The American Southwest: Land of Challenge and Promise

by Jake Page

Travel to a destination that has a special place in the American imagination -- a beautiful land of deserts, mountains, plateaus, and canyons. A land whose geography and layers of culture give it a wonderfully distinctive character. The ancient cultures and their Indian descendants were followed in time by Spaniards who came up from Mexico with Coronado in search of gold. Anglos came next from the east, bringing railroads, mining, and ranching. More recently, especially since the advent of air-conditioning, scientists, artists, tourists, and retirees have flocked to the area. Over the centuries, each wave of people has added its contribution to the Southwest's unique blend of cultures and traditions, making it the fascinating place it is today.

Genres: Nature

200 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1998

About the author

Jake Page was a celebrated editor, science writer, and novelist who made complex topics accessible through wit and clarity. Though he never studied science formally, his role editing Natural History Books at Doubleday sparked a lifelong passion for explaining science to general readers. As science editor and columnist at Smithsonian magazine, he wrote with elegance and humor on a wide range of subjects, from aspirin to Zane Grey. Page authored dozens of books, including works on birds, earthquakes, and Native American history. His fascination with the American Southwest led to a mystery series featuring a blind sculptor-detective. Collaborating with his wife, photographer Susanne Anderson, he produced detailed cultural studies like Hopi and Navajo. His major nonfiction achievement, In the Hands of the Great Spirit, traces 20,000 years of American Indian history. Whether exploring anthropology or writing fiction, Page championed curiosity, clarity, and the belief that science was too important to remain only in expert hands.

Reviews

[Colleen Lahey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures & good history.