Signs & Shrines
Spiritual Journeys Across New Mexico
Will be published approx. on 5. March 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-88150-908-3 (ISBN)
Description
Signs & Shrines: Spiritual Journeys Across New Mexico takes readers along the ancient pilgrimage trails that crisscross this enchanted state, a place where a rich multiplicity of cultures continue to thrive. From the winding High Road between Santa Fe and Taos to Warriors' Spirit Way across the Black Range; through ghost towns and on to Silver City; to the Old Spanish Trail that originates in Abiquiu, you'll find the pathways that spiritual seekers have followed for centuries.
The mysteries of sacred sites, natural wonders, power spots, feast days, and festivals are here explained by one of the state's most prolific and knowledgeable authors. In addition to providing cultural context that answers visitors' questions about history and practices found only in New Mexico, the author provides clear directions, maps, and guidance on the best places to stay, dine, shop, and recreate on your route. Signs & Shrines is an innovative guide that will enrich the experience not only of spiritual seekers but of every visitor drawn to tour the Land of Enchantment.
The mysteries of sacred sites, natural wonders, power spots, feast days, and festivals are here explained by one of the state's most prolific and knowledgeable authors. In addition to providing cultural context that answers visitors' questions about history and practices found only in New Mexico, the author provides clear directions, maps, and guidance on the best places to stay, dine, shop, and recreate on your route. Signs & Shrines is an innovative guide that will enrich the experience not only of spiritual seekers but of every visitor drawn to tour the Land of Enchantment.
Reviews / Votes
"This book is unique for several reasons. First, it shows readers how to approach New Mexico through historical and contemporary spiritual traditions. Second, it's divided into journeys, for instance, with the first chapter focusing on the Old Spanish Trail, a 19th-century trade route between New Mexico and California. Although this particular trail doesn't have a direct relationship to anything spiritual, the author uses it as a way to highlight historical events and culture clashes such as the detribalization of Indians who were sold as slaves along the trail.
Each journey section has 10 subsections: Guidance: government contact information and emergency numbers. Discover: museums, archeological sites and cultural resources. Recreate: parks, nature walks, outside activities and outfitters. Cherish: shops, galleries, vineyards, special finds. Meander: day trips, attractions. Renew: spas, retreats, meditation centers, etc. Nourish: places to eat. Respite: hotels. Celebrate: festivals, pow-wows, events. On the Town: entertainment choices. The book is replete with well-composed pictures and some poetry. While the writing is sometimes "dramatic," the reader will likely appreciate the different approach to travel and the author's willingness to get into the less-than-pleasant details of the area's history in a nicely concise manner.
" -- Judges' comments - Silver medal, Guidebook category - 2012 SATW Foundation Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Woodstock
United States
Publishing group
WW Norton & Co
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Illustrations
Full-color photographs throughout
Dimensions
Height: 230 mm
Width: 154 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
479 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-88150-908-3 (9780881509083)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
03/2012
1st Edition
Countryman Press
€18.49
Available for download
Person
Sharon Niederman is an award-winning Southwestern author and photographer living in northern New Mexico. She specializes in cuisine, travel, history, women's history, and spirituality. Her 2012 book, Signs & Shrines, received the prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Writing Award and the Society of American Travel Writers Gold Award. She has twice received the Border Regional Library Association Southwest Book Award for "literary excellence and enrichment of the cultural heritage of the Southwest." Her articles have appeared in Sunset, New York Times, Boston Globe, Christian Science Monitor, Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican, Denver Post, and many other publications. She serves on the board of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum and is past president of New Mexico Press Women and the New Mexico Jewish Historical Society.