This book is an essential to anyone interested in understanding Southwestern Archaeology. Dr. John C. McGregor provides a comprehensive analysis of the chronological development of the various cultures in the Southwest and provides insights in the character and accomplishment of those distinct cultures.

According to Science Magazine:

"This is the best available reference book on the prehistory of the southwestern United States; the illustrations, drawings, maps, and comprehensive bibliographies add to the merits of the work...This book will be welcomed by all readers."

Brings intelligent life to the desert (that is easier said than done). But at least Judith gives you a chance - no more than a chance. With her wit and wisdom as guidance, and a large hat for the sun, planting a Southwestern garden is not a silly thing to do. If Southwestern Landscaping has any short coming, it's the somewhat abrievated section on garden pests endemic to the area. For example, I had a problem with mad dogs and Englishmen. I was forced to take the matter into my own hands.

I use this dictionary alot. This dictionary will help the medical provider or interpreter understand the Spanish language form variations of Spanish speakers from North-Western Mexico and the South-West United States.

Anecdotal Story:

A mother told me her son had "las viruelas locas", the medical professional had attended Spanish medical vocabulary training, and understood the women's response, however he only understood "viruela" (small pox) and immediatly became concerned.

I had to step in and educate the medical professional that many Spanish speakers refer to chicken pox as "las viruelas locas", and I showed him in my handy pocket dictionary the difference between "Las viruelas locas" (chicken pox) vs. "La viruela negra" (small pox). He still asked secondary questions just to be safe, but we avoided a potential cultural barrier.

One more Story.

A patient told a medical professional that the she gave the baby hierba buena (mint) for the fever. A different medical professional comprehended the phrase and performed a self-interpretation based on Cheech and Chong movies that hierba buena was marijuana. He was brought back to reality when he saw in the dictionary that Hierba Buena ment mint, the cultural crisis was avoided.

The dictionary also has a list of local plants both edible and poisioness.

This dictionary is recommended for both the medical professional and Spanish Medical Interpreters.

I like this book.I have other books by Paula Baxter, and I new that this one was going to be just as good. I make Indian jewelry and I'm always looking for picture books on the old Indian jewelry and this book is "chuck full of pictures of old jewelry and tools that were used to make the jewelry". The pictures are clear,clean,and big. If you like the way the indian jewelry looked back in the early part of the 1900's this is the book for you. Paula, did a vary nice job and I wish to thank her for this book.

Best cookbook ever and I have an extensive collection. Have worn out two and now seeking my third copy.

This is an essential reference. Noel Justice has done an amazing job of gathering the references and synthesizing a very complex and diverse array of "spear and arrow points" in this volume. I can also recommend "Stone Age Spear and Arrow Points of California and the Great Basin". Well worth the rather high price.

The writing is beautiful and simple. Never mushy. I was hooked in no time. I may be biased because I' a bit of a weather nut... The story is anyone's, but yet unusual. It's easy to like the main character--he guy is searching for something...but again, William Hauptman does not make it mushy. And the ending is perfect...

This is a wonderfully clear and thoughtful analysis of water politics. It should be read by anyone concerned about how we make decisions about water quality and quantity. The Florida Legislature, which as a group provided a ham handed approach to dealing with the Everglades and Native tribes, should collectively read this book.

Ms. Monahan's Taste of Tombstone surpasses being a cookbook...it is a slice of life from the late 1800's. As an historical fiction writer (The Texicans), I recommend it as a writer's guide to the people and foods of that era.

Fifteen years ago when I was on my way to visit friends overseas, I bought this book in the Houston airport when I realized at the last minute I didn't have a "hostess gift" for my friend's mom. It turned out to be the best cookbook "find" I ever made! During my visit, we tried several of the recipes, and were totally astounded. Everything was great!

I picked up Tastes & Tales for myself when I got home, and I've given it as a gift to many friends and relatives ever since. My personal copy is stained and worn, but I will never give it up. Everything in it is delicious and authentic.

You can't go wrong with Fay's Fresh Apple Cake (which regularly brings in $10 at our annual school bake sale!), and the Texas Pecan Bars are heavenly. The Pecan Crunchies are AWESOME and addictive.

But sweets are just one segment of the book, which has many, many different recipes. And lest you think it's all barbecue and beans, think again. There's Chilled Cucumber Soup, Slavic Oven Stew, and Forty Clove Chicken, to name just a few.

I have LOTS of cookbooks, but this is the one I turn to first. I recommend it highly, whether you are a non-cook, a novice cook, or a chef!!