Literary Pilgrims: The Santa Fe and Taos Writers' Colonies, 1917-1950

by Lynn Cline

Fleeing a post-World War I environment marred by materialism, mechanization, and corporate corruption, American writers flocked to the inspirational landscapes of northern New Mexico. These writers discovered new muses in the Southwest. Newcomers were buoyed by the ancient traditions of the Pueblo, Navajo, and Hopi cultures and by the kinship of deeply rooted Hispanic communities. Of New Mexico, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Horgan wrote, "The earth seems near to the heavens." Indeed, New Mexico was the place of poetry. Thanks to a thriving art market, newcomers to Santa Fe and Taos were (and still are) famous for the legacy of their art colonies. However, the history of the literary scene has not received the attention shown the artists. Students of literature might recognize names like D. H. Lawrence, Mabel Dodge Luhan, and Mary Austin, but what about Haniel Long or Raymond Otis? Lynn Cline illuminates both the well- and lesser-known literary figures of New Mexico, whose collaborative efforts created enduring literary colonies. These writers took up similar themes, jointly promoted their works, and founded regional arts advocacy groups. Cline discusses sixteen writers and concludes with walking and driving tours of Santa Fe and Taos, where interested readers can visit former homes, gathering places, and public sites talked about in the book.

Genres: Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2007

About the author

Lynn Cline is the author of Literary Pilgrims: The Santa Fe and Taos Writers Colonies, 1917-1950, published in Spring 2007 by the University of New Mexico Press.

She also is the author of two editions of Romantic Days and Nights in Santa Fe, an illustrated travel guide published in two editions (1998 and 2000) by Globe Pequot Press.

Lynn has written about literature, fine art, performing art, film, music, New Mexico history, travel and food for a host of publications, including The New York Times, Ploughshares, A Literary Journal, Sunset, Publisher's Weekly, Women's Health & Fitness, Bon Appetit, Film & Video Quarterly, New Mexico Magazine, The Santa Fean, and Santa Fe Trend.

She has won awards from the New Mexico Women's Press Association and is a noted speaker about New Mexico history around the country.

She holds a master's degree from Middlebury College's Bread Loaf School of English; a bachelor's degree in English, Communications and French from the University of Vermont; and holds undergraduate credits from the Sorbonne Université in Paris.

Lynn also writes the weekly food blog, Gourmet Girl, for Santa Fe.com, and hosts a weekly radio show, Cline's Corner, that airs Fridays at 4 pm on KSFR 101.1 FM.

Reviews

[Randy Mcbride · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good source to learn about the artist colonies in New Mexico. It is not entertaining, but not totally dry either. If I used one word to describe this it would be informative.

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing, but a good overview for visitors to Santa Fe and Taos.