Arizona Place Names [Paperback]

Will Croft Barnes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1988

Will Croft Barnes (1858-1937) first came to Arizona as a cavalryman and went on to become a rancher, state legislator, and conservationist. From 1905 to 1935, his travels throughout the state, largely on horseback, enabled him to gather the anecdotes and geographical information that came to constitute Arizona Place Names. For this first toponymic encyclopedia of Arizona, Barnes compiled information from published histories, federal and state government documents, and reminiscences of "old timers, Indians, Mexicans, cowboys, sheep-herders, historians, any and everybody who had a story to tell as to the origin and meaning of Arizona names." The result is a book chock full of oddments, humor, and now-forgotten lore, which belongs on the night table as well as in the glove compartment. Barnes' original Arizona Place Names has become a booklover's favorite and is much in demand. The University of Arizona Press is pleased to reissue this classic of Arizoniana, which remains as useful and timeless as it was more than half a century ago.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A somewhat eclectic, but unfailingly delightful, compilation of facts, folklore, humor, and personal opinion that has achieved the status of southwestern classic. . . . Fifty years after its first publication, it still ranks among the most important books published on the state." —Journal of Arizona History "This paperback reissue of the original edition (1935) with a new foreward by Bernard L. Fontana will take another generation of readers on a delightful and exciting trip around Arizona stopping at such places as Wickyty-Wizz Canyon, Total Wreck, Christmas, Skull Valley, Freezeout Creek and Poker Mountain. Barnes' work remains an important contribution to Arizona history and literature. The enthusiasm of this pioneer soldier, rancher, and state legislator for his adopted state is contagious, as the new reader will soon discover." —Books of the Southwest "Later editions have adopted the title and format, but the original Barnes has never been surpassed. 'Place Names' is a modest description, for the listings unleash a flow of history, folklore, geography, and etymology. And yes, even humor and romance. . . . If there is one indispensable Arizona book, Barnes's Arizona Place Names is it. Every man, woman, and child who sets foot in the Grand Canyon State should have this book at hand" —Arizona Highways "Better buy a couple of copies, one for the car and one for whatever room you do your reading in." —Arizona Daily Star

Product Details

• Paperback: 503 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press (February 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816510741
• ISBN-13: 978-0816510740
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,106 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book will be the cornerstone of my Arizona library., June 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Arizona Place Names (Paperback)

Ten years ago, someone at the University of Arizona Press decided to reissue this book and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate that person. Even though the book hasn't been updated since the mid 1930's, the text is of extreme value to the historian, researcher and casual reader as is. By reissuing the book the University performed a valuable public service.

With high hopes and expectations, I purchased this book with the intention of doing research on place names along the Santa Fe Railroad in Arizona. I am pleased to report that Arizona Place Names was the most valuable reference in assisting me with that project. But, for me, there was a bonus. The book also served to reacquaint me with the Arizona of my youth as I was born and raised in Yavapai County and often traveled with my parents around the state. It has rekindled interest in my roots, far exceeded my hopes and expectations and brought me back to better times in my life.

The author's style is more like a mentor and friend. There were times that I felt I was riding with him on horseback discussing the name origin of a nearby spring or butte. Factual and accurate, his style shows that he loved what he was doing. The text is short, to the point, and can be read by the casual reader who would like to sit back in the rocking chair or recliner and escape to Arizona.

What more can I say except if you have any interest in Arizona, this book has to be the cornerstone of your libary. Once you pick it up, it's hard to put down. Five stars -- and then some....

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The original book (by Byrd H. Granger) is much better, March 11, 2006

By 

John Schmitt "Schmitty!!!" (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Arizona Place Names (Paperback)

I ordered this book trying to replace my aging copy of Byrd H. Granger's "Arizona's Names - X Marks the Place" (ISBN 0918080185 Falconer Publishing, Tucson). I have to admit, after not seeing other books about Arizona place names (and there are a few) I have to say this book can never replace Granger's edition. Not like I hated the book, it's just the Granger book is far superior (and very hard to find) and loaded with a lot more information. The Granger book is 824 pages where this one is only 503. It is nice the book is reprinted and will not be forgotten, but if you can find the Granger book, get it instead.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're an Arizonan you'll enjoy this book., September 18, 2000

By 

John "John" (PHOENIX, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Arizona Place Names (Paperback)

Arizona has a lot of places with strange or unusual names. Before I can across this book I often wondered where these names came from. If you're interested in Arizona, it's history, or trivia about the state you'll ejoy perusing through the pages of this book.