Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico's Past, Volume 3: The Statehood Period, 1912-Present

by Richard Melzer

Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico’s Past has one main to reveal the sharp contrasts in New Mexico history. As with all states, New Mexico has had its share of admirable as well as deplorable moments, neither of which should be ignored or exaggerated at the other’s expense. New Mexico’s true character can only be understood and appreciated by acknowledging its varied history, blemishes and all. The third of three volumes, Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico’s The Statehood Period represents the New Mexico Historical Society’s humble gift to New Mexico as the state celebrates its centennial year of statehood in 2012.

486 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series of essays is a great overview from when New Mexico was granted statehood up to its centennial. I was looking for some cultural and historical background as I recently moved here, and this book provided that, in part. Some of the latter essays were more antecdotal or very specific in topic, like the history of baseball in New Mexico or what one particular Anglo’s family life was like as told by one of the family members.

With the variety of essay topics and styles, this book would likely be of interest to anyone looking for more information about major events and personalities in New Mexico’s past during this 100 years of history.