New Mexico Books

From the El Paso Times (Book Review by Ramon Renteria: "The book is directed at teen-age readers but is just as appealing to their parents and even grandparents." "...Set in 1999 Mesilla,....the book entices readers to explore the region's fascinating history." ...."Justin Crumble.... has more twists and turns than a rattler at a snake hunt."

From the Las Cruces Sun News (Book review by Candice Stanford): "Justin Crumble.... recounts the true story of the unsolved double murder in 1896 of Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and his youngest son, Henry, with a fictional tale about the discovery of a map in 1999..." "Supernaturel and ghostly encounters mingled with historical and educational information make 'Justin Crumble..' a fascinating read." "...it's a book adults can also enjoy." "... I found it a gluing read, and would sneak back to it each free moment to unravel what Justin and Antonio had come upon..." Andrew Jackson Polk (age 12): "I can't wait for the sequel."

This is a good introduction to the Hopi and their reaction to the influence of white culture, focusing on the effects on the Katsina religion. This is not so much a book about Katsina dolls, but about the religion and how it has changed under the pressure of white culture. Very nice illustrations, well written.

Kenneth Milton Chapman: A Life Dedicated to Indian Arts and Artists is the true-life biography of scholar, author, and artist Kenneth Milton Chapman, whose study of Pueblo pottery was unparalleled among Anglo-Americans during the first half of the twentieth century. More than an expert in Native American arts, Chapman became a respected and beloved figure whose influence helped foster a virtual renaissance of Southwest pottery craft during the 1920s. Illustrated with a handful of black-and-white photographs, Kenneth Milton Chapman: A Life Dedicated to Indian Arts and Artists spares no detail in recounting Chapman's life, studies, and legacy. A welcome addition to biography and Native American studies collections alike.

This book has superior images both literary and visual. Wheather you are young or old this book paints a lasting image that just makes the heart go swish!

Although the ordinary copies of this book have been long out of print (2001), a special edition was prepared of 100 copies on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of Kino's arrival in the Pimería Alta. These books, internally labelled "Rim Edition," include a parchment page with the official postal stamp issued in honor of Padre Kino and inaugurated on March 12, 1987. These special copies were numbered, signed by the author, and cancelled in Cucurpe, Sonora, on the day of first issue 3/12/1987. This edition also contains four photographs of events that took place in celebration of the anniversary. At this writing (July, 2001), forty copies are all that remain. The price of this extremely rare and special edition is $...(US). The edition was inscribed as the "Rim Edition" because Kino had reached Cucurpe on that very date, and the historian Herbert Eugene Bolton coined the phrase: The Rim of Christendom to describe the launching of Kino's great explorations and missionary apostolate.

The coal mining town of Koehler once existed 16 miles from Raton NM.
F. Stanley's booklet is one of the few, perhaps only, history of this town. It's an easy read, somewhat simplistic but does give one a sense of what life was like. Particularly valuable to someone whose ancestors once lived and worked there. Nothing remains of Koehler.

This book was a nominee for the Bay Area Book Reviewers Association (BABRA) Fiction Award. La Mollie is a surprising gem of a book. If only Mr. Islas were still alive to write some more...

This survey of hispanic folk music of the Rio Grande may be regionally specific, but it will prove essential to any student of Hispanic music and provides a wide-ranging history which examines the religious music from 16th-century Spain, Mexican folk tunes, and melodies which are native to the Rio Grande region. Songs appear in Spanish and English and the book includes excellent black and white photos and historical notes.

Amate painting is one of the most neglected traditions in folk art. Amith provides a superb treatment of the topic, with amazing color plates. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is an artistic revelation.

Tyler Cowen

This book is great, I checked it out at a local bookstore. I just purchased a new boat, and trying to figure out what lakes in NM are wake lakes was impossible until I found this book. I highly reccomend it to anyone who wants a change from Elephant Butte!