Santa Fe Tales & More

Popular historian and Spur-award winner Howard Bryan has been delving into obscure corners of Southwest history since his early years as a reporter for The Albuquerque Tribune. His latest book offers a wealth of fascinating true stories of old Santa Fe that Bryan uncovered researching 19th century newspaper archives, and through personal interviews with old-timers who remembered a way of life that had given way to the modern age. Their recollections provide a vivid recreation of both everyday life on the frontier and extraordinary events and developments that shaped the history of the Southwest. The stories range from humorous to touching to tragic and violent -- all told with frankness and candour. During his 42-year-career as a journalist, Howard Bryan received Various New Mexico awards, including a 1994 Governor's Award for Excellence and Achievement in the Arts and in 2009 was awarded the Friends of New Mexico Book Award. When Bryan began reporting for the Albuquerque Tribune in 1948, he developed a passion for New Mexico history and culture -- specially forgotten stories buried in 19th century newspaper archives and the treasures to be found in living memories of New Mexico old-timers. These rich resources were the basis for his thousands of columns and articles as well as his books on the wilder aspects of New Mexico frontier life. His great knowledge of New Mexico history, coupled with his genius for storytelling and his dry wit, have won him a large following over the years.