Spirit Of The American Southwest

A simple exploration in straight forward language of the events and geologic processes responsible for the stunning beauty of the deserts, plateaus and mountains in the American Southwest.

High above the noise and traffic of metropolitan Phoenix, Native American rock art offers mute testimony that another civilization once thrived in the Arizona desert. In the city's South Mountains, prehispanic peoples pecked thousands of images into the mountains' boulders and outcroppings—images that today's hikers can encounter with every bend in the trail. Todd Bostwick, an archaeologist who has studied the Hohokam for more than twenty years, and Peter Krocek, a professional photographer with a passion for archaeology, have combed the South Mountains to locate nearly all of the ancient petroglyphs found in the canyons and ridges. Their years of learning the landscape and investigating the ancient designs have resulted in a book that explores this wealth of prehistoric rock art within its natural and cultural contexts, revealing what these carvings might mean, how they got there, and when they were made. Landscape of the Spirits is the first book to cover these ancient images and is one of the most comprehensive treatments of a rock art location ever published. It conveys the range of different rock art elements and compositions found in the South Mountains—animals, humans, and geometric shapes, as well as celestial and calendrical markings at key sites—through accurate descriptions, drawings, and photographs. Interpretations of the petroglyphs are based on Native American ethnographic accounts and consider the most recent theories concerning shamanism and archaeoastronomy. Written in a simple and accessible style, Landscape of the Spirits is an indispensable volume for anyone exploring the South Mountains, and for rock art enthusiasts everywhere who wish to broaden their understanding of the prehistoric world. It is both an authoritative overview of these ancient wonders and an unprecedented benchmark in southwestern rock art research at a single geographic location.

The Spirit of the Southwest is a Celebration of the Power, Strength & Beauty of the American Southwest. Upon my first visit, I knew I needed to set out on a journey to photograph the Southwest. I had the privilege of capturing its beauty over two years after which my life would never be the same. From Colorado's Garden of the Gods to the history of Sante Fe and the mystical sand dunes, to the Chihuahuan & Sonoran Deserts and the red rock canyons of Sedona, to the Native American Navajo Nation and the brilliant colors of the Painted Desert and the Mother Road, Route 66 to the Cliff Dwellings used by Natives hundreds of years ago to Utah's Might 5 National Parks and the Great Basin & Mojave Deserts to the Stunning Death Valley and the thousands of years old petroglyphs, 'The Spirit of the Southwest' is my prized showcase of one of the most diverse and beautiful regions on Earth. I am extremely honored to bring these places to you.Enjoy with Life Love Peace Joy Laughter & HappinessKyle HansonThis was my 25th Book of Photography.

With its vast vistas, splendid sunsets, and rich history, the American Southwest has always inspired superb writing. "Travelers' Tales Southwest" features a choice selection of some of the best by Tony Hillerman, David Roberts, Barbara Kingsolver, Alex Schoumatoff, Terry Tempest Williams, Edward Abbey, and others. Maps.

Celebrates the ancient cultures and distinctive landscapes of the American Southwest