New Mexico
A History of Four Centuries
Published by: University of Oklahoma Press
Imprint: University of Oklahoma Press
400 Pages | 6 x 9 | 42 b&w illus.
$24.95
The history of New Mexico is the story of three contrasting cultures—Indian, Spanish, and Anglo-American—clashing, coexisting, and blending. Here the Indians of Hawikuh—the first Zuñi pueblo encountered by Coronado’s soldiers—gave battle to the Europeans in 1540. Here also Indians last took a stand against federal troops in 1913. A rich and colorful Spanish tradition, including institutions of family and church, social organizations, and the Spanish language, continues strong a century and a half after the acquisition of the territory by the United States. Anglo-Americans have also made their mark upon the land with public works, highways, and rapidly developing towns and cities.
This history of New Mexico is intended for readers who want a brief, yet comprehensive treatment of the state’s development. Warren A. Beck takes a balanced approach to all the themes in the state’s varied history. He allows the whole story to emerge from the facts—in a concise and readable format.
Warren A. Beck, Professor of History at California State University, Fullerton, has been widely published in western American history. He is the coauthor of the much-praised Historical Atlas of California and Historical Atlas of New Mexico, also published by the University of Oklahoma Press.
Here is a book that every traveler in the state of New Mexico will want handy in his glove compartment, and every resident of the state who entertains visitors will want on his bookshelf. . . . It is loaded with information.”—Hispanic American Historical Review
"A readable account of New Mexico history that hits the high spots of the past 400 years.”—New Mexico Magazine
"Beck’s book gives appropriate weight to each of five distinct divisions of the area’s history—the Indian, the Spanish, the Mexican, the Territorial, and the Statehood periods. . . . The presentation is clear, pointed, and the story is carried through with the minimum of digression.”—Journal of the West
Forthcoming Events

Jane Little Botkin discusses her book, “The Girl Who Dared to Defy: Jane Street and the Rebel Maids of Denver”
Wednesday. May 18, 2022 | 12:00 pm
In-Person and Online Aurora History Museum 15051 East Alameda Parkway Aurora, CO 80012
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Book Signing with Connie Cronley at Best of Books
Saturday. May 21, 2022 | 2:00 pm
Best of Books 1313 East Danforth Rd. Kickingbird Square Edmond, OK 73034
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Jill Hunting in Conversation with Mike Everhart at the Sternberg Museum of Natural History
Thursday. June 16, 2022 | 6:00 pm
Sternberg Museum of Natural History 3000 Sternberg Dr. Hays, KS 67601
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Meet Jill Hunting at Flint Hills Books
Saturday. June 18, 2022 | 1:30 pm
Flint Hills Books 130 W. Main Council Grove, Kansas 66846
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Author Talk with Jill Hunting at Full Circle Books
Tuesday. June 21, 2022 | 6:00 pm
Full Circle Books 50 Penn Place 1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
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