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EMIL
FRANZI |
Local reads on western lore make great gifts this yearDecember 12, 2007 |
The following sampling
proves that Tucson is blessed with a disproportionate
number of fine authors. Most of the titles are
availabe at local bookstores and online.
“The White Dove: A Celebration of Father Kino” by Jane Candia Coleman. High Plains; paperback; $12.95; 2007. Jane Coleman is known for writing the history of the West through the eyes of its women with “I, Pearl Hart” and “Doc Holliday’s Woman.” This time, she gives us what may be her finest effort to date. “The White Dove” is a well-researched life of Father Kino presented from his perspective in poetry. Kino was charged with planting the mission system in the Southwest in the late 17th Century. You will learn much about Kino and Arizona’s early history from this volume, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. The cover photo of Mission San Xavier at night is as unique as the contents. “Arizona Sheriffs: Badges and Bad Men” by Jane Eppinga. Rio Nuevo Publishing, Tucson; paperback; $16.95; 2006. From Johnny Behan to Joe Arpaio, they’re all here, with a complete catalog at the end. Fascinating 19th-Century figures and events like Commodore Perry Owens, the famed Pleasant Valley War and the fraudulent 1880 Pima County sheriff’s election are all here, too, along with a batch of lesser-known personalities and stories. Eppinga has also written histories of Florence, Nogales and Tombstone. “Massacre at Camp Grant” by Chip Colwell-Chanthaphonh. UA Press; paperback; 2007. This is the definitive work on one of Tucson’s blackest moments. On April 30, 1871, a mixed group of Tohono O’odham and Mexican Americans, led by a gaggle of whites, including certain leading citizens, murdered more than 100 peaceful Apaches who had surrendered to the U.S. Army at Camp Grant. The victims were mainly women and children, with another 30 of the latter captured and either “adopted” or sold into slavery. Tucson-born Colwell-Chanthaphonh has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. from Indiana University. He uses not only contemporary records written by whites, but also the oral tradition of the Apache to fill out this bleak event. “Enju” by Sinclair Browning, introduction by Morris Udall. Authors Guild Backinprint.com; paperback; $11.95; 2000. Long-time Catalina and current Sonoita resident Browning is best known for her Trade Ellis mystery series set in Tucson. This earlier historical novel fits well with the above and gives more insight into the same incident by focusing on Ez-Kim-in-Zin, the Apache Chief who’s people were massacred. Originally published by Northland Press in 1985, it’s reprint edition is available on Amazon. “Danger at the Sea of Cortez: A Harry Tinklepaw Adventure” by G.G. Robins. Flagstaff Publishing; paperback; $12.95; 2005. A young reader’s novel. Not quite about the “old” west, but nice to know somebody still does these — and Tucsonan Robins does them well. For adults his “Death at Benny’s” is a great fast-moving adventure/mystery novel set in a fictional Rocky Point that will captivate many locals. For younger readers he maintains the same pace and interest from diamond smugglers to a mysterious Winnebago. Great not only for kids — adults will like it, too.
“Amazing Girls of
Arizona: True Stories of Young Pioneers” by Jan Cleere.
Two Dot imprint/Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, Conn.;
paperback; $12.95; 2008.
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