There has not been a lot of material published on Northwest Sonora, although the land north of the border continues to be covered. But from 1909 (the year I was born until the present date there has not been another book that covers the Pinacate Range as well as this does. While preparing an article on exploration of the Papaqueria, this proved to be the most valuable source.
Yes, there are some written on Father Kino's explorations, of Anza's journey, etc. Still when I wished to check out water sources, mountain ranges, Mew Trails in Mexico was required reading.
It is a pleasure to read and to study. His map shows much more detail than the current AAA maps, though there were only trails and not roads south of the border at that time.
I would say that a copy of this volume should be in the library of a serious student at this almost still unknown region. But, it would be almost impossible to purchase a copy, and only major libraries just possibly might have a copy, in their rare book files. ---Walt Wheelock
| Hi Ron, | 10-23-91 |
My all time special favorite desert book is simply "The Desert." by John C. Van Dyke. I own 3 copies of it, 2 paperbound--one well worn and thumbed through, and a first edition! (1901). This obvious classic describes the desert in luminous language of shimmering colors. I hope most of our desert lovers know this book. I enclose my favorite quote, which we put into the lobbying booklet "Decision for the Desert" for the desert bill, as introduction, ". . .what tongue shall tell the majesty of it, the eternal strength of it, thee poetry at its widespread chaos, the sublimity of its lonely desolation! And who shall paint the splendor of its light; and from the rising up of the sun to the going down of the moon over the iron mountains, the glory of its wondrous colorings. It is a gaunt land of splintered peaks, torn valleys, and hot skies. And at every step there is the suggestion of the fierce, the defiant, the defensive....
The feeling of fierceness grows upon you as you come to know the desert better. The sunshafts are falling in a burning shower upon rock and dune, the winds blowing with the breath of far-off fires, the sands drifting higher and higher are reaching up as though they would overwhelm the mountains, the cloud-bursts are rushing down the mountain's side and through the torn arroyos..." --John C. Van Dyke
However "The Monkey Wrench Gang" and "Desert Solitaire" have to be mentioned as favorites too.
Sincerely,
