Mother Earth, Father Sky: Pueblo Indians of the American Southwest

by David Lavender

Complete with glossary, maps, bibliography, and index, this comprehensive survey explores how, in early December 1888, two Colorado ranchers stumbled upon the ruins of Anasazi dwellings, built high into the cliffs in what is now Mesa Verde National Park.

117 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

David Sievert Lavender was a well-known historian of the Western United States, nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize, who is best remembered by many for his River Runners of the Grand Canyon.

Lavender spent most of his life in Ojai, California. An articulate and deeply knowledgeable speaker on the political and social history of the American West, he often spoke at the annual Telluride Film Festival.

Reviews

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Hyde brothers were not impressed. They wanted richer finds. So Richard pricked up his ears when he heard. . . The fair was exciting. . ."

Trite, childish -- maybe this was written for children?

Flying over the area in a plane in the first chapter is a clever way to introduce the entire area to be covered in the book. The last chapter gives some current information about possible descendants of the Anasazi. Liberally sprinkled with photos.