Literary Pilgrims: The Santa Fe and Taos Writers' Colonies, 1917-1950

Fleeing a post-World War I environment marred by materialism, mechanization, and corporate corruption, American writers flocked to the inspirational landscapes of northern New Mexico. These writers discovered new muses in the Southwest. Newcomers were buoyed by the ancient traditions of the Pueblo, Navajo, and Hopi cultures and by the kinship of deeply rooted Hispanic communities. Of New Mexico, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Paul Horgan wrote, "The earth seems near to the heavens." Indeed, New Mexico was the place of poetry.

Thanks to a thriving art market, newcomers to Santa Fe and Taos were (and still are) famous for the legacy of their art colonies. However, the history of the literary scene has not received the attention shown the artists. Students of literature might recognize names like D. H. Lawrence, Mabel Dodge Luhan, and Mary Austin, but what about Haniel Long or Raymond Otis?

Lynn Cline illuminates both the well- and lesser-known literary figures of New Mexico, whose collaborative efforts created enduring literary colonies. These writers took up similar themes, jointly promoted their works, and founded regional arts advocacy groups. Cline discusses sixteen writers and concludes with walking and driving tours of Santa Fe and Taos, where interested readers can visit former homes, gathering places, and public sites talked about in the book.