Books by Ron Hamm

Many people love the American Southwest without truly understanding it. Ross Randall Calvin did and we are the richer for it. Calvin began his search as a pilgrim health-seeker, believing he had left the "known world" behind when he fled the East for New Mexico. There he soon found to our benefit that he could use his observational skills and intellect to fashion a picture that helped him and us comprehend those unique factors that make New Mexico what it is-its history, people, culture, climate, and so much more. Those lessons learned he shared with us. His books and essays can open our eyes to New Mexico if we but heed them. Calvin's story as discoverer and interpreter unfolds in rich detail in this essential work. * * * * * Ron Hamm has written widely and extensively on New Mexico as a journalist, then later as author and biographer over some five decades. His previous books have been "The Bursums of New Mexico: Four Generations of Leadership and Service" and "New Mexico Territorial Era Caricatures" (Sunstone Press 2014). Ross Calvin gave him a fresh insight into New Mexico through "Sky Determines" and "River of the Sun." "Ross Calvin, Interpreter of the Southwest" is Hamm's most satisfying work.

Step inside the pages of "New Mexico Territorial Era Caricatures" and learn about the men who made New Mexico what it is. See their likenesses and read about them. Druggists, farmers, postmasters. Many in these pages were just ordinary men who were concerned about running their businesses, making a living, and providing for their families. If they had time they attended lodge meetings and helped make their community a better place in which to live. But there were others. They made their mark on a larger territorial stage. Governors, senators, land speculators, educators, military men, influential newspaper editors. They were true movers and shakers. What all these men in this book had in common was their love for New Mexico and their desire to make it better. Some of these men you thought you knew. Learn anew. Others you have never heard of. This book will make you wish you had. Discover hidden facets and see their likeness drawn at their height of their manhood by a master illustrator, Harry Samuel Palmer.