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.

I purchased this book originally to help me pass the time on a business trip in my hotel room - my mother grew up on a farm in Kansas traversed by trail and I had heard stories all of my life - mostly a lot of legends - I had occasion to visit northeast New Mexico several times over the past twenty years and now having read this book I have a deep respect and reverence for those persons whose dreams and visions made possible the taming of the American frontier - I became personally involved in the life story of Marian Russell and came away at the conclusion of the book feeling as if I had heard the story of a close family member - it was as if I were there with her living the story as well - wished there were more

I found this book in our local library and liked it so well that I am pruchasing one. The plant listings and discriptions are concise and complete. There us information on propagation, altitude requirements, alternate species and group planting suggestions. All in all, a very good book for the high desert and native plant gardener, particularly for the new desert dweller.

Charles Cutter, professor at Purdue University and all-around nice guy, has written a superb overview of an often overlooked aspect of Spanish frontier history. Son of legendary Borderlands historian Donald Cutter, Charles proves himself a premier historian of the period in his own right.

I bought this book at a bookstore, and after my journey I am so impressed with it I had to write a review. I am very surprised to see there isn't one yet!

This book has everything: the scenic drives, national parks, camping spots, hiking trails, rock climbing areas, mountain biking trails, state parks and forests, discussion on each major town in the Southern Cali - Nevada and Four Corners area (such as place to camp, local coffee shops, the bars with the jam bands)....all this with a special emphasis on the "budget traveler"....and all presented in an organized fashion.

The maps in the book are invaluable. each major downtown city area is mapped well, as are all the national parks.

The sections also recommened hotels and restaurants, but the emphasis is on local hotels rather than chains, and many times the chains are much cheaper. Promoting the local businesses is certainly commendable, but don't commit yourself to their recommendations there unless you feel you have to make advanced reservations.

I spent 8 weeks on the road and all I had was this book and a map of the country to guide me. This book had everything I needed (and more). Thank you, "Let's Go" writers and editors!

Life in the Pueblos was written by the noted anthropologist Ruth Underhill. It still remains after many years the best guide to the history and cultural life of the Rio Grande Pueblo Indians. Lots of great illustrations and photos.

THIS BOOK IS THE BIOGRAPHY OF A CONTEMPARY OF MY GREAT GRANDFATHER'S. COLLINSON WAS WELL KNOW AND BETTER RESPECTED IN THIS AREA. HIS STORY HAS GREAT MERIT IN THAT IT IS AN EYEWITTNESS ACCOUNT OF THE FRONTIER FROM A MAN WHO WAS ALWAYS VALUED FOR THE VERICITY OF HIS MEMORY.

Every American should read this book

Marc Simmons has done a wonderful job documenting the Southwest through many of his writings. In "The Little Lion of the Soutwest" he brings to life Manuel Antonio (Duran y) Chaves. Manuel lived through a drastically changing political environment of what he considered his homeland since when the Duran y Chaveses first found their way into what is now the American Southwest in the early 1600s. Simmons documents Manuel's childhood, military service, and livelihood through his son, Amado's collection, and other historical documentation. Mr. Simmons puts a face on some of the personalities that helped shape (what is now) New Mexico during the 1800s.

These are the tales of which my family grew up on. This story reminiscents to how well our great+ grandfathers lived compared to what resulted when many hispanic families were pushed off their lands. As a child, I remember hearing tales about the dealings with the Native Americans, having huge herds of cattle and sheep, and that there were a few in the family who fought in the old wars. During that time, I chalked these up as family "fish tales". In reading "The Little Lion", some of these myths come to life. Mr. Simmons helps in piecing together a history of what one great man of the Chavez family went through. For this I am grateful to read about because my fifth great grandfather was one of Manuel Antonio's uncles. Mr. Simmons writing's on Manuel Antonio Chavez makes many proud of the honor of being part of this "Distinctive American Clan".

This book is one I will always cherish, knowing someone took the time in giving a voice to a few lives of the Southwest. This is the stuff that should be taught in American History.

The third grade class I shared this book with sat on the edge of their seats. The author was very careful to define the spanish vocabulary used right after in the next line. It was great to graphically map out using imaginary verses a real horse having the children site examples. The folktale was quickly identified by the children. They compared it to others they had shared or read at home or school. Great for compare and contrast concepts! The illustrations were wonderful and vivid! My third grade daughter couldn't put it down until she was finished.