“The concepts of naming and place identity are inextricably linked.”

Robert Julyan’s1996 edition by UNM Press is the copy I have. It was my sister’s and it’s pretty tattered and dog-eared. Julyan dedicated the first edition to his daughter and signed this copy for my sister at a bookstore somewhere in Albuquerque on February 25th, 1996.

“For Lisa, Best wishes exploring the names and places of New Mexico. Bob Julyan.”

She certainly fulfilled this wish as an avid traveler around the state. Along with good maps, this book accompanied us on all of our day and car camping trips. Those who know, just know. This book is an invaluable tool for exploring and studying New Mexico.

Julyan says that in his collection one can hear “voices of thousands of individuals – most anonymous  and otherwise forgotten – speaking many languages, telling about their lives, their families, their relation to the land, their faith, their tragedy and humor, the incidents great and small they experienced and through naming remembered.” 

Naming places reflects who we are. As the author notes, the book is an autobiography of New Mexico.

The autobiography is still being written. “(A)s centuries have passed, as people, languages, and cultures have intermingled, New Mexico’s place-name autobiography has expanded and undergone continuous change.”

So we are excited to hear from TACA board member, Jerry Widdison, that a new edition is in the works! He is acknowledged in the first book as a “meticulous editor, tireless researcher, observant traveler, and generous friend.”

We look forward to a crisp new edition for Robert Julyan and Jerry Widdison to sign!