Myth and the History of the Hispanic Southwest

by David J. Weber

These essays explore the common roots of myth and history. Going back to the earliest Spanish explorers of the Southwest, Weber looks at some of the myths that informed the thought of Coronado and Fray Marcos de Niza. He then discusses the practice of history and the influence on historiography of such respected scholars as Bannon, Bolton, and Turner. Students of that area of southwestern history known as borderlands studies will find the essays collected here reveal the need for interdisciplinary study of the land once contested by Mexico, native Americans, and the United States.

191 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

About the author

David J. Weber was founding director of the Clements Center for Southwest Studies at Southern Methodist University. His research focused on the history of the Southwestern U.S. and its transition from Spanish and Mexican control to becoming part of the United States.

Reviews

[John Damon Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really compelling look into myth-making and history and their interdependence in the American Southwest.