The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 35, July 1931 - April, 1932 Page: 85
348 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Book Reviews and Notices
Short Diary was published in Spanish and English in the Publica-
tions of the Academy of Pacific Coast History, Vol. III, 1913.
Father Font's Complete Diary of the second Anza expedition
to California' occupies all of Volume IV. Font was the master
diarist. "His observations were keen. He had a sharp eye for
landmarks, and a canny knack of telling what he saw. His rec-
ord of distances and directions is so accurate and his description
of natural features is so graphic that nothing surprises the ex-
plorer of his trail. The remarkable diary tells him just what to
expect. Font was a man of liberal education, which is reflected
in the richness of his allusions and the clarity of his expression.
He had a mathematical turn of mind which he carried even to
his sermons. He had a reputation for knowledge of latitudes and
map making which he sustained by the performance of his diffi-
cult task with Anza." (IV, v-vi.)
The fifth volume is made up of 108 items of correspondence
from officials in Spain and Mexico, and from others on the fron-
tier of Sonora and California. Through these materials we see
more vividly how the expedition originated and how the work of
organization progressed. We learn how intimately concerned was
Viceroy Bucareli in the success of the project. And there are
many letters from Anza and his companions while en route to
California which reveal the staunch qualities of these frontier
heroes of early American history.
Numerous illustrations, photographs by Bolton along the trail,
old prints, and facsimiles, enlighten the narrative and add charm
to the story. Many excellent maps, specially prepared for the'
series, help make this work a definitive contribution to this phase
of California history.
No pains have been spared to make this set of books a model.
The editor's financial resources have not been stinted, in the col-
lection of material, in re-exploring the trail, or in the composition
of the volumes. The format is all that could be wished for. The
paper is high grade, the type large, the binding handsome and
practical. Throughout, the work of editing has been ably done.
Typographical errors are remarkably few. Spanish terms, for
which there is no English equivalent, are left untranslated, as is
generally done in books of this character. Some may object to
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 35, July 1931 - April, 1932, periodical, 1932; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101092/m1/89/?rotate=270: accessed April 23, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.