When I give my talk “Wild at Art” some of you ask afterwards about the books I reference. So here is a reading list for you. Each of these has enriched my understanding of the natural world and Arizona history. Enjoy!

Call of the Canyon by Zane Gray, a classic all based in Arizona.

Education of a Wandering Man, the autobiography of Louis L’Amour.

A Frontier Teacher in Tonto Basin, the diary of Angeline Mitchell. Available at the Tonto Monument.

Desert Wife by Hilda Faunce. Journal of life running a trading post on the Navajo reservation with her husband.

The Forgotten Botanist by Wynne Brown. The life of botanist Sarah Plummer.

Vanished Arizona by Martha Summer Hays, the journal of an army wife as she traveled to and through Arizona.

Verde Valley Lore, and More Verde Valley Loreby Robert Mason, local author. Available at the Fountain Hills History Museum; short stories of local historical people, places, and events.

I hope that helps get you started! Some of these are available as Audible books, which are quite enjoyable.

If you have any favorites, please do share!