Related Vacation Book Subjects: united_states Deserts
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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Southwest", sorted by average review score:

High Desert Yards and Gardens
Published in Paperback by University of New Mexico Press (March, 1999)
Author: Lynn Ellen Doxon
Average review score:

A must own for all desert gardeners
This guide is very helpful for all desert gardeners. The guide is easy to use and is organized well for quick reference. It's a great guide for do-it-yourselfers.


Hispanic America,Texas, and the Mexican War 1835-1850 (Drama of American History)
Published in Library Binding by Benchmark Books (September, 1998)
Authors: Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier
Average review score:

Actually, more the history of the Southwest and California
The cover of this tenth volume in The Drama of American History series by Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier is a bit deceptive. First, the title "Hispanic America, Texas, and the Mexican War: 1835-1850" really covers only the first two-thirds of the book. The final third deals with the settling of California and the political situation under which it was admitted to the Union. Second, the cover illustration shows how the Indians of the Great Plains built a culture around horses after acquiring them from the Spanish, an interesting fact but really but a footnote given the focus of this particular volume.

The period 1835-1850 begins with the establishment of Texan Independence and the Missouri Compromise. However, the first two chapters of the book go back much farther. (1) The Coming of the Europeans to the Southwest deals with the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Central America, and South America, albeit in abbreviated form. This chapter provides a southwestern counterpart to earlier volumes in the series devoted to the settlement of Virginia ("The Paradox of Jamestown") and New England ("Pilgrims and Puritans"). (2) The Creation of the Southwest Hispanic Culture, looks at the mixing of Spanish and Indian cultures and take the reader up to the siege of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jancinto. The key chapter in the book covers the concept of (3) Manifest Destiny, which becomes the justification for expanding America from the Mississippi river west to the Pacific. Within that context the first major acquisition of land results from (4) The War with Mexico, which offers one of the better explanations of the war's campaigns that I have seen in a juvenile history book. (5) California, Here I Come actually looks at the history of the west coast up to the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. Similarly, (6) California Compromise deals with the whole western migration, covering not only the 49ers but also the Mormon trek to Utah.

Reading this volume I recalled the idea that when the United States won the Mexican War it basically took all of the "best" parts of Mexico. This made me wonder if America would have taken a similar approach if it had succeeded in conquering Canada: i.e., just take the southern parts and leave the frozen wastelands alone. Just a passing curiosity. Anyhow, I am really appreciative of the approach taken in this series, of focusing on the "core content" rather than a deluge of names and dates. This book is quite representative of what the Colliers are doing in this series, providing a historical context for key parts of American history that have resulted in the country we live in today. The book is illustrated with historic illustrations, including early photographs and political cartoons, all of which are presented with detailed captions making them more footnotes to the main text than mere pictures.


Hispanic Culture in the Southwest
Published in Paperback by Univ of Oklahoma Pr (Trd) (September, 1993)
Author: Arthur L. Campa
Average review score:

A compelling historical account of Hispanic Culture
A masterpiece written by the well known historian, Dr. Arthur L. Campa. The most accurate account of Hispanic Culture and historical events ever written! Highly recommended!


A History of Utah's American Indians
Published in Hardcover by Utah State University Press (01 November, 2000)
Authors: Forrest S. Cuch, David Begay, and Clifford Duncan
Average review score:

An impressive, comprehensive historical survey
A History Of Utah's American Indians is an impressive, comprehensive historical survey of Native American inhabitants of Utah, including six Native American tribes recognized as official entities and residing within Utah's boundaries. These include the Northwestern Shoshone, the Goshutes, the Paiutes, the Utes, the White Mesa Utes, and the Navhaos (Dine). Each tribe has its own government, while individual Tribe members are also citizens of Utah and the United States. The numerous contributors cover such issues as origin stories, religion, politics, education, folkways, family life, social activities, economic issues, important events, migration, interaction with whites and among themselves, war, trade, intermarriage, common threats and challenges. Of special note is the introductory chapter providing an overview of Utah's Native Americans and the concluding chapter summarizing the issues and concerns of contemporary Native Americans and their tribal leaders. A History Of Utah's American Indians is a remarkable and very welcome contribution to Native American studies and supplemental reading lists.


Horizontal Yellow: Nature and History in the Near Southwest
Published in Hardcover by University of New Mexico Press (October, 1999)
Author: Dan L. Flores
Average review score:

Flores proves once again he has few peers.
Dan Flores' long-awaited new book once again proves he has few peers when it comes to a deep understanding of his native Near Southwest, a vision for its long term health, and the ability to weave a tale which is scholarly, literary, and deeply personal.


Hot Springs and Pools of the Southwest; With the Aqua Pages Directory
Published in Paperback by Capra Press (May, 1979)
Author: Jayson Loam
Average review score:

Discusses history of hot springs well; poor travel guide
The updated versions by Marjorie Gersh are better for finding hot pools and hot springs, being both more complete and current, but they lack the compelling histories and stories that comprise the first three-fourths of this edition. Each chapter links together sites topically, such as hot and cold running water, natural bottoms, snowbirds, and a neat rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. I wouldn't give up my copy for any reasonable price.
NOTE: contains some not-very-discreet nudity.


How the Rattlesnake Got Its Rattle (Pair-It Books)
Published in Library Binding by Raintree/Steck Vaughn (June, 1998)
Authors: Jeffrey Stoodt and Anthony Chee Emerson
Average review score:

Easy Reading
Jeffrey Stoodt text is a easy reader for the young and eager to learn. The story has been modernize to give an up to date edge for the young reader. The illustrations through wash out give the authenticity of southwest flavor such as old blue paint on a Santa Fe door. Emersons non-threating snake gives the young viewer a smile.


A Hunter-Gatherer Landscape: Southwest Germany in the Late Paleolithic and Mesolithic (Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology)
Published in Paperback by Plenum Pub Corp (June, 1998)
Author: Michael A. Jochim
Average review score:

This is a great book for anyone who likes the stone ages
As a student under Dr. Jochim, I have taken his courses again and again. He is very interested in this region in these time periods. His book is no exception for his lust of this age in our history. If you are seeking to learn what the Cro-Magnon man and early Homo sapien did to survive, then this is a must have. If you are reading this Dr., I am Miles Robertson and I want to say thanks for the many classes I have had with you.


I Fought With Geronimo
Published in Hardcover by Univ of Nebraska Pr (February, 1988)
Authors: Jason Betzinez and Wilbur Sturtevant Nye
Average review score:

He lived from the Stone Age to the Atomic Age!
A fascinating story of a "wild" Indian who made his way successfully through the various stages of his life: from the unfettered freedom of the mountains, to the tenuous search for refuge in a hostile environment, through the confinement of the reservation, to the peaceful contentment of Christian love. Jason tells the remarkable story of his life from 1860 to 1959 with self-effacing honesty. He will certainly blur, if not erase, the stereotypical image of the "Hollywood" Apache.


If You Poison Us: Uranium and Native Americans
Published in Hardcover by Red Crane Books (September, 1994)
Authors: Peter H. Eichstaedt and Murrae Haynes
Average review score:

Environmental Justice
This book explains in great detail the injustices committed agains the Dineh (Navajo) people in the last century. The book explains the connection between Uranium mining and ill effects on the Dineh people. It explores issues like the health effects, environmental effects, and workers compensation for uranium mining. It has firsthand accounts of victims of radiation exposure. This book was very helpful for a paper I wrote for a college course. I would reccommend this book for those interested. It is well written and explains the uranium issue in a understandable way.


Related Vacation Book Subjects: united_states Deserts
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