I drive by the State Mental Hospital on Van Buren Street in Phoenix, I think of all the years that Winnie Ruth Judd spent there. This author's brilliant and time consuming research, plus she actually visited and slept at Winnie Ruth Judd's apartment and got the "true" story of all that happened from Winnie Ruth Judd, herself. The story took place in 1931, long before Phoenix became a major city, and is one of the most bizarre stories I have ever read. This is a fascinating story, and I could not put the book down until I had read from the front page to the last page.

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This book is a wonderful introduction to the San Francisco volcanic field, which created the high country around Flagstaff and the San Francisco Peaks, the highest mountains in Arizona. Duffield writes in a clear, direct style that's a pleasure to read. The book grew out of a long series of talks and lectures he's given around the Flagstaff - Grand Canyon area -- he quotes a fifth-grader who wrote a thank-you note for "being interesting and not boring," which is a nice capsule review of _Volcanoes_.

Although he's writing for a general audience, geologists who aren't intimately familiar with Northen Arizona will learn of some neat new discoveries -- such as the remarkable similarity between the Mt. St. Helens blowout and the Peaks' long-puzzling Inner Basin (p. 25). And that recent lava-dams on the Colorado River (near present-day Lava Falls) made lakes in Grand Canyon nearly half a mile deep!

And anyone with working eyes will be pleased with Michael Collier's splendid aerial photos -- if you're new to Collier, you will want to seek out his beautiful, large-format _Arizona : A View from Above_, which might be the best book of artistic air photos yet published (and which, sadly, is out of print).

Peter D. Tillman
Consulting Geologist, Tucson & Santa Fe (USA)

This book covers it all. Accessible text describes in a concise, but not condescending manner, the history of volcanoes in the northern Arizona and Flagstaff area. Excellent, even striking photography. Fine maps and drawings accent the text. This book is suitable reading material for professionals, college students and tourists alike. And an indispensable reference when traveling and sightseeing around Flagstaff, Arizona.

Most people don't realize that Flagstaff is situated near these barely dormant volcanoes which last erupted less than 800 years ago! Highly recommended!

Volcanoes are among the most interesting, awesome, and dangerous of geological phenomena. The also form many of the highest mountains we know-Olympus Mons on Mars, Mauna Kea, Popocatepetl, Kilimanjaro and many others on Earth. In spite of this, the average person has only an imprecise idea of what volcanos are and how they work. Duffield's fine book comes to the rescue.

The book addresses specifically volcanoes to be found in northern Arizona, so includes many pages of road logs intended for the resident or visitor to the area, pleasant excursions whose purpose is to illustrate a wealth of volcanic features. The rest of the book, however, is invaluable to anyone interested in learning more about volcanoes anywhere. Even though Duffield is a professional volcanologist of considerable repute, he uses clear language pleasantly free of technical jargon and aimed at the non-specialist. The many illustrations are lucid and well done, and the wonderful photographs by Michael Collier are a splendid asset.

The person interested in learning about volcanoes won't go wrong with this fine book.

This is a very good book and well worth the listed price of $11.95. But why is Amazon selling it for $14.95? If you live in or are traveling through Northern Arizona, pick it up at any bookstore or National Park outlet for the list price of $11.95. Don't pay the Amazon $3.00 primium.

WOW is lacking for an adequate response. The imagery along with the pain painted by the words leave path marks where tears cascaded. It seems an oxymoron to say I enjoyed the prose about her pain, but the poems left me speechless and terribly sad. From tales of my father to my own of Vietnam her words brought back images I sought long ago to bury as far away from conscience thought as possible. There is great talent presented in these poems which delights and humbles those of lessor abilities.

I find the material incredibly moving. My family and I have had the privilege of reading Sara's material and can't believe how great the works are. They are thought provoking and just reach inside and touch your heart. Can't remember a writer who has done that in a long time. An incredible insight into what life is about. She has definitely affected my life by just being Sara." NJB,

This book takes time for the reader to sort out - so many feelings. How the little girl could survive emotionally and spiritually such repressive, fearful, loveless, childhood and blossom into a compassionate, loving, sensitive poet is astonishing and a tribute to her spirit which developed into the beautiful thoughts in her poems.

The appeal of the book is also in the memories of the reader's experiences that are brought back - many memories suppressed, never understood, recalled to be questioned "Why"? Why didn't I have more gumption to stand up against unwarranted criticism instead of recoiling and believing "they" were right.

Also, as a Mother, I wish I had not said certain things to a child or had supported one more vigorously at times. I keep falling back on the excuse: "I did the best I knew how to do at the time."

Yes, the book makes one think a lot. If she could survive and blossom into a beautiful spirit who turned her pain into inspiration - why didn't I?

Sara Fryd's book, "What If... only one child remained?" is a great healing book for adults with disfunctional childhoods and those who want to try to understand another's pain. Sara has obviously made peace with her childhood and shares that peace with us through her book.

Within the first few pages of this book, I felt the words were from an author with extraordinary insight. Philosophical, psychological and religious lessons gleaned from Kelvin's own experiences are carefully woven into this marvelous book. Kelvin speaks both from his head and his heart with a genuine voice that's rare. It brings to life dormant courage, faith, and commitment. What Now? will help parents, teen-agers and children cope with the ever-growing challenges that await them. Sit back and get ready for a soul-searching journey and ponder the take-home insights gleaned from one remarkable man and his family's journey out of the depths of tragedy and despair.

Even though I am not of the LDS faith, I found that Kelvin's story is a vibrant testimony of the power of the gospel to turn an apparent tragedy to victory-a burden into a blessing. In riveting detail he describes how faith, hope, and love sustained him through the most difficult of times. Faith in Heavenly Father's plan for his life comforted him when he was beset with feelings of "why me?"

Based on a belief of eternal promises and covenants, Kelvin had a firm foundation to look to the future with anticipation and hope as he attempted to remain faithful and worthy.

Kelvin's description of his courtship with Joni is charming yet moving in its honesty. This is an essential read for anyone facing significant challenges. - by Allen Jones

Hey Mr. Taylor,
I just read your book. I read about 2-3books per week, and i must say
yours was fantastic. It made me cry, laugh out loud, wince, bawl,
cheer, and best of all be thankful that you went through what you did. You are awesome!

Within the first few pages of this book, I felt the words were from an author with extraordinary insight. Philosophical, psychological and religious lessons gleaned from Kelvin's own experiences are carefully woven into this marvelous book. Kelvin speaks both from his head and his heart with a genuine voice that's rare. It brings to life dormant courage, faith, and commitment. What Now? will help parents, teen-agers and children cope with the ever-growing challenges that await them. Sit back and get ready for a soul-searching journey and ponder the take-home insights gleaned from one remarkable man and his family's journey out of the depths of tragedy and despair.

I'm currently an architecture student and needed some information on Bruder's library. The books that i found weren't informative enough. A friend introduced me to the PA series and I eventually purchased this copy and it really surprised me by how thorough it was. It's a great tooL!

The cd-rom format offers an expanded range of possibilities for architecture publishing in the future! The projects are covered in amazing detail- its possible to pick a point on the plan and view photographs from that spot. In addition you can view enlarged sets of drawings and extensive photographic documentation. Dana Hutt's commentary is well researched and insightful, and the realtime interviews and slide shows with both of them is the next best thing to seeing a lecture in person. A very exciting format!

When I came across this CD, I was quite hesitant about buying it because, I felt more comfortable investing my money on a book rather than unfamiliar CD, not knowing what kind of content it would have. Luckily for me I couldn't find any books about Will Bruder, that I urgently needed. So I decided to try planet architecture. I was quiet impressed with what I found. Besides really valuable information, such as drawings, photos, panoramas, and interviews; the design and layout of the CD is very clear making it very easy to gain valuable knowledge and understanding of Bruder's work. For example, most of the drawings have points of reference that you can click on to view a picture of that exact point. The panorama option works kind of the same, but instead of just getting one view (picture) front a reference point, this feature lets you rotate around the point so you can better appreciate the architecture, like if you were physically in these buildings.

Let me start by saying that I'm not a big fan of "books on CD." This volume on Will Bruder, the first I've seen from in-D, is possibly the best use of the CD-ROM format that I've seen. With minimal use of text on screen, "Will Bruder-Recent Works" brings his vision and architecture to life in a way that the printed volume cannot. The navigational interface is unexpected, yet highly intuitive. Excellent coverage of the architect's works includes detailed floorplans, lush photography, and 360x360 (full immersion) panoramas that are probably the next best thing to being there. Insightful video interviews with Will are cut into manageable lengths and organized by topic. I can't wait to see more of the Planet Architecture series!

The photography in this book is unbelievable, and were it not for the requirement to note when photos are retouched in the computer, I would have believed they were "illustrations." I can never look at enough photographs of Arizona, but this unique stretch of trail which runs 750 miles from Mexico to Utah is a never ending string of contrasts, diversity and astounding beauty.

Jerry Sieve, the author, must be a book designers dream. He writes in strings of 20 word "pull quotes" and has done a great job of describing the trials and tribulations of hiking the unfinished Arizona Trail with a wonderful sense of humor. With the exception of a few stinging criticisms - the filthy air of Phoenix, road warriors in popular camp grounds, outdated topographic maps, etc. - he is as enthusiastic as those of us in Arizona about this monumental project and the opportunity for long distance non-motorized trail use that it provides.

You may have to purchase a new coffee table for this book!

M. John Fayhee tells the story of his trip along the Arizona Trail. Jerry Sieve captures the beauty of the trail in stunning photography. Fayhee does a great job of keeping the reader excited. My favorite area the Four Peaks Wilderness is not very well represented. Nevertheless I highly recommend this book!

The photography in this book is unbelievable, and were it not for the requirement to note when photos are retouched in the computer, I would have believed they were "illustrations." I can never look at enough photographs of Arizona, but this unique stretch of trail which runs 750 miles from Mexico to Utah is a never ending string of contrasts, diversity and astounding beauty.

Jerry Sieve, the author, must be a book designers dream. He writes in strings of 20 word "pull quotes" and has done a great job of describing the trials and tribulations of hiking the unfinished Arizona Trail with a wonderful sense of humor. With the exception of a few stinging criticisms - the filthy air of Phoenix, road warriors in popular camp grounds, outdated topographic maps, etc. - he is as enthusiastic as those of us in Arizona about this monumental project and the opportunity for long distance non-motorized trail use that it provides.

You may have to purchase a new coffee table for this book!