The Spell of New Mexico

by Tony Hillerman

A rich gathering of essays that evoke the unique and mysterious appeal that New Mexico has had for some of the twentieth century's best known writers. Included here are selections by Mary Austin, Oliver La Farge, Conrad Richter, D. H. Lawrence, C. G. Jung, Winfield Townley Scott, John DeWitt McKee, Ernie Pyle, Harvey Fergusson, and Lawrence Clark Powell. Hillerman's Preface and Introduction are choice specimens of his incisive humour and his own deep love of the state.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

105 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Tony Hillerman, who was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma, was a decorated combat veteran from World War II, serving as a mortarman in the 103rd Infantry Division and earning the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. Later, he worked as a journalist from 1948 to 1962. Then he earned a Masters degree and taught journalism from 1966 to 1987 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he resided with his wife until his death in 2008. Hillerman, a consistently bestselling author, was ranked as New Mexico's 25th wealthiest man in 1996. - Wikipedia

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series of essays slowly, essay by essay, while on the treadmill at the gym. After a recent trip to New Mexico, I wanted to learn more about this state. This book is not a recent one, but it has some interesting authors, including D. H. Lawrence and Carl Jung, discussing their impressions of the state. I especially liked Jung, who spent time in Taos and examined the beliefs of the people. Very interesting. There is something special about this place. And about the Pueblo people. Worthwhile read for lovers of the Southwest.

[Phil]

On our way out the door for a two-week visit to my home state of New Mexico, I pulled this book edited by Tony Hillerman from our shelf to bring along. Twelve essays compiled at various times from 1924 through 1957 (with Tony Hillerman’s piece from 1976) focus “upon the effect of this state . . . upon the mind.” (p. vii) Each of these distinguished writers lived in New Mexico at least for a while, and some for most of their lives.

If you’re at all interested in New Mexico for whatever reason, I recommend reading this small book of dated yet timeless essays by writers such as D.H. Lawrence, Carl Jung, and Ernie Pyle.

Their writings describe the land—empty, expansive, sometimes flat, sometimes steep, mountains, mesas, badlands, and rivers. They describe the people—the Indigenous, tribal groups (Pueblo, Navajo, Apache); the Hispanic (Spanish and Mexican); and the Anglos in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Grants, and the eastern parts of the state that seem more Texan than New Mexican. They talk about the artists and writers who have been attracted to New Mexico, and the intellectuals and celebrities.

I feel fortunate to have read this book while touring Santa Fe, Taos, and Abiquiu. Riding the high road, stopping at Chimayo to see “the Lourdes of America” and to buy apples and a wool vest at the Trujillo weaving shop, moving through the forests of yellow cottonwoods and tall pines, descending alongside the silver sage and beige hillsides dotted with scrubby cedars and junipers, looking up at Wheeler and Truchas peaks capped already with snow, not to mention visiting the famous Taos Pueblo, I could see what these writers were talking about--The Spell of New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.

[Brent Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Spell Of New Mexico by Tony Hillerman” must be a “rich gathering of essays”, since every review you read about this book says just that. I liked what was said in the preface: Pretentious as it sounds, and tough as it is to prove, there does seem to be something about New Mexico which not only attracts creative people but stimulates their creativity. There seems to be a larger proportion of writers and artists in this special place, and the book is a collection of their stories.

Tony Hillerman was born in Oklahoma and moved to Santa Fe in 1952, where he worked as a journalist. In 1966 he moved his family to Albuquerque where he earned a master's degree from the University of New Mexico, taught journalism from 1966 to 1987, and began writing novels. Hillerman died on October 26, 2008, of pulmonary failure in Albuquerque at the age of 83.

Mary Austin, playwright, poet, essayist, and novelist wrote: “To say that the Southwest has had a significant past, and will have a magnificent future, because it is a superb wealth-breeder, is to miss the fact that several generations of men wasted themselves upon it happily.”

D.H. Lawerence wrote: “There is no mystery left, we’ve been there, we’ve seen it, we know all about it. We’ve done the globe, and the globe is done.” Having said tha,t this statement stands out: “I think New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I have ever had.”
Additional essays by Oliver La Farge, Conrad Richter, C.G. Jung, Winfield Townley Scott, John DeWitt McKee, Ernie Pyle, Harvey Fergusson and Lawrence Clark Powell all contributed with essays that discuss the appeal of New Mexico.

Mary Austin wrote that “Man is not himself only………..He is all that he sees.” Seeing New Mexico through these authors eyes is worth the time. See more about this book at web site www.connectedeventsmatter.com

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Postal Bookclub Book from Lisa!!

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first six chapters had at least some positive aspects, but nothing outstanding. The rest of the book was horribly dull and/or confusing to read.

[Sep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hillerman edited this collection of essays on New Mexico. Published in 1976, "Spell" has offerings from such diverse writers as Conrad Richter ("The Light in the Forest"), D.H.Lawrence ("Lady Chatterly's Lover"), Ernie Pyle (journalist) and C.G. Jung (psychiatrist). Attitudes towards Native Americans and Spanish are dated and sometimes grated. Historically, it is an interesting view of early to mid twentieth century views and attitudes.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wonderful collection of essays that get at the feel of Northern New Mexico and its effects on the spirit. Of course I had favorites (LaFarge, Lawrence, Scott)and others left me a bit cold (Richter and the Austin ones), but overall really savored the book. This was first published in the early 1970s and most of the essays were written before 1960, so it would be fun to see a sequel with more contemporary essays. But there is a timeless quality to many of the observations captured here.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the essays in this book, which seek to capture the essence of New Mexico and its effect on the human spirit, are excellent, others not so great. I especially loved "A Calendar of Santa Fe" by Winfield Townley Scott. My least favorite was the last in the book, "Hasta Mañana" by Mary Austin.

[Dennis Petito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as a prep for a 2 week vacation to Santa Fe. These collected essays provide a solid foundation in the history of Santa Fe and what makes it quite special. I enjoyed the essay by Jung especially.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me fall in love all over again with my state. It’s wonderful to read passages from what the land and cities were like even less than 100 years ago.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ordered this book from the library system because I miss Tony Hillerman's writing and it's the only book of his that I have not read. Disappointment.....it's not written by Tony Hillerman. Hillerman writes about New Mexico, and presents short vignettes about the State by several of the authors who live/lived there. I enjoyed some and could not relate to others, maybe because their writing seemed dated. I also ordered the book because I have travelled in New Mexico, appreciate it's spell, and hope to return one day.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm armchair traveling NM and wanted to get a nice view of it. This book has and old view by major authors of their time and it gives you a mixed view of NM. I'll be reading more books on the subject so I can get the beautiful view I want instead of the disappointing real view most authors gave. Even though they probably are true from the people I tell I'd like to see for myself.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of essays by many of our best loved authors on the subtle pull that keeps us loving New Mexico. Even of you have read it before, it is nice to savor it again during winter storms and springs' thundering winds....

[Kats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great postal book club choice courtesy of fab Lisa. I really enjoyed this one; i jotted down more quotes than I could hope to remember.

[Eric Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting little book.