Customer Reviews

Arizona Place Names

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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....

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.

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.

I ordered this book for my husband who loves to share bits of Arizona lore with all of our visitors and friends. Funny thing! I could not put it down when it arrived. It certainly is not a fully complete work, but there are so many interesting facts at one's fingertips, that it is a wonderful addition to our growing library of all-things Arizona.

This book is the Bible of Arizona place names. You want to know why a town's named what it is? Look it up in here.
The book is conveniently organized by county, so if you want you can sit down and read about every place name in your home county, just like that. And, if you don't know what county a place is in, the book also has a well-constructed index.
The book's tone is professional yet friendly, and it's even illustrated by some pretty hip-looking block prints.
It's not complete by any means, but it's still just packed full of information.
If you live in Arizona, buy this book. If you like Arizona, buy this book. If you write about Arizona, definitely, definitely buy this book. It's a keeper.

I have owned this book for years.........and decided to give it to my son as a gift because he roams Arizona. He was so thrilled with the book and its contents.
It's incomparable for historic Arizona research.

This is a great book for the western historical buff as one can look find the how and why the towns in Arizona were named. The copy I got is in excellent condition, and the seller was quick to send it. I would recommend them.

I bought this book for myself a year ago and have thoroughly enjoyed reading about towns and communities that I had never heard of. I decided to buy another book and give it as a Christmas gift this year. The person who wrote this book many years ago must have loved to travel Arizona. I highly recommend this informative book.