Sunshine & Shadows in New Mexico's Past

Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico's Past has one main goal: to reveal the sharp contrasts in New Mexico history. As with all states, New Mexico has had its share of admirable as well as deplorable moments, neither of which should be ignored or exaggerated at the other's expense. New Mexico's true character can only be understood and appreciated by acknowledging its varied history, blemishes and all. The first of three volumes, Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico's Past: The Spanish Colonial and Mexican Periods represents the New Mexico Historical Society's humble gift to New Mexico as the state celebrates its centennial year of statehood in 2012. I am excited to see this Historical Society of New Mexico publication. Most of us understand that there is much good research and historical writing that never gets published, especially in book form. This lack is especially true of New Mexico, where there will never be a lack of history to uncover and share. For over three decades the Historical Society of New Mexico through its La Crónica de Nuevo México has provided a key outlet of well-researched historical articles. The result is a treasure- trove of information that is important, intriguing, entertaining, and well worth preserving in this permanent form. Without question, HSNM's centennial gift to the state is both welcome and appropriate. -- Dr. Thomas E. Chávez