Women Writers of Taos
A bibliography of Taos women writers and literary champions
To bibliophiles, regardless of gender, and anyone interested in northern New Mexico, I hope you’ll enjoy exploring the books described in the following pages as much as I’ve enjoyed gathering them. Inspired by the Remarkable Women of Taos campaign and the New Mexico Centennial, this project grew to involve many talented Taos-based writers and literary champions whose names and works I’ve come to know and value.
Muchas gracias to all who’ve provided input and encouragement , and especially to those who’ve generously contributed or given permission to use their words. Though it now includes nearly 150 titles and over 100 authors, the bibliography continues to be a work in progress. Please forward suggestions for additions or amendments to taostreehouse@gmail.com with "Bibliography Feedback” in the subject line.
Mya Coursey, May 2012
STORYTELLERS: WOMEN WRITING TAOS 1912-2012
When New Mexico became the 47th state of the United States in 1912, the area now called Taos County was no tabula rasa. The Pueblo at the base of the sacred mountain had been continuously inhabited for 500 years; archeological traces gave evidence of even older settlements; remnants of armies, missionaries, and traders from Spain, Mexico, and the U.S. had gathered around plazas and established small farms. For the most part, men had made the rules and written the history. This bibliography celebrates the women who for the last century have brought a feminine sensibility to the recorded stories of this enchanted land.
The books listed here were all written by women between 1912 and 2012. All make reference to the Town of Taos or places within an easy daytrip, omitting Santa Fe. They tell stories, that is, they are not exclusively reference or technical. Each listing includes title, author’s name, original publication date, a brief description, and a code letter indicating type of book, e.g., history, fiction, children’s. (Refer to the legend at the bottom of each page.)
Titles are informally arranged under seven headings, each with a brief introduction:
The Pueblos & The Wild West
Historically Hispanic
Luhan’s Salon & Other Writers
De Poesía (Poetry)
The Artists
Fiber Arts Tradition
Day Trips to Taos Neighbors
Mostly Mysteries
Scattered among the listings, you’ll find nichos with images by or about some of the writers. At the end …
- 1. Suggested survey of ten titles;
- 2. List of books written for children or teens;
- 3. Bookstores and other resources within the targeted area; (Many books listed are out of print or otherwise challenging to find, but the hunt can be part of the fun.)
4. Alphabetical list of authors.
View Bibliography (23 pages, 705 KB PDF. July 2012)
