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Cities of Gold by Douglas Preston

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Author Article
RedRoxx44
Queen of the Walkabout


Joined: 15 Jan 2004
Articles: 35
Comments: 1
 Posted: 4/16/2005, 2:57 pm

This book traces the supposed route of Coronado in his search for Cibola---the Seven Cities of Gold. The author is a New York writer, enlists the help of a somewhat more southwest savvy friend. They mount up via horses to journey along the route, experiencing the landscape and conditions ala Coronado.

A worthy undertaking but one woefully unprepared for. The interwoven modern journey with known or extrapolated bits of the old one are wonderful; but the real prize is the comedy of errors of these men. The horses run off, they buck them off, they hobble them inexpertly. They under/ overestimate water and food, the horses get sore backs, loose their shoes etc. They befriend the locals, mostly ranchers, along the way. It is a surprising view into the mindset of these current landowners. Some have pretty long roots in the territory and are a practical but romantic lot.
Preston touches on the Powers' history in the Galiuros, The Pleasant County war up near Young, and spends quite a bit of time on the Zuni's and Navajo--whose land he is allowed on to ride the old route. He confronts the first place where the Spanish and Indians fought, expecting commemoration; he found a grown over dirt hill.

I bought this book at the Coronado Memorial at the Huachucas. The ranger there said he was sorry when the tale was done.
I was too, I sorta wanted this one to go on and on. The writing is entertaining, facts and history presented in an involving way.
It's good, I recommend it highly.

University of New Mexico Press, Albuuquerque--1992
Rating: 0.00/5.00 [0]

Author Comments
maryphyl
Grand Canyon Enchantress


Joined: 04 Jan 2003
Articles: 0
Comments: 1
Location: Flagstaff
 Posted: 8/21/2005, 8:32 am  Post subject:

This was a great book, I foolishily loaned it or I would read it again. Mary
Rating: 0.00/5.00 [0]
 

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