The Sierra Pinacate (Southwest Center Series) [Hardcover]

Julian D. Hayden (Author)

Book Description

Series: Southwest Center Series | Publication Date: October 1, 1998

South of the border, a spectacular range of ancient volcanoes rises from the desert floor just a few miles from the Sea of Cortez. Virtually untraveled, the Sierra Pinacate in northwestern Mexico beckons adventurers and scientists. Here, in words and pictures, is a remarkable introduction to this place of almost surreal beauty. Sometimes veiled in clouds or dust storms, the Pinacate have long been shrouded in mystery as well. From prehistoric times until today, people of Sonora have told tales of giants, men and animals, bottomless pits, endless tunnels, hostile Indians, smoking caverns, and ever-present dangers found in the Pinacate. This book takes readers deep into the heart of this fascinating area. Julian Hayden, who worked and traveled in the Pinacate for four decades, introduces the natural history, archaeology, geology, and human history of the area. Spectacular color photographs by Jack Dykinga capture the magic and the isolation of this stunning region. Hayden's text is presented in both English and Spanish. The Mexican government has already declared the Pinacate an officially protected biosphere reserve; still pending is its inclusion in the Man and the Biosphere program of the United Nations. More than a natural history, The Sierra Pinacate is an elegant appreciation of a place of wonder.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Explore a hidden part of Mexico known for geologic and archaeological wonders." —The Bookwatch "To those who knew him, Julian Hayden was the Southwest. Readers will learn why in this handsomely packaged publication in English and Spanish. It is Hayden's account of his 40-year love affair with the mesmerizing landscape of the Sierra Pinacate mountains of northern Sonora. Whether explaining his controversial theory of desert varnish or recounting the legends that cling to this region, Hayden—who died while this book was in publication—bids farewell even as he introduces newcomers to a land that for him was a source of endless fascination." —Bruce Dinges, Arizona Daily Star "A guided tour through millions of years of unique geology, climate, plant and animal life. . . . Throughout the book are the stunning photographs of Jack Dykinga, each a work of art involving hours of exhaustion for one split second of beauty." —Journal of Arizona History

Language Notes

Text: English, Spanish

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: University of Arizona Press; 1St Edition edition (October 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816517770
• ISBN-13: 978-0816517770
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #676,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful and moving, July 3, 2011

By 

Dixie - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sierra Pinacate (Southwest Center Series) (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully done book. You can tell that Hayden loved this vast and harsh country and after seeing the breathtaking photos I can see why.

5.0 out of 5 stars Volcanoes of the Sierra Pinacate, April 30, 2011

By 

Wm Carlos - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Sierra Pinacate (Southwest Center Series) (Hardcover)

A beautiful book.

Not quite coffee table in size and scope but a magnificent work by and about Julian Hayden of an area in western Mexico that is little known but highly accessible on the east and south periphery.

More annectdotal than truly archaeological, and illustrated with outstanding photographs by Jack Dykinga, this one belongs in the library every serious reader of Southwestern field archaeology.