An Atlas of Historic New Mexico Maps, 1550-1941

Description

Author: Eidenbach, Peter L.  (1943-2020)

Publisher: University of New Mexico Press

Pub Date: 2013 (Second printing)

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Book: Fair.  Binding tight.  No tears, bends or folds.  Previous owner’s blindstamp on upper corner ffep.  Very light edge and corner wear.  Dust Jacket: Good.  NOT price clipped (no price indicated).  One small area of wear along lower rear cover edge.  Light edge and corner wear.

Notes: “Ironically, from our modern American perspective, New Mexico was literally a foreign country until the middle of the nineteenth century, and in the minds of some, it still is.” (From “History, Geography and Historic Maps, p. 3).  Most of the maps are reprinted from available library and internet sources, then enhanced.  A list of web sites cited is included in the “cartobibliography.”  My single biggest gripe about this beautiful book is over and over the lack of fine detail in the maps.  Great, there’s a map of the Gadsden Purchase.  Where are the recognizable landmarks, if any?  Hard to interpret, hard to read.  There are some notable exceptions to that gripe  (Robinson, 1849, pp 70-71; Young, 1836, p. 84; Emory, 1857, pp. 108-109).  None of those are the faults of the author.  The maps were what they were, and changes were not possible.  Large format–10.5″ x 14.25″