LPD Press & Rio Grande Books

Books, Books, and More Books...
Many books on New Mexico and the Southwest have been reviewed in Tradicion Revista magazine over the years; here is a gallery of many of them and you can purchase any of them. We also provide a link to the reviews of many of these great books by CLICKING HERE!



Navajo And Pueblo Earrings 1950-1945: Collected by Robert V. Gallegos
Robert Bauver, Rio Grande Books, 2007
Replete with photos, the book chronicles the history of Native American earrings using Gallegos’ twenty-year collection. A short, well-written history opens the book and the bulk is made up of photographs paired with captions discussing the genesis of the earrings pictured. A comprehensive index makes the book attractive to the scholar while the photos will attract the casual browser. This is the perfect book for anyone who has succumbed to the enchantment of silver and turquoise. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

National Heritage Fellowships 1982-2002
National Endowment for the Arts, 64 pages, full color, Free.
We got into this booklet because of Charlie Carrillo (he is not in this one) but it has New Mexicans like: George Lopez, Frances Varos Graves, Ramon Jose Lopez, Helen Cordero, Margaret Tafoya, the Romeros, and Cleofas Vigil. It also has all the other 56 recipients by year and you get to see your tax dollars at work. We hear there is a new edition which covers up to 2007. Order through the NEA website. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Native American Fetishes
Kay Wittle. Published in 2006 by Schiffer, 160 pages, softback, full color with many pictures, $14.95, ISBN 0-7643-2516-7.
This is a wonderful resource if you collect or are interested in fetishes. There is a glossary, map, bibliography, and list of artists. There is also a chapter on each kind of fetish made so if you don’t know what it is you can find out easily. Necklaces are even included! This along with a fetish to start the collection would make a great gift for a young adult. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Near Horizons: A Weekender’s Guide to Easy Trips From Albuquerque
M.J. Cain with illustrations by Cirrelda Snider. Published in 2003 by La Alameda Press, paperback, $14.00, 188 pages, b&w, ISBN 1-888809-39-6.
It is not flashy with mega color plates but it is a mellow travel book for those visiting Albuquerque or those in Albuquerque who need especially day trips. Covered are: Tres Ritos, Conchas Lake, Gallup, Cuba, Chimayo, Pecos, Jemez Springs, and many more. It gives Practicalities, Things To Do, General, and all kinds of snippites of facts and ideas. It is a good little book to give with a map to houseguests and say GO! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2005

Never Say Goodbye: The Albuquerque Rephotographic Survey Project
Anthony Anella & Mark C. Childs, published by the Albuquerque Museum, 2000. No ISBN, paperback, $12.00, 88 pages, b/w with many current and historic photos.
First in the spirit of full disclosure, this reviewer sits on the Board of the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities and NMEH awarded a grant for this project.
Like the previous book, this is a self-published project by another Albuquerque museum and it has great merit. Like the project before, it takes photos that might have been lost and certainly had little exposure and gave them a voice. The exhibit ran from October 2000 through February 2001.
The project originally appeared in the Albuquerque Tribune as a series of 20 articles in 1998 and 1999. The Foreword is by V.B. Price.
This book, again, is probably not available any place else other than the Albuquerque Museum Store; call 505/243-7255. This is a great book on Albuquerque’s architectural history. It is especially enjoyable to look at the photos of places you frequent everyday in downtown Albuquerque and think about how it might have been. Albuquerque has come a long way. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2001

New Mexican Chow: Restaurants for the Rest of Us
Scott Sharot. Published in 2004 by the Intrepid Traveler, 224 pages, softback, 1 map, $11.95, ISBN 1-887140-48-4.
This cute guide can fit in pockets or purses and it is cross-referenced by location, price, and cuisine. Some of our regular places were not in the book but some where. There is a good write up of all the places and extensive information about how to get there, cost, dress, food, credit cards, and other stuff. This is a nice book for a visitor or a native going to a new location in New Mexico. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

New Mexican Tinwork: 1840 - 1940
Lane Coulter and Maurice Dixon, Jr. Re-released in 2004 by the University of New Mexico Press, $24.95, softback, 189 pages, all black and white with many photos, ISBN 0-8263-1525-9.
The orginal book was released in 1990 and we have a suspicion that the new book came out to coincide with Las Golondrinas’ Tin exhibit running for another year. There is a new cover and a little new information. It still is the only book on New Mexico tin and is a great reference book. The book has a Glossary, Appendix, references, a guide to artists, and is filled with valuable information. If you like New Mexico tin this is the book to have. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

New Mexico 24/7
Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohne. Published in 2004 by DK Publishing, $24.95, 144 pages, hardback, lots of color pictures, ISBN 0-7566-0071-5.
This is a state book following the succesful America 24/7. In one week, professional and amateur photographers captured New Mexico. All peoples are in the book -- black, white, anglo, Hispanic, and Native American. If you can think of it -- it is probably in here. A lot of the pictures are of just everyday people doing their thing. But some big events are in here too. The book is noteable because the famous (except for Ron Howard) are not here. It is a beautiful book to give as a gift or to keep. Many of New Mexico’s noted photographers have work here. Other states are available. You can also put have any photo printed on the front cover -- www.america24/7.com/customcover -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

New Mexico: A Biographical Dictionary 1540-1980 Volume 1
Don Bullis, Rio Grande Books 2007
Bullis is well known for his knowledge of New Mexico History, which he shares weekly as editor and publisher for the New Mexico Historical Notebook e-zine (www.donbullis.biz). Following and expanding the tradition of his earlier 99 New Mexicans . . . and a few other folk, this first volume of a planned multi-volume set features 530 New Mexicans from the famous (the Unser family) to the infamous (Billy the Kid) to the historic (Lucien Maxwell) and the unsung (Henry Love) with the only basic qualification, according to the author’s introduction, being that “they left a mark on the state, for good or ill.” Indexed and annotated to serve as a research tool, this book is equally interesting to those interested in dipping into New Mexico’s unique history. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

New Mexico: A Brief Multi-History
Ruben Salaz Marquez. Introduction by J. Ronald Vigil. 1999, Cosmic House, Paperback, 675 pages, ISBN 0-932492-05-3, $39.95, many illustrations in B/W.
Calling this a “brief multi-history” is either tongue in cheek or a comment on the long Hispanic/Native American history in New Mexico. This book is not brief and neither is the controversy around its creation. The National Hispanic Cultural Center spent a reported $43,000 on the creation of this book, then didn’t like it, refused to publish it, and then there were legal battles. In any case it is out and is approved for school use and can be purchased with State monies.
When we went to school there was no mention of Hispanic, Native American, or any other people’s contributions to American history. They just didn’t exist. Some critics may say that this book goes too far in the other direction but we actually think it didn’t go far enough. It is a wonderful resource for the classroom but there seems to be some people missing.
The book is very lacking on the contributions of Hispanic New Mexicans in traditional and contemporary arts. It lists some artists who are alive and well but ignores some of the master artists who truly are role models, well known, and influential. To not list in the “Hall of Fame” artists who have been recognized by the NEA or other influential groups is a flaw. To look at the lists of books one also finds some major omissions. However, there are many people listed who have never made it into print in any history book prior to this one.
There are lists, timelines, and a glossary. The format may be a little difficult for students, especially pre-college level, to follow. But the book is filled with information -- it just may take a little effort to find it. As with any text book, we hope this is a living, continual effort that is revised and updated to be the best it can be. It will balance the text books compiled in other parts of the United States that have difficulty finding New Mexico, much less talking about its history. We recommend this book for serious scholars as well to have on their shelves for personal reference. If you have trouble finding it contact Cosmic House at PO Box 10515, ABQ 87184. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2001

New Mexico A to Z
Jill Lane and illustrations by John Hardiman. Published in 2006 by Enchantment Lane Productions, paperback, 26 pages, b&w with lots of illustrations, $4.99.
If you are always looking for a cool gift for a kid--this is it! Combine it with a box of crayons or the Oso Bear and you are done!!!! This is a great way for kids (and adults) to learn about New Mexico in a fun and interactive way. O is Old Town, F is Farmington, I is Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. It is available at all gift shops, Borders, and book stores but if you have trouble finding it call 1-800-545-2070 or www.newmexico.org. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007
The latest in the adventures of Oso Bear takes children on an alphabetical, coloring book, tour of New Mexico. Each page includes facts about the locations, from Roswell’s’ Aliens to northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle, as well as phone numbers and websites for those who want to explore further. Close cousin to Chama’s Cinderbear (Cinderbear and the Christmas Train), Oso has previously appeared in Off We Go To The NMSO and The Kid’s Passport To New Mexico. Consider sending along the very cuddly jointed Oso Bear as a reading companion. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

New Mexico A to Z
Dorothy Hines Weaver and illustrated by Kay Wacker. Northland Publishing, 1996, paperback, ISBN 0-87358-636-0, $6.95, 28 pages in color.
This mother and daughter team who live in Arizona started the series with Arizona A to Z. This brightly illustrated book will help those new to New Mexico or relatives living in other areas a cute way to talk with young children about this wild and unusual state. There is a glossary for adults reading along who won’t know what a kiva, junco, xylosma, or zone-tail are. This will make it a fun book for kids and parents to read together. Another way for young children to learn their ABC’s in a non-traditional way. A great souvenir or gift. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2001

New Mexico Artists at Work
Dana Newman and photos by Jack Parsons. Published in 2005 by Museum of New Mexico Press, hardback, 176 pages, full color & duotones, $39.95, ISBN 0-89013-439-1.
This is a beautiful book with artists studios of Nick Herrera, Luis Tapia, Michael Lujan, Bob Haozus, Eliseo Rodriguez, Jaune-Quick-See Smith, Judy Chicago, Agnes Martin, and many more. Some of the studios we have been in like Nick’s and see bits of us there. Old friends like Eliseo are in the book. Each artist has a little bio and some pictures that emphasize the making of art. There is a bibliography. This is a good gift for anyone who knows any of the artists or is a fan of art. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005
New Mexico Artists At Work, written by Donna Newman, photographs by Jack Parsons, is an exploration of the creative spaces of contemporary members of the New Mexico art community and explores “the quirkiness of each artist’s response to the task of making an environment in which to work.” The paired photos of artist and studio with a single page biography makes this a book to visit again and again. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Summer 2007

New Mexico Blue Book 2003-2004
Office of Rebecca Vigil-Giron, Secretary of State and compiled by Kathryn A. Flynn. Softback, 354 page, all B&W.
This is an unusual book for us to review but it needs to be talked about. We got it free at the New Mexico Historical Society Conference that took place in Clayton in April. The book is a wonderful resource of facts and information. Everything you wanted to know about New Mexico is in this book. There is trivia, history, judges, departments, media, voting, Native Americans, pictures, geology, symbols, education, maps, and a lot more. If you do writing, reporting, media, or anything to do with New Mexico you need this book. The book is free and you can get it (hopefully) 800-477-3632. It is not in stores. Thumbs-up to New Mexico. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

New Mexico For Dummies
Lesley S. King with Granville Green. Published in 2002 by Hungry Minds. 384 pages in B/W, ISBN 0-7645-6527-3; paperback, $16.99.
What an interesting idea -- guidebooks by people who actually live in the state! Lesley King is a New Mexico lifer so she knows us. In fact the only santero referred to in the Arts & Crafts section in the back was Nick Herrera. In the Top Ten Ways to Act Like a New Mexican we passed with flying colors except for the item on being late for everything -- we aren’t but 9 out of 10 isn’t bad. We especially liked the Top Ten Ways To Be Friendly to the Native Americans and the Top Ten Arts & Crafts. This book is user friendly and very inclusive. The maps are good and there is a lot of information on cool things to see. The two nit-picking things we could find is possibly more on New Mexican santeros and a bibliography of selected reading on the various cultures. Other than that the Dummies series is good and has become an icon for many parts of our lives. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2003

New Mexico Ghost Stories
Antonio R. Garcez. Published 2003 by Red Rabbit Press. ISBN 0-963402994. $21.95.
Let’s be completely honest, Antonio Garcez is a long time friend and fellow small press owner in New Mexico. And yes, we appear in his Ghost Stories of Abiquiu book because we told him he had to tell that story. He is an excellent ghost story teller -- probably Mr. Ghost of New Mexico. In New Mexico Ghost Stories he has combined the stories from all of his other books -- Abiquiu, Santa Fe, Taos, Albuquerque, and Southern New Mexico -- all into one large book of stories (432 pages). So many of the places he covers are old hangouts of ours: The Albuquerque Press Club, Legal Tender, Canyon Road, Ghost Ranch, Taos Pueblo, The Kimo Theater, Las Cruces, and old La Mesilla. The book has Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo stories. It does not discriminate on which ghosts it covers. It is fun and a great gift for anyone who loves New Mexico and ghosts. Garcez’ other books include ghost stories of Arizona, Native American Southwest, and California and Yosemite. If you have trouble finding the book or want Antonio to speak to a group, contact him at HC 71 Box 496, Hanover, New Mexico 88041-0496. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2004

New Mexico Religious Art
Master Artist Peter Lopez, Produced by Cultural Art Journal LTD. 43 minutes in color. $9.95.
This is the first production by Cultural Art Journal LTD of a contemporary santero although they have done other videos. Peter Lopez is in that group of up-and-coming with a number of recent awards and honors. Peter does some great work and the value of this video is that it will document his retablos and bultos for history. Collectors of his work, galleries, museums and even potential clients will enjoy the video because it gives them a chance to get to know Peter and his work.
This is not Hollywood quality video but more in the genre of educational video. It does give the viewer a nice visit with Peter filmed at his studio, summer Market and winter Market. You see Peter’s 1999 1st Place Gesso Award from Market in progress along with other pieces.
The video puts Peter Lopez in context with history and his work. It is ironic that Peter’s grandfather was the first person to bring a feature film to New Mexico and now Peter is one of the first santeros to have a video on his work and life. We applaud any effort that documents the work of present day santeros so future generations will see what was going on at the 400 year mile-marker in history. As far as we are aware the only place you can get the video is from the producers Pat & Emmet Thorpe in Placitas, New Mexico (505)867-2195 or email caj@swcp.com for $9.95@. There is a CD version but it works on non-Mac pcs also for $9.95@. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2000

New Mexico Route 66 On Tour: Legendary Architecture from Glenrio to Gallup
Donald J. Usner. Published in 2004 by Museum of New Mexico Press with collaboration with New Mexico Historic Preservation Division, B&W, 108 pages, softback, ISBN 0-89013-386-7, $19.95.
This is a great little book that has pictures you haven’t seen to death. A number of places we had been but never knew the inside story. The book is very readable and fun. It is organized in a logical trip through Route 66. The book would have benefitted from an index but without it the book is still fun and a great gift for the Route 66 buff on your list. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2004

New Mexico Santos: Religious Images in the Spanish New World
E. Boyd, Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe, 1966, Revised 1995; ISBN: 0-89013-284-4 ($12.95).
This is a reissue of the classic New Mexico Santos: How to Name Them which was first released in 1966. This book is a tribute to E. Boyd, who helped to research and document the various images of the santos of New Mexico. Her research suggested that engravings were far less important as sources of inspiration for the santeros than were the popular devotional lithographic prints with which European commercial printers flooded worldwide markets in the 19th century. This is a great starter book with marvelous illustrations by Frances Breese. E. Boyd was the Curator of Spanish Colonial Art at the Museum of New Mexico for twenty-five years. . -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 1996

New Mexico’s Historic Places: The Guide to National and State Register Site
Marci Riskin, General Editor and Foreword by Robert J. Torrez. 2000, Ocean Tree Books, paperback, ISBN 0-943734-30-1, $15.95. 160 pages, B & W, many photos.
This book needs to be in your car if you go exploring in New Mexico. All of the sites, houses, farms, and businesses that are on the national and State historic registers, are listed. We were amazed at how many places were in our basic neighborhood alone. Some cities, locations, and specific sites have in depth explanations while many do not. We found ourselves wanting to know why every single place or house made it on to this prestigious list. Maybe a larger book that gives the reason that each place is on the list might be in the future. It is wonderful to have this guide and for those who travel with this exact goal in mind, it will be a treasured gift. There are over 1700 sites listed along with a brief history and background as well as an explanation of how a site gets the prized plaque that puts them on the register. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2000

NM 2000
Exhibit catalog published by the Museum of Fine Arts, Santa Fe. 505/476-5072. $15 at their museum store, 79 pages with b/w photos.
Finally somebody in the museum business got it! If you go to all the trouble of having a major juried show, take the time to have a catalog for those who visit the show and want to remember it. Thanks, Museum of Fine Arts. New Mexico 2000 is a juried show open until April, 22, 2000. They had over 5,000 submissions by slide and chose about 70 pieces.
There is a blend of traditional Native American, traditional Hispanic New Mexican, and all sorts of contemporary works in all media. In the spirit of full disclosure we have to admit that we have a piece on loan to the exhibit by santero Alcario Otero of Tome.
The show is the sort that is interesting because of the diversity, the humor, the controversy, and the beauty. One thing that really caught our eye was that all of the “rejected” pieces in slide form, as well as the accepted slides, are on display in a huge light-table wall. You are struck with the quality of the work submitted and that all the pieces are really a part of the exhibit. A pat on the back to the person who thought of this idea. The show is worth a trip to Santa Fe and if you like the work -- buy the catalog. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1999

Nuevo Mexico Profundo: Rituals of an Indo-Hispano Homeland
Photographs by Miguel Gandert, Foreword by Helen Lucero, Essays by Ramon Gutierrez, Enrique Lamadrid, Lucy Lippard, and Chris Wilson. Museum of New Mexico Press, 2000. Hardback $50.00, ISBN 0-89013-348-4, paperback $29.95, ISBN 0-89013-349-2. 130 b/w photos, 175 pages.
If you bought this book for no other reason than the photos, you would get your money’s worth. They are stunning. Then, Miguel Gandert is known for his intimate portraits and black and white candids of just regular people carrying out their everyday activity. The way he portrays them is not everyday quality. They appear elegant and important.
But this book is not only photos. It has some important essays that place the rituals in context with historical backgrounds. The dances of Alcalde, Picuris, Ranchos de Taos, Abiquiu, Tiguex, Tortugas, Paseo del Norte, Chimayo, and Tome are featured. For some of us we can pick out friends who participate in these important cultural gatherings.
The book accompanies an inaugural exhibit at the new National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. The exhibit may travel after it comes down in May. You can buy the book at the NHCC (number above) or it can be ordered with the ISBN number. This book has been seen in some local book stores. If this is the quality of book the NHCC is going to put out with all of their exhibits then we are all in for a treat! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2001

Oaxaca Celebration, Family, Food, and Fiestas in Teotitlan
Mary Jane Gagnier de Mendoza. Published in 2005 by Museum of New Mexico Press, softback, $24.95, 160 pages, 100 color photos, 1 map, ISBN 0-89013-445-6.
What better way to celebrate the holidays than to give a book on Mexican holidays. You begin with Posadas at Christmas, and visit the Fiesta of the Black Christ of Esquipulus, Lent, weddings, holy Week and Easter, patron saints days, and end with Day of the Dead. The pictures are great and draw you in. This is a great book for someone going to or returning from one of the best and most popular vacation spots in the world. Combine it with a Mexican treasure from Hispaniae or Jackalope and you have the perfect gift. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

On The Chile Trail; 100 Great Recipes from Across America
Coyote Joe. Published in 2005 by Gibbs Smith Publisher, softcover, 160 pages, full color, $24.95, ISBN 1-58685-4046.
We do not get the emmy-winning, Sonoran Grill tv show with Coyote Joe out of Phoenix. It must be good. This book is really good. The contents of recipes is all c’s - Cajuns, Cattlemen, Catholics, Cowboys, and Californians. The recipes include: cerviche, dirty rice, soft shelled crabs, salsas, kabobs, margaritas, salads, fish, and many more. It is fun and mouth watering. A great gift. But we wanted to see what Coyote Joe looked like! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

On Mexican Time
Tony Cohan, Broadway Books, 2000. Hardback, $25, ISBN 0-7679-0318-8, 288 pages.
This book could be a great pool book. If we had ocean beaches in New Mexico it could be the perfect beach book. It might even work as a middle of a cold winter book. It is a travel diary, a fantasy. For anyone dreaming of retiring or running away to Mexico, this is the book for you.
This is the story of finding San Miguel de Allende, falling in love with the town, then leaving Los Angeles to live there. It is funny, poetic, historical, and strange. It is an easy read and makes you want to at least spend vacation time in Mexico. The author gives you a real feel for the colonial town and the oddities of living there. This book may be difficult to find. Try Amazon, ordering from your own bookstore or calling Hispaniae 505-244-1533. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2001

Once There Was A Bull (Frog)
Rick Walton and illustrated by Greg Hally. Published in 1995 by Gibbs Smith, 30 pages, $15.95, hardback, full color, ISBN 0-879056-652-5.
This is another great book for kids. It is all in English and good for a beginning reader. The story is set in the West and it might appeal especially to boys. The illustrations will capture the attention of any kid. This book would make a good nighttime story. It is easy on the kids and the parents. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

Only In New Mexico : An Architectural History of the University of New Mexico, the First Century 1889-1989
Van Dorn Hooker with Melissa Howard and V.B. Price. Published in 2000 by UNM Press, hardback, 342 pages, B&W with may drawings and photos, $29.95, ISBN 0-8263-2135-6.
UNM is a strange mix of traditional buildings with new and modern buildings and some building you wonder “What were they thinking?” This being said ii is a great idea to document the architiecture for a whole campus. There are tons of interesting facts you-never-knew as well as archival pictures that are fun. Students of art, history, and architecture will love this book. The Appendix will thrill fact junkies. A great gift for a student or teacher going to UNM. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Our Lady of Guadalupe
pictures by Felipe Davalos, story by Francisco Serrano and pop-up paper engineered by Eugenia Guzman. 1988, Groundwood Press. 12 pages color, $16.95 hardback. ISBN 0-88899-335-8.
We have learned to appreciate pop-up books from LaVerne Miers Bond who makes and teaches this newly emerging book art form. Though this book only has twelve pages, they are twelve stunning, three dimensional pages. This is one way to tell the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe to kids and they will be entertained. We recommend that an adult go through the book the first time and show the pop-ups and how they work because they can be a little tight the first time through, especially the page with all the flowers. This is a great gift and a beautifully done book for any child. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 1999

Outdoor Style: The Essence of Southwest Living
Suzanne Pickett Martinson. Published in 2003 by Northland Publishing, 134 pages, hardback, $34.95, full color, ISBN 0-87358-841-X.
All of these “Style” books are beautiful. You would love to have them on your coffee table. This one highlights all kinds of intersting places in the Southwest. It is more spiritual than primarily decoration but with the same effect. There is a Resource Guide, Bibliography, Aromatic Plant list, and recipes too! This shows all kinds of small and large spaces and what can be done with them for entertainment or for inner peace. A beautiful book. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

Pablo and Pimienta: Pablo y Pimienta
Ruth M. Covault and illustrated by Francisco Mora. Rising Moon (Northland Publishing), ISBN 0-87358-588-7, 1998. 32 pages in color. $15.95.
This is a very nicely illustrated book of a father, son and uncle who travel to Phoenix from Mexico to pick watermelons. Pablo falls out of the truck and meets a baby coyote and the two try to find Pablo’s father. I wanted more from the story. I wondered how the issue of a child picking watermelon was going to be handled and it wasn’t. The story just ends. I envisioned a parent reading the story to a child and having to answer a lot of social questions -- but maybe that isn’t a bad idea to foster conversation. And maybe an adult reading this children’s book just doesn’t work. In any case it is a catalyst to talk about the hard life some people must live and the differences in cultures. It is a beautiful book and might make a good addition to a primary grade classroom. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 1998

Paint Your Soul
Jan Oliver. Published by the artist, 40 pages, $16.50, full color, paperback.
This colorful book is by the same artist who did the art on TR’s summer cover. The book celebrates the ability to create and paint by showing vibrant images of the Southwest. This book with a watercolor set would make a great gift for anyone. If you have trouble finding the book call the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center Store in Pueblo, The Starving Artist Gallery in Taos, or the artist at www.janoliver.com. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Painting of New World: Mexican Art and Life, 1521-1821
Donna Pierce, Clara Bargellini and Rogelio Ruiz Gomas, Published in 2004 by University of Texas Press, hardback, 328 pages, 139 & 20 B+W illustrations, $50.00, ISBN 0-914738-49-6.
This is a true coffee table book, large and heavy but beautiful. In the spring of 2004 the Denver Art Museum mounted the largest exhibit of Mexican colonial painting ever shown outside of Mexico. It contained 60 masterpieces from private collections and museums in Europe, the United States. and Mexico. This is the catalogue for the exhibit. For anyone interested in art of Mexico this is a must. It is scholarly but shows off the art well. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

Paintings of the Southwest
Arnold Skolnick and Introduction by Suzan Campell. 2002 University of New Mexico Press, paperback, $$, ISBN 0-8263-2843-1, 128 pages, many color plates.
Books on art need to serve a purpose. Do they provide new research, area picture or reference book, or do they act as a guide for other artists? I can’t figure out what this book wants to be. It is very pretty as one page after another of paintings - divided by short quotes from notable people but why? It is a small book so it is not the usual coffee table book. The best I can figure is that it is a book for tourists.
It is flawed in its exclusion of some major painters in New Mexico: Frank Applegate, Eliseo Rodriguez, John Nieto, or anyone in the contemporary Hispanic or Native American schools of art. You might say it doesn’t show contemporary but it indeed does with Alyce Frank, Wilson Hurley, and Morris Rippel. It does have work from Native Americans, Pablita Velarde and Fritz Scholder but Hispanics don’t exist. It is a pretty, little, flawed book for people who want to look at a pretty picture and don’t know any better. But again I have to ask, “What is the purpose for this book?” -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2002

Passions in Print: Private Press Artistry in New Mexico 1834-Present
Pamela S. Smith and Richard Polese. Published in 2006 by Museum of New Mexico Press with a grant by the Lannan Foundation, 224 pages, $45.00 hardback, ISBN 0-89013-479-0.
In the spirit of disclosure we have to tell that we have been involved with the New Mexico State Library Lecture Series that is part of the display that accompanies this book. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Phoebe and Chub
Matthew Henry Hall and illustrated by Sheila Aldridge. Published in 2005 by Rising Moon, hardback, $15.95, 30 pages, full color, ISBN 0-87358-879-7.
This is a great kid’s book and boys will especially like it because they are trained to like things that are squishy. There are three rules to be truly happy and they are good rules. This is a book for a beginning reader or to be read to. Good for a birthday present! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

Photographers of Genius at the Getty
Getty Curator of Photography Weston Naef. Published in 2004 by the J. Paul Getty Museum, softback, $35.00, 176 pages, 60 color & 54 duotone photos, ISBN 0-89236-749-0.
This is a little different for us to review but it does have photos of Southwestern subjects and Latino photographers. There are of course Alfred Stiegliz photos of Georgia O’Keefe. Also there are photos by Manuel Alvarez Bravo of Mexico. It is a very attractive book with a wide selection of photos that will entertain anyone interested in photos and their history. It is a collection of thirty-eight photographers with a biography on each from an exhibition at the Getty by the same name. It is a large book that will add to any library and the topics are fascinating. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2004

Pilgrimage to Chimayo: Contemporary Portrait of a Living Tradition
Sam Howarth & Enrique Lamadrid, photography by Sam Howarth, Miguel Gandert, Cary Hertz, and Oscar Lozoya. Testimonials compiled by Enrique Lamadrid & Troy Fernandez. Museums of New Mexico Press, 1999. Paperback, $19.95, ISBN 0-89013-374-3, b/w, 77 pages.
The pilgrimage to Chimayo during Holy Week is world famous and a very important part of northern New Mexico’s spiritual history. The pictures in the book are stunning and truly give an accurate feeling of what it is like to be part of the Good Friday mass of humanity that descends upon Chimayo.
This is a small but important book that is good to have in your own library but also a nice gift for someone who has made the pilgrimage and who would also like to remember the experience. The individual testimonials from pilgrims reflect the depth of feeling the journey has on people of faith. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 1999

Placenotes - Sets of Santa Fe, New York City or Houston
48-55 color cards, $19.95 each, published by the University of Texas Press, 1-800-252-3206.
What a fun idea! A book that has been already taken apart and you can use what you want. Each card has a picture of the place and on the back is the info you want. The cards are about touristy places, places to eat, galleries, and are in a sturdy box that closes shut for storage, There is a map and a list of places in categories. This is a really cool gift for someone going to one of the destinations and perfect for a stocking stuffer. It is one of those ideas - I wish I would have thought of! Website www.placenotes.com for more titles. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Placitas: Conversations with Hispano Writers of New Mexico by
Nasario Garcia. 2000, Texas Tech University Press. Hardcover, ISBN 0-89672-428-X, $27.95, 210 pages, with six B/W photos.
This should be required reading in any course focusing on New Mexican literature. So often Hispanic writers are an afterthought. The Q & A format is distracting to some but it does give the authors an opportunity to speak in their own voices. The authors that Garcia speaks about and to are: Rudolfo Anaya, Denise Chavez, Erlinda Gonzales-Berry, E.A. Tony Mares, Orlando Romero, and Sabine Ulibarri.
This is the best way to “one-stop-shop” the truly influential Hispanic authors of New Mexico. It is a great idea by Garcia and needs to be used to understand the influences and inspirations to this group. A reference book and an easy read packed with valuable information. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2000

Playing Loteria! El juego de la loteria!
Rene Colato Lainez and illustrations by Jill Arena. Published in 2005 by Luna Rising (a bilingual imprint of Rising Moon), 32 pages, English/Spanish, ages 5-8, hardback, full color, $15.95, ISBN 0-87358-881-9.
There are so many possibilities to use this beyond just a book. Loteria is the national bingo of Mexico and has been around for 200 years. First, the book can be used to teach Spanish. It is very appealing, fun, and is the story of a young boy who discovers Loteria and the good time he has with his Grandmother. But a teacher or librarian could combine the reading of the book with the game and have kids (or adults) really learn another language. The review copy of this book came with a deck of Loteria cards and to give this book with the game would make a perfect present for kids who are bored but smart. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

Pop Flop’s Great Balloon Ride
Nancy Abruzzo and illustrations by Noel Chilton. Published in 2005 by Museum of New Mexico Press, hardback, 32 pages, 21 color pictures, ISBN 0-89013-475-8.
Small children will love learning about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and hot air ballooning. They don’t understand why they have to wake up at a ridiculous hour and dress warmly. This would be a good gift for a kid going ballooning or going to the AIBF. They will understand about putting up and taking down a balloon, zebras, and that you can’t steer a balloon. Nancy Abruzzo knows a thing or two about balloons -- she is married to Richard and daughter in-law of famed balloonist Ben Abruzzo. She is a pilot herself. A good book for small kids or a good souvenir to take home. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

Potosi: Colonial Treasures and the Bolivian City of Silver
Pedro Querejazu & Elizabeth Ferrer. University of Arizona Press, 1997. ISBN 1-879128-16-0. 152 pages, color & B/W. $29.95 paperback.
Potosi is the book accompanying the exhibit showing work related to the Potosi schools of painting, sculpture and silverwork. The exhibit and book were a project of the Americas Society based in New York City. The book is in Spanish and English.
This is an extremely attractive book covering the arts but also architecture, and the social environment of the people of the region. The majority of the photos deal with the lavish devotional art. It came in many forms: painted, sculpted, hammered in silver or gilded. Compared to New Mexican santos of the same time the pieces are pristine and look like they were created an hour ago.
This is a wonderful coffee table-type book but also a good reference, especially for artists in the Southwest. Area jewelers will also find the elaborate Spanish Colonial silver fascinating. One gem is the Alms Plate with a miniature Virgin of the Candlestick in the center. There are a number of santos that will be new to us in New Mexico but still similar. A nice addition to the researcher’s library. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 1998

Prickly Pear Cookbook
Carolyn Niethammr. Published in 2004 by Rio Nuevo Publishers, paperback, $14.95, 120 pages, 73 photos in full color, ISBN 1-887896-56-2.
Who knew prickly pears could be the base of so many great dishes? The cocktails are worth the price of the book alone. This, with a jar of prickly pear syrup would make a great gift. This book is unusual and easy to follow. The recipes are from all over and it turns out that pickly pear is good for you too! The cookbook comes with a Source Guide in the back. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

Pueblo Architecture and Modern Adobes: The Residential Designs of William Lumpkins
Joseph Traugott. Original drawings and Foreword by William Lumpkins. Museum of New Mexico Press, 1998. Paperback, ISBN 0-89013-367-0, $19.95. Hardback, ISBN 0-89013-368-9, $45.00. 144 pages, 94 B/W drawings, 10 halftones.
William Lumpkins passed away on March 20. 2000 in Santa Fe. He was 90 years old. Lumpkins was one of the building blocks of the Santa Fe art colony and a pioneer of passive-solar design in Santa Fe. He designed the La Fonda Hotel, Rancho Encantado, DeVargas Center and parts of the Inn at Loretto. The Ballroom at the La Fonda is named after him. He was a supporter of El Rancho de las Golondrinas.
This book, 47 projects that were never built are documented in floor plans, elevations, and cross-section views. For a student of architecture this book would be a valuable insight into the Lumpkins mind-set of the 1970s and 1980s. There are interesting decorative features and though the plans are made for stone and adobe they could be updated for straw-bale construction. This is a guide for anyone contemplating building a new house in New Mexico. It is a collection of ideas that are waiting to be used. The author, Joseph Traugott is currently curator of twentieth century art at the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2000

Quest for Empire: Spanish Settlement in the Southwest
Donald Cutter and Iris Engstrand, Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, 1996, 360 pp, ISBN 1-55591-230-3, $27.95
History comes alive as the authors look at the Spanish legacy in the American Southwest. Beginning with a description of the land and its peoples in the late 15th century, the authors trace the adventures, failures, and successes of the Spanish soldiers, explorers, and priests who introduced European culture to the southwestern portion of what is now the United States. All told it is a compelling look at initial contact in the West’s first frontier, offering a balanced view of the activities of an ethnically merged group of people in a relatively isolated area. Sure to become an authoritative text on the subject, this will be important to students of history, Native peoples, and anyone interested in the story of the American Southwest. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1996

Real Women Eat Chiles
Jane Butel
Chile as health food? According to the owner of Albuquerque’s Southwestern Cooking School, “the real secret is that spicy, flavorful food pleasantly fills one up and it can be adapted to one’s food preference s and lifestyle.” Sprinkled with quotes, stories, and pictures from real New Mexico women, Butel's new cookbook recommends a serving of chile everyday and offers a recipe for chile tea for those days you miss your allotment. Recipes average five ingredients and about twenty minutes to prepare. Look for twists on old favorites like Pinto Pâte and Spicy Hot Chocolate Mousse. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

Recetas Y Recuerdos: Recipes and Recollections
Linda Jaramillo Hughes
Linda Hughes has traditional recopies of northern New Mexico with memories of her grandmother and the traditions her family cherished. Some recipes have been updated to use modern appliances (Calabaza Microwave Style) and save time, energy, and, sometimes, nutrients. The ingredients -- and love -- remain the same. The recipes (including three for Biscochitos) are divided by subject and indexed and an appendix of nutrition hints is included. Hughes’ new cookbook I’ll Be Home For Christmas will be out in time for the holidays. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

Reclaiming Church Wealth: The Recovery of Church Property after Exploration in the Archdiocese of Guadalajara, 1860-1911,
Jose Roberto Juarez. Published in 2004 by the University of New Mexico Press, hardback, 264 pages, 26 charts, 1 map, ISBN 0-8263-3162-9, $45.00.
This is heavy reading but very valuable. This research covers art, property, commercial businesses, and the Church. It sheds a new light on practices that have gone on for a long time and which have contributed to the loss of priceless works of art. If it happened here it also happened elsewhere. This is a study in power, greed, stupidity, and the way things are done. It is an intense read but necessary. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2004

Remembering Santa Fe
Willard F. Clark. Published in 2004 by Gibbs Smith, hardback, $18.95, ISBN 1-58685-359-7, 112 pages, many B&W woodcuts.
This is a charming little book and a great gift for a person you like. It was first published in 1990 and called Recuerdos de Santa Fe, as a limited edition by Clark’s Studio. Then in 1990 as a book by Blue Feather Press. Willard Clark is a printmaker and in the book he has examples of adobes, Catholic Churches, residents, and landscapes. There are many locations that you will recognize. This is an art book with a personal text. It is a glimpse of Santa Fe’s past. It also brings back memories of books done years ago. NOTE: Gibbs Smith also has a set of notecards of the same pieces that is sold separately. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2004

Retro Fiesta: A Gringo’s Guide to Mexican Party Planning
Geraldine Duncann. Published in 2005 by Collector’s Press, full color, hardback, $16.95, ISBN 1-933112-01-8.
This is a very fun book as a gift. The look is very retro with retro colors and retro type. There are games, recipes, and of course margaritas. If you or someone is in the Southwest they need this book as a reference for all your parties. Combine it with salsa or mixes and you are ready to go for gift giving. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Return To Abo
Sharon Niederman. Published in 2005 by UNM Press, hardback, $24.95, 297 pages, ISBN 0-8263-3720-1.
To honestly disclose, Sharon Niederman has written for TR and is someone we know. This is a purely fiction book with undertones of what we know in the “Land of Entrapment.” For many young people the opportunities in New Mexico are few and far between after high school. This is the story of someone coming home and dealing with the rural land and its people. It is a good read that gets you involved right away. It has women’s issues, domestic violence, and the non-forgiving land as central characters. For a good taste of ranch life in New Mexico this is a good book to dive into. Maybe it is a good book to read before moving to New Mexico? -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

Revivals! Diverse Traditions: The History of Twentieth-Century American Craft 1920-1945
Janet Kardon, editor, American Craft Museum, Harry Abrams Publishers, New York, NY, 1994, 304 pp., 95 color plates and 182 b/w photos ISBN 0-8109-1955-9
The catalog for the “Revivals! Diverse Traditions” exhibit at the American Craft Museum, this book covers the American Craft Revival from the New Deal and the WPA Federal Art Project right through the Hispanic Craft Revival in New Mexico. Works by Juan Sanchez, Ernesto Roybal, David Salazar, Pedro Quintana, Domingo Tejada, Jose Dolores Lopez, George Segura, Francisco Sandoval, Tillie Gabaldon Stark, Crisotoma Luna, Jose Maria Apodaca, Celso Gallegos, and Patricinio Barela are featured in the book. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1996

Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever
Richard Scarry. Published in 2004 by Luna Rising, English and Spanish, fully illustrated in color, 64 pages, hardback, $16.95, ISBN 0-87358-873-8.
Every word a kid could ever want to know is in this book. It is a great way for kids to learn Spanish but they could also learn English by using this book. It is bright and filled with things that will keep them occupied for a long while. They also work for an ESL classroom or library. It makes a good gift for anyone -- young or old! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

Roadrunner’s Dance
Rudolfo Anaya and illustrated by David Diaz. 2000, Hyperion Books for Children, hardback, $15.99, ISBN 078680254-5, 29 pages in color.
We have a roadrunner who appears every day about noon. He terrorizes the dogs and hunts for food. When people gather at parties in New Mexico and talk turns to wildlife everyone affectionately talks about “their” roadrunner.
This book begs to be cut up and have the wonderful photos mounted in frames on the wall. The illustrations are stunning and no wonder, Diaz is an Caldecott Award winner. The story is simple. Rattlesnake owns the road. Desert woman creates a new animal named Roadrunner to challenge him.
It is a simple tale, a beautiful book, and one we highly recommend for children. It will help children respect this funny bird in the desert. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2001

Robots.
Release on DVD & VHS September, 2005, $29.98, 84 minutes.
Animation has sure come a long way. Robots will be released in September and Twentieth Century Fox sent us an advanced copy. It will be out in Spanish and does have an ode to Cheech and Chong. In fact, even though boys will really love it there are enough inside jokes that adults who have to watch with kids will like it too. It has a big cast of celebs loaning their voices: Jay Leno, Ewan McGregor, Robin Williams, Halle Berry, Greg Kinnear, Mel Brooks, and many others. It is from the people who made Ice Age and the kids will love it. Adults can find a number of good themes. There is a story about a Robot boy who can fix anything fights the forces of evil and saves the Robot World. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2005

Romance of the Bells: The California Missions in Art
Jean Stern, Gerald J. Miller, Pamela Hallan-Gibson, and Norman Neuerburg, The Irvine Museum, Irvine, California, 1995. 128 pages, cloth: $35.00, paper: $17.50.
This beautifully produced book was published on the occasion of a joint exhibition at the Mission San Juan Capistrano and the Irvine Museum, 17 June-14 October 1995. The exhibition and resultant book was made possible through the interest and support of Joan Irvine Smith, a noted connoisseur of California impressionist paintings, and the founder of the Irvine Museum in 1992.
The book consists of seven well written essays that run the gamut from a short history of Spanish California, brief profiles of each of the Franciscan missions, and the California missions in art from 1786 to 1930. Each essay is by a renowned art historian. I was particularly impressed with Gerald Millers’ “The Missions: A Story of Romance & Exploration in California,” and the essay by the late Professor Norman Neuerburg on “The California Missions in Art: 1786-1890.”” The flowering of artistic interest in the ruins of the California missions occurred from about 1870-1900. During that interval Mission San Juan Capistrano became the artists’ favorite romantic focal point; accordingly the majority of the illustrated oil paintings (53 out of 93) are of this very popular mission.
The most outstanding feature of this book is the selection of beautiful color reproductions of the oil paintings; they are truly quite lovely. Another asset is the short biographies of each of the artists, many who came from the east as already established artists. Although the book concentrates primarily on a selection of California mission oil paintings, there is a selection, in Neuerburg’s essay, on the distinctive etchings of the mission ruins created by former Chicago artist Henry Chapman Ford (1828-1894). He moved to California in 1875 and most of his illustrated etchings date from 1883.
This is a book to be cherished by art lovers and art historians, specifically those interested in the California missions and the era of California impressionism. It should be remembered that it was through the efforts of those California impressionist artists that set the stage for twentieth century restoration and reconstruction of the missions. In so doing they were instrumental in preserving California’s Spanish Colonial heritage. -- Don Toomey, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2000

Route 66; Spirit of the Mother Road
Bob Moore. Published in 2004 by Northland Publishing, softback, oversized, 74 pages, full color with many photos, $12.95, ISBN 0-87358-855-X.
This is a fun book to take home from a trip to any of the eight states featured or to send to someone coming out for a visit. It has a nice overview of Rt. 66 and all of the sights on the road. The one criticism we have is on page 37; the picture is not “some local artists displaying their work on the Plaza” -- it is of Spanish Market, the largest market of Hispanic art in the U.S. Funny, but Indian Market isn’t even mentioned. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

Sacred Land: Indian and Hispanic Cultures of the Southwest
Taylor Museum for Southwestern Studies of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 24 pp. catalog, 10 color plates and 17 b/w photos, of the Museum Permanent Exhibition.
This fine catalog documents the Pueblo, Navajo and Apache, as well as the Hispanic arts in the Taylor Museum Collection. It gives a good brief history of the various aspects of Southwestern culture, featuring textiles, basketry, pottery, and jewelry of the Indian cultures and the weaving/colcha, furniture-making, leather chests and boxes, ironwork, silverwork, straw-applique, tinwork, santos and architecture from the Hispanic culture. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1996

Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian
edited by Christopher Cardozo
Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian, edited by Christopher Cardozo, celebrates the 100 year anniversary of the release of Curtis’ monumental 20-volume work, The North American Indian. The current book is a compilation of Curtis’ finest photos from around the country, presented in photogravure, albumin, cyanotype, platinum, and gold prints. Divided into geographical areas and supplemented by essays, as well as pieces on ceremony, daily life, and spiritual life, the various-colored images are a joy to behold. The Southwestern section, in particular, showcases Curtis’ special love for the region, especially his fascination with the Hopi Snake Dance. This volume is a work for the ages, as it memorializes a bygone era at the turn of the 20th century when many tribes still roamed their traditional lands. Curtis’ photographs have instilled new pride in many Indian nations and have been instrumental in encouraging Native peoples to reclaim their culture and history. -- David Corwell, POSH New Mexico (Fall 2007)

Saints & Saint Makers of New Mexico
E. Boyd, revised and edited by Robin Farewell Gavin, Foreword by Donna Pierce and Appendix by Charles Carrillo. 1998 Western Edge Press. ISBN 1-889921-02-5. 114 pages, 24 color plates, b/w photos. $24.95.
The first time this book was published was in 1946 by the Laboratory of Anthropology in Santa Fe. Today a first edition, signed sells for $325. In the original Introduction by Maurice Ries (not in the new edition) he states, “ Once having read this book, you will discover that you are an authority on the subject of santos.” How things change with time.
It is fun to sit down with the two books and see where the revisionists say we have come in fifty years. The new book does not have the charming illustrations by P.G. Napolitano but it does have 24 wonderful color plates. The new edition also has additional black & white photos.
For her time E. Boyd was on the cutting edge but time has shown that some of her ideas no longer hold water. The new edition makes a beginning at pointing out some of those errors but Robin and Donna probably error on the diplomatic side due to their affiliations. After all, E. is still a goddess up on the hill. The new edition begins to fill in holes left by E. in the first version.
Charlie Carrillo has a good essay on pigments. It will help those who don’t understand this aspect of santos to have more insight. There is a new Bibliography but it is lacking some recent work on santos that should have been included.
In many ways this is a good book for a beginner to use in studying santos. For seasoned collectors this does give more color plates of important historic pieces which is always appreciated. And, Robin is right, this book does give the reader a glimpse into E. Boyd’s personality and scholarship. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 1998

Saints & Seasons: A guide to New Mexico’s Most Popular Saints
Ana Pacheco. Published in 2005 by La Herencia, ISBN 0974302264, 124 pages, softback, $19.95, many full color pictures.
This book goes in the category “I Wish I Would Have Done It.” There are great artists represented: Charlie Carrillo, Nicholas Otero, Arlene Cisneros Sena, Victor Goler, Ramon Jose Lopez, Polly Chavez and many others. Each illustration has a picture of the saint by a New Mexican artist, the feast day, churches dedicated to the saint and other information. The one problem we have is some of the illustrations are fuzzy. The photography is some cases was not very good. And there is a plethora of blue. All of that being said it is a good guide to saints all year long in New Mexico and with a little retablo would make a great gift. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Saints of the Southwest
Jim Griffith. Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2000. Hardback, $14.95, ISBN 0-9700750-1-4. 62 pages, many color photos.
This is one of those great size books for gifts. A cute size, attractive, and affordable. It features 31 of the most important saints in the Southwest. Each saint has a brief biography and why it is important in the area.
The source locations for the photos are a little puzzling - Clint, Texas; Tucson; Sonora, Mexico; Santa Fe; Chimayo; and Velarde. One wonders why the great depository at the Heard Museum wasn’t used or collections in Taos and Albuquerque. But that may be nit picking. The book explains that it intentionally wasn’t looking at museum collections but rather pieces used in everyday worship. It was a little irritating not to have all photos or all art in photos identified. Again, it is probably nit picking.
Some of the great artists of New Mexico are featured: Alcario Otero, David Nabor Lucero, Ramon Jose Lopez, Ricardo Salazar, Charlie Carrillo (spelled in some places wrong), Nick Herrera (misspelled as Heresa), Manny Gurule, Frankie Lucero, Arlene Cisneros Sena, J.D. Martinez, Jr., and Zoraida Ortega (Eulogio probably helped).
The histories are a little lacking in current research but good enough for most people. It is an attractive introduction to the devotional traditions of the region. It could have explained why these geographically diverse areas have a similar tradition. Since some of the art is in private chapels and not available to the public this book does give the public an “insider’s” view. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2001

San Xavier: The Spirit Endures
Kathleen Walker, photography by Arizona Highways Contributors. Arizona Highways, 1998. ISBN 0-916179-72-9, 80 pages color & B/W. Softcover $14.95.
Anyone who knows the Arizona Highways magazine or their books is aware of their reputation for wonderful photography. This book is no exception. The many moods of Mission San Xavier del Bac are beautifully represented in historic photos, black and white and color. Our favorites are the sunsets and the Mission with snow -- can’t image it!
The Mission is located outside of Tucson and is spectacular to see in person. On the site of a Kino Mission, this third generation church was completed in 1797 and serves the Tohono O’odham people. Called the White Dove, the Mission has been compared to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and is considered the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. It is truly breathtaking to drive up to it in the middle of the desert.
The Spirit Endures chronicles the history of the Mission, its restoration, and its art. It is beautifully done. It will be a major souvenir for everyone who visits the Mission and may prompt many more to drive the few hours from Phoenix for a tour. This book is a model for future books on historic buildings anywhere. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1998

Santa Fe and Surrounds
John & Cassidy Olson. Published in 2005 by Schiffer Books, 128 pages, color, $24.95, hardback, ISBN 0-7643-2301-6.
My first problem was Schiffer and the authors don’t know what year this book was published --you can’t find it in the book like it is supposed to be. You have to go to the website. My second problem was the type. What is this about? It is primarily a picture book of Santa Fe dealing with buildings and views. There is some information in the captions. It is a good gift but it has no real information. It is also an attractive book. But be aware it has no real information on the Hispanics, Native Americans, or Anglos, that settled Santa Fe or history. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2006

Santa Fe Hispanic Culture: Preserving Identity in a Tourist Town
Andrew Leo Lovato. Published in 2006 bu UNM Press, paperback, $17.95, 140 pages, B&W with photos and maps, ISBN 0-8263-3226-9.
We all know that Santa Fe isn’t the city we all knew even a few years ago. Andrew Lovato interviewed a number of prominent Santa Feans to find information in this book. Included are: Charlie Carrillo, AnaMaria Samaniego, Ramon Jose Lopez, Mayor Larry Delgado, and others. In Lovato’s section on Spanish Market he explains that Hispanic artists are frozen in time for the medium they use and they resent that no artists in Market are on the Board. Good points. We have been saying that for years but it falls on deaf ears - Market bigwigs don’t read. Lovato does have an interesting book. One photo is mismarked - the art was actually done by an Anglo. His bibliography is lacking some really important books on Hispanic art. The book is a good beginning but it lacks depth. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2005
It has to be said the Santa Fe has got many problems dealing with the Hispanic culture. The housing alone is a big issue. Many of the things that have defined the town, anglos want to change. It is a good look but an incomplete look. The list of references is far from complete and that shows Lovato’s distance from many who already know the problems. His interviews are also incomplete. It is a good book for a start but...... -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Santa Fe Houses
Christine Mather with Sharon Woods and photography by Jack Parsons. Published 2002 by Clarkson Potter, ISBN 0-609-60647-6, hardback, $45.00, 252 pages, 400 color photos.
Everybody selling homes, decorating homes, or making crafts for homes in Santa Fe should have a copy of this book in their office so customers can just open it and show them what they want. It covers everything, iron, blue, water, painted walls, santos, Native American art, folk art, furniture, adobe, you name it. Though it implies by the title that Santa Fe houses are used there are in fact houses in Tesuque and our neighbors the Rembes with Los Poblanos/La Quinta Inn. It is beautiful and a lot of ideas are covered.
Our one criticism is that all major art needs to be identified. They cite examples by Felix Lopez, Felipe Archuleta, Sergio Tapia, and Benjamin Ortega, but failed to identify a huge shot of a Charlie Carrillo, along with Alcario Otero, David Nabor Lucero, and other artists of all races. We want to know who did the art and if you identify one you have to make the effort to identify all. Yes, it is petty but that is what we like. But it is a great book and needs to be given to anyone moving to New Mexico so they can salivate. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2002

Santa Fe With Kids From A to Z
Mary Catherine Mathews & Kelsey Daly. Published in 2005 by Sunstone Press, paperback, 116 pages, B&W with illustrations, $16.95, ISBN 0-86534-467-4.
If you take kids to Santa Fe you need this book to occupy them happily. There are suggestions, costs, facts, an annual calendar of events, and the trips outside of Santa Fe are all over the place. On second thought, if you have someone visiting you with kids give it to them and make sure they get out! They need to see and feel the flavors of New Mexico. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Santero: Art of Devotion
a fifty-one-minute documentary film video by writer/film director Kirk Ellis. Shadow Catcher Productions, 3205 Lowry Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027. Tel. & Fax (213) 953-9573. $29.95.
This is the first in a proposed series of documentary videos on New Mexican santeros by Texas native and Hollywood writer and director Kirk Ellis. This introductory video captures both the scope and the heart of the New Mexican santero and his devotional art. Aided by such luminaries as Archbishop Michael Sheehan of Santa Fe and Father Tom Steele, S.J., the film outlines the basic concepts of Catholic devotional art as practiced by present day New Mexican Hispanics. It emphasizes that the santos are mirrors of heavenly persons whose lives were lived in the true reflection of their faith, and who are honored as the special friends of God. Through the santos the artist reconnects with the past and in the process comes to know what it is like to be a Hispanic in New Mexico. The primary distinction is that with God we worship him and profess adoration, whereas with the santos we express veneration. All of this plays a most vital role within present day Hispanic communities and represents one way for the faithful to find the true relationship between Christ and the world.
The video emphasizes three distinctive components: La Cultura, La Familia, and La Tradicion. With respect to the culture it is noted that santeros hold deep spiritual values, a cultural spirituality which imparts to them a definitive cultural identity. They take their religion seriously and in so doing are touched by the holiness of their calling. This of course is readily apparent to today’s masses, many of whom are in search of tangible spirituality. One might even venture to say that the santeros’ devotional art is a symbolical response to those deep spiritual yearnings. Still it is something that is deeply rooted in contemporary Hispanic culture.
Today’s santeros have banded together and regard themselves as one big family, a family that mutually benefits by the intercessions of the santos in a special way that allows them to continually renew this bond. This is made abundantly clear in that section of the video dealing with the dedication of the Capilla Familiar of santero Manuel Gurule de Gurule of Santa Fe, and in which Church and santeros came together to consecrate a memorial to the santero’s mother.
Santeros regard La Tradicion as the handing down of something that is religious, artistic, and surely traditional within a family setting. This might involve the indoctrination of both religious and family morals on the younger generation. It might also involve developing inherent cultural artistic qualities such as retablo painting. It can also mean coaching up-and-coming younger artists so that teacher and pupil learn from one another. This approach is demonstrated in the video with santera Arlene Cisneros Sena’s approach to working with young santero Gabe Vigil and other aspiring artists. This traditional approach is also emphasized by santero Filimon Aguilar’s “Retablo Painting School” in which he serves as a role model in helping the youth of Bernalillo maintain and perpetuate their traditional cultural identity.
The video also presents a number of the more renowned santeros and santeras describing and explaining their personal practice of art and religion. This particular facet is perhaps the most meaningful. All in all this video demonstrates the unique position that the santero and his devotional art gives to this corner of the southwest called New Mexico.
Future videos in this series will concentrate on the work of individual artists and their specific approach to devotional art. This introductory video will appeal to all interested in the overall development of New Mexican santero art and especially to collectors of this unique artform. -- Don Toomey, Tradicion Revista, Summer 1999

Santos: Contemporary Devotional Folk Art in Puerto Rico
Published in 2003 by the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, University of Florida, Cultural Plaza, Gainesville, paperback. 60 pages, full color, ISBN 0-9629384-9-1, $19.95.
This was an exhibit at Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art that was covered in TR Winter 2003. This exhibit is the private collections of Hector Puig and Tricia Sample. The Collectors’ Statement begins with a comment on Frank Brito of New Mexico. This is a wonderful book on the worldliness of santos and how they effect the people of many different Spanish countries. The images are crisp; there is a list of all the art in the exhibit; and it contains a number of essays. You may have trouble finding this book so call the University Store directly at 352/392-9826. There is a $3.00 charge for shipping. We have heard that the exhibit will travel and always hope it will come to New Mexico. The Art Museum also has a website www.harnmuseum.org. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2004



Santos Al Desnudo
Nitza M. Totse. Published in 2005 by D’Vinni Ltd., Hardback, 303 pages, full color, $50, ISBN1-933352-26-4.
This may be the definitive book on Puerto Rican santos. It has an extensive bibliography that is worth reading. Puerto Rican santos are different than New Mexico santos but the same. The text is enlightening and will make you a fan of this distant cousin art form. Individual artists are examined and many photos give the reader illustrations of various saints. This “study” turned out to be a lot bigger than first imagined but it documents an art that needed to be written down. You may have difficulty getting this book since it was published in Puerto Rico. Or you can order it at NMBookCoop.com. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2006

Sarape Textiles from Historic Mexico
William Wroth with Zoe Annis Perkins. St. Louis Art Museum, 1999. 88 pages with color plates. ISBN 0-89178-079-3, Softcover
The sarape collection of Paul R. Cahn of St. Louis is the focus of the exhibit and book on these distinctive Mexican textiles. The exhibit closed in November, 1999 but had some wonderful examples of the weavings that were used for warmth by the Mexican people.
The book has an extensive history of sarapes and how they are made. It also has a detailed glossary of textile terms relating to sarapes. The color plates are wonderful and give the reader a true sense of how unique the serape was in design.
There are many New Mexican connections to this collection, notably Andrew Nagen who seemed to have pointed everyone in the right direction. For anyone interested in textiles, this book will be a valuable resource. We always applaud museums who document special exhibits and collections so that the value of all that work and expense lives on past the close of the project. If you have difficulty locating the book try calling the Museum directly, 314/721-0072. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 1999

Savory Southwest
Judy Hille Walker. Northland Publishing, $12.95. ISBN 0-87358-501-1, paperback. 133 pages. Color illustrations.
This book is a collection of recipes from seven cooking contest sponsored by the Arizona Republic newspaper in the 1980s. There are recipes from native arizonians, out-of-towners and Native Americans. These are very unusual recipes that people use in their own kitchens. There is Dust Devil Soup (using a dust devil that has been cleaned of debris), Mexican Christmas Tree Salad, Hot Chocolate on Ice, Blender Gazpacho, and Prickly Pear Cheesecake.
Out of all the cookbooks listed here, this was the one that has a recipe for Verdolagas. Also known as purslane, this weed (yes it really is) can be found in most yards. We were introduced to it by Charlie Carrillo, and it tasted very good. We wondered why no cookbook ever had the weed, especially since natives of all sorts regularly depended on it for protein. The result is a spinach-tasting veggie.
Of all the cookbooks, this one has a sense of humor and recipes that span the continuum.There are even Threshers (now if you are from Maryland you know Thrashers but with an e?). Threshers are a cereal leftover recipe. This book will give the chef who has done it all something else to do! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 1998

Secrets of Light Latin Cooking
Alexandra Drijanski, Esther Guindi, and Mabel Killer. Originally published in 2002 (translated in 2004) by Rio Nuevo Publishers. $24.95, hardcover, ISBN 1-887896-57-0, 168 pages, 65 full color photos.
Yummy! the pictures are great. The recipes are easy with all kinds of hints. And they are healthy. Who knew! There are also tons of charts, a glossary, things in English and Spanish, and secrets. The mango smoothie was to die for. The rice tabouli was easy to make and good for parties. This book is great for a gift. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2004

Seeds of Struggle: Harvest of Faith History of the Catholic Church in New Mexico
edited by Thomas J. Steele, S.J., Paul Rhetts, and Barbe Awalt. LPD Press, 1998.
1998 marked the 400th anniversary of the Spanish entrada into New Mexico. It was also the anniversary of the founding of the Catholic Church in this “land of enchantment.” To commemorate those events, LPD Press published Seeds of Struggle - Harvest of Faith, a collection of twenty-three essays that focus on the history of the Church in the life of the people of New Mexico. The book was an outgrowth of the scholarly papers presented at the Archdiocese of Santa Fe’s Cuarto Centennial Symposium held at the Santuario de Guadalupe in 1997.
In this volume one can explore various aspects of Spanish Colonial history, church politics, architecture, genealogy, religious orders, the clergy during the colonial period, Archbishop Lamy’s legacy, the Church during the Mexican administration, a most interesting inquiry into the role of pioneering Hispanic women as a facet of rural Catholicism, and many other subjects. Authors include New Mexico’s premier historian Marc Simmons, Nancy Hanks, Fr. Jerome Martinez y Alire, Jose Antonio Esquibel, Felix Almaraz, James Ivey, Pauline Chavez Bent, Fr. Thomas J. Steele, to mention a few. Some of the authors have published extensively; for others it is their first literary endeavor.
In the foreword the editors and publishers note that they have approached this book differently from their previous publications, simply because it is a quite different book! This is a book that does not overwhelm with colored photographs of devotional art, instead it gives the reader access to important historical information, much of which has never been published. Admittedly, the tone of the volume is what one would describe as academic, but for a persevering reader it is a gold mine of pertinent information, especially if read in digestible increments.
In the introduction to the volume, Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan makes us aware that the overall thrust of the collection records the desires, struggles, and accomplishments of the colonists that came to the Northern Frontier, this remote outpost of the Spanish Empire. He says “the thread that runs through the fabric of 400 years is clearly a strong faith in God that has had such a powerful influence in the lives of the people.” -- Don Toomey, Tradicion Revista, Spring 1999

Selected Works: The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma
Eric McCauley Lee and Rima Canaan. Published in 2005 by the University of Oklahoma Press,softback, 292 pages, 280 color photos, $39.95 (hardback also available), ISBN 0-8061-3680-4.
Yes, it is Oklahoma but in the collection are New Mexicans: Allan Houser, the Taos Society of painters, Georgia O’Keefe, Helen Cordero, Maria Martinez, Margaret Tafoya, and many others. The catalog has over 101 pieces of art and was published to coincide with the opening of the Museum’s new wing. It is a beautiful book and one an avid collector will want on their shelf. If you are having trouble finding it call 1/405-325-2000. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

Shopping in Oaxaca
published by American Express Mexico and the State of Oaxaca. Softback, 64 pages, 120 color photos with maps.
We purchased this book from Jack Isaac at Hispaniae for $29. We thought it was a great gift for someone who collects the Oaxacan wooden/painted animals. It would also make a great gift for someone going to Oaxaca for the first time. The book is in four languages and the book was printed in Leon, Spain with the brilliant color reproduction that European books are known for.
It is nicely organized into chapters dealing with things one would want to buy in Oaxca. There are baskets, foods, pottery, textile, wood, leather, metal, handicrafts, and jewelry. Each chapter has wonderful pictures along with shopping suggestions and specifics on the items made in the region. This is truly a tourist-oriented book, but sometimes you need a good one; for a first time shopper to Oaxaca this is the best. To order call Hispaniae at 505/842-6656. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2000




Silent Voices Of World War Ii: When Sons of the Land of Enchantment Met Sons of the Land of the Rising Sun
Everett M. Rogers and Nancy R. Bartlit
Personal accounts of WWII experiences are the backbone of this excellent account of the war’s affect on the people of New Mexico. Chapters include the Bataan Death March, The Navaho Code Talkers, Los Alamos, and the Japanese Interment Camp in Santa Fe. The personal stories lend a vitality that makes the events real to new generations. The well-written prose makes this book highly readable for those interested in the troubled time it chronicles and indices, bibliography, and extensive notes will appeal to World War II scholars. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

Sing My Whole Life Long: Jenny Vincent's Life In Folk Music And Activism
Craig Smith. 26 b&w photos, 175 pages. University of New Mexico Press, 2006, $19.95.
Born in Minnesota and raised near Chicago, Jenny Vincent moved to northern New Mexico in 1936 at the invitation of D.H. Lawrence's widow, Frieda. She has remained here ever since. Introduced to international folk music at an early age, she has become a champion of this music of the people, and has sung during her life with Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Earl Robinson, and other social activists who have used music as a voice for world peace and human rights. Jenny supported such causes as the Salt of the Earth strike, the Chicano rights movements, and Native American rights. Blacklisted during the McCarthy Era, she nonetheless continues her music and advocacy to this day. – Amazon.com

Sleepytown Beagles, Oh, Brother!
Timothy Glass, Published by WingSpan Press, 2007. $13.95, 978-1-59594-178-7
Ben has gotten a new puppy, a little male dog he names Tyler. Two of Ben's other dogs, Gunner and Penny, greet the puppy, but Ben's third dog, Panda, is less than excited about the new arrival. Tyler is clumsy and in learning things, he makes several messes. Panda is less than kind about Tyler's mistakes and wants to send Tyler back to where he came from. Ben also learns that his mom is expecting a new baby, and instead of the baby brother he wants, he's getting a sister. Ben and Panda both have to learn to recognize that a sibling is a gift, whether or not it's the opposite of what we want. Sleepytown Beagles Oh Brother! is a great book for a family that is about to expand with a new brother or sister. Children will learn that while new babies (and puppies) make messes, we need to work with them to teach them things, and as they grow, they will learn to love each other. The story is cute with colorful illustrations that kept my five year old interested. She even laughed out loud at some of the antics Tyler got into. I like the little paw prints on each page. I think that all children will enjoy this, whether they are getting a new baby sister or brother, or even a new puppy. Or maybe even if their best friend is having an addition to their family. Pick up your copy today. Armchair Interviews says: A portion of the author's royalties will go to support animal rescue. -- armchairinterviews.com, August 14, 2007

Small Strawbale: Natural Homes, Projects & Designs
Bill Steen, Athena Swentzell Steen, Wayne J. Bingham. Published in 2005 by Gibbs Smith Publisher, softback, $29.95, 240 pages, 125 color photos, 50 line drawings, ISBN 1-58685-515-8.
In Albuquerque most of the homes are adobe but as you go north the homes are log and small strawbale. It is a constantly evolving industry and this book on small strawbale is a good place to start and dream. If you are interested in what is new this is a good book to begin the search. It has a resource guide and has attractive pictures of actual homes and projects. It is an interesting way to go for a second or vacation house as well. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2005

Snap Me A Future
Connie Gotsch
Connie Gotsch has written a great southwest mystery in Snap Me A Future. Former investigative reporter and aspiring art photographer Shelby McCoy has retreated from the newspaper world and now works as in public relations for an arts mall in fictional Mesa Vista, New Mexico for a particularly unpleasant boss who eventually gives her enough reason to take the plunge back into journalism as the arts editor of the Mesa Vista Times. What should have been a safe and easy assignment is complicated by the discovery of pottery thefts from nearby Indian ruins and Shelby sets off to find the truth. Shelby’s the kind of character you’d like to hang out with and I hope that Gotsch, program director for Farmington’s KSJE-FM public radio station, plans on bringing her back soon. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Summer 2007

Southwest Flavor: Recipes and Stories from New Mexico Magazine
Adela Amador 2000, New Mexico Magazine 128 pages, color illustration, Spiral bound, ISBN 0-937206-61 -X, $9.95.
This could be one of the best cookbooks we have seen on New Mexican cuisine It is simple, inexpensive, easy to use in the kitchen and all of the best recipes are included. It is organized in an informal, seasonal way: wind, winter, Lent, new year and along food lines with chile, roots, staples, spices, tamales, and breakfast
There are no fancy color pictures but the recipes are easy to follow and have a nice essay about the context of the foods in each chapter. There are old favorites and new variations. There is a glossary of terms.
Adela Amador has been writing for New Mexico Magazine since 1993. This would make the perfect holiday gift with a bag of dried posole, chile, beans and other New Mexican staples. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2000

Southwest Flavors: Santa Fe School of Cooking
Susan Curtis and Nicole Curtis Ammerman. Published in 2006 by Gibbs Smith Publishers, hardback, $24.95, full color, 224 pages, ISBN 1-58685-697-9.
Never look at a good cookbook when you are hungry. The pictures in this book are great. This book is a little different because it has FAQ like “what is the difference between Mexican and New Mexican food” or a bunch of stuff on chile. It also has biographies on all the chefs, a bibliography, classes, sources, and tons of recipes like lemon Southwest rice, salsas, purple potatoes, sauces, tacos, and jicama salad. Cookbooks are great for the holidays, especially this one. Put it with salsa or red chile and you are good to go. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2006

Southwest Slow Cooking
Tammy Biber and Theresa Howell. Published in 2004 by Northland Publishing, paperback, $16.95, 128 pages, 25 color photos, ISBN 0-87358-856-8.
Slow cookers or crock pots have made a comeback. They have been around for 25 years and in that time we have learned a lot about slow cooking. There are many cook books on slow cooking but this one has a Southwestern flair. There are 101 recipes with the use of mole, chipotle, torillas, carnitas, machaca, green chiles, fajitas, piñon, tequila, black beans, and many more. This is an attractive book that give a new slant on cooking. Combine this book with some of the ingrediants and you have a great gift. PS. For reviewers this book was packaged with a wooden spatula -- a simple but nice touch!! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

Southwest Style: A Home-Lover’s Guide to Architecture and Design
Linda Mason Hunter and photography by Peter Vitale. Published in 2000 by Northland Publishing, $40.00, hardback, 198 pages, full color with many pictures, ISBN 0-87358-767-7.
This is a beautiful book and the photography of Peter Vitale is great. We know him from other projects and he lives in Santa Fe. The text by Ms. Hunter is also more interesting than the usual coffee table book. It is a great gift for anyone in the decorating world or just wants to be. The book contains a sources guide and a bibliography. Some of the chapters are dedicated to states like New Mexico and have examples that haven’t been done to death. A truly eye-popping book worth having. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2004

Spanglish
released for DVD sale 2005.
Yes, it is a video but Sony sent us a copy to review and we will. Someone there did their homework and thought since we did art of the Hispanic Southwest we also might like a video of Mexican and LA styles crashing. It did make us not want to move to LA. The movie is about parental control or lack of it and preserving heritage, primarily Mexican. Spanglish has strong performances by Cloris Leachman, Tea Leoni, and Paz Vega. It is not the best movie in the world but it is interesting to view with the bigger picture in mind. It is also interesting to see how other countries view us. The Mexicans were willing to learn English but the LA types were not willing to learn Spanish or even Spanglish. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2005

Speaking for Themselves: NeoMexicano Cultural Identity and the Spanish-Language Press, 1880-1920
by Doris Meyer, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, 1996, 279 pp, 14 halftones, ISBN 0-8263-1749-9, $29.95.
When New Mexico became a territory of the United States in 1848, the Hispanic population faced an influx of Anglo-American immigrants. The neomexicanos, residents of some of the oldest Hispanic communities in the United States, found their lifeways disdained, their communal property threatened, and their very existence as American citizens called into question by aggressive invaders. They quickly began efforts to protect their language and culture against enforced assimilation.
One of the major outlets for this resistance was the Spanish-language newspaper. Here poetry, oratory, letters, fiction, and essays helped bridge the gap between the largely oral cultural expression of the region and the print-oriented culture of the Anglos. Meyer’s pioneering archival research examines these newspapers and their writers. The work of Jose Escobar, Felipe Maximiliano Chacon, Luis Tafoya and Benjamin M. Read, as well as that of less well known and anonymous writers, displays the diversity and complexity of this literature and its role in the construction of a unique cultural identity. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 1997

Spread Your Wings and Fly
Mary Chloe Schoolcraft Saunders, illustrated by Carla McGregor Mihelich
My number one pick for children is Spread Your Wings And Fly: An Origami Fold-and-Tell Story by Mary Chloe Schoolcraft Saunders, illustrated by Carla McGregor Mihelich. This is a book that gently pulls parent and child together to create the origami fold that’s hidden in the story. The story begins, “Think of two of your good points and bring them together,” the first of the positive reinforcements that are found throughout the book. Exquisite illustrations in bold colors include fanciful animals and children. Detailed folding illustrations partner with the story that ultimately creates an origami flying bird and a message we all need to remember. This is truly a book that every child should own and teachers will want to add to their collections. Author Saunders (mcspossibilities@yahoo.com) has a very few of the first edition books with purple cover still available but a new edition with yellow cover is readily available in local and online bookstores. -- Sabra Steinsiek, POSH New Mexico, Winter 2006

Star of Luis
Marc Talbert, Clarion Books, 1999. Hardback, $15.00, ISBN 0-395-91423-X, 181 pages.
If you have a young reader (3rd to 5th grade) on your Christams list, this would be a good present. Especially if it is a boy. There are so few books for young boys that deal with the multi-cultural issue. This is the story of Luis who lives in World War II Los Angeles and is uprooted to his mother’s home town of Las Manos, New Mexico, when his father enlists in the army. There are some interesting plot twists that make it different from the usual move-from-big-city story. There is a lot of colloquial/conversational Spanish thrown in and the Glossary at the end will help. The author lives in Tesuque, New Mexico. Nice book, nothing fancy but a good book for a winter day. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 1999

Stitching Rites: Colcha Embroidery Along the Northern Rio Grande
Suzanne P. MacAulay. Published 2000 by The University of Arizona Press. Hardback, $35.00, ISBN 0-8165-2029-1, 220 pages, 8 color photos, 10 b/w photos.
This book won the Border Regional Library Association Award in 2001 the same time one of our books did so we became very aware of how good this little book was. We had been using it for research since it is one of the only comprehensive books on colcha in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. It documents some of the early stitchers and their attitudes toward their craft. For anyone interested in colcha this is the book to read for enjoyment and to gain a true understanding of the art of a people. Of interesting note, although Dr. MacAulay is an expert in Hispanic textile arts, she is currently heads a school of fine arts in New Zealand. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Fall 2002

Strong Stuff: Herakles and His Labors
Gary Baseman. Published in 2005 by the J. Paul Getty Museum, hardcover, $16.95, 32 pages, 17 color illustrations, ISBN 0-89236-784-9.
This isn’t your mother’s kid’s book! When it first arrived we were taken aback. There is the book, CD, store hanger, articles, review sheet, bio, and the kitchen sink. The Getty knows how to send a book for review. This isn’t sugar and spice but the tale of Herakles, his labors, maps, old Greece but in modern terms. Boys will probably like this best. Give it for Christmas and you know nobody else will duplicate your gift! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Winter 2005

Surviving the Winter: The Evolution of Quiltmaking in New Mexico
Dorothy R. Zopf, University of New Mexico Press, 2001. ISBN 0-8263-243-3, $19.95 paperback, 118 pages, many color photos.
This is one of those books that make regional publishing great. Granted this is probably a book women will appreciate more than men and crafty women at that; but it is a nice documentation of a utilitarian craft that has basically gone unnoticed in New Mexico. Quilts in the east, south, and mid-America are prized and bring in top prices. For a while even Ralph Lauren was buying them up.
The book is a survey of who is and was doing quilting, by hand, in northern New Mexico. There are examples of classic patterns and more primitive looks. There are stories of the quilters, basics of quilting construction, and a data base. The one quilt and story that stood out is the woman who traveled cross-country, collecting pieces of red fabric in every town she visited, and then turned all of her souvenirs into a quilt.
Anyone who collects or makes quilts, even on a sewing machine, will like this book. It is genuine and shows the author’s love for the women she met doing her research. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2001

Sustaining Thought: Thirty Years of Cookery at the School Of American Research
Leslie Shipman with Rosemary Cartens. Published in 2006 by SAR Press, paperback with spiral, 210 pages, $19.95, all B&W with many photos, ISBN 978-1-930618-83-1.
For SAR devotees this is the bible. Food was served to visiting scholars for many years and now we have the recipes. It gives a glimpse into SAR and shows a side that we don’t normally see. The brief essay on altitude is helpful. A fun book - pair it with New Mexico food stuffs and you have a perfect gift. Or use it yourself! -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Summer 2007

Talavera Poblana: Four Centuries of a Mexican Ceramic Tradition
Margaret Connors McQuade, curator. Published by the Americas Society, Hispanic Society of America and Museo Amparo, 1999 (distributed by the University of New Mexico Press). Hardcover, $30, ISBN 1-879128-19-5. 112 pages, 36 color photos, 10 B/W.
The first thing that strikes you about this book is the nice size it is with a pleasing cover - almost like a favorite piece of pottery. This book is bilingual and explores the development of Talavera Poblana tin-glazed pottery from the 17th century in Puebla, Mexico to present.
For a lover of this type of pottery, you simply can’t live without this book in your library. There is a bibliography, fine photography, and archival photography. The exhibit that opened in New York at the Americas Society, closed in December, 1999. But this book still provides a wonderful record of the pieces shown. Our favorite piece was a tile panel of the Immaculate Conception. Many pieces in the exhibit were lent by the Museo Amparo in Puebla. An exhibit that demonstrated that many organizations in different countries can work together with beautiful results. This book is a little gem like much of the pottery in it. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2000

Tamales 101: A Beginners Guide to Making Traditional Tamales
Alice Guadalupe Tapp. Published in 2003 by Ten Speed Press, paperback, $19.95, 208 pages in color.
It must have been in the cards that we would be receptive to this book. It came Christmas Eve and we had a refrigerator full of Bueno and Tamale Molly tamales. This book has over 100 recipes from many Spanish-speaking countries. The author has over 50 years of tamale making experience and in the book are every kind of tamale including dessert types. It also includes sauces to go over or in the tamales. The book has a step-by-step traditional approach including how to steam the different types--something we did not know. All tamales are not made equally and this book walks you through all of them. It is a beautiful, mouthwatering book that would make a great present to get now for next Christmas and include with it a few of your own creations or the makings. -- Barbe Awalt, Tradicion Revista, Spring 2003