Cities of Gold

Cities of Gold chronicles Douglas Preston's 1989 horseback journey through the American Southwest, retracing the route of Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado's 1540-1542 expedition. Preston and a small team cover nearly 1,000 miles across New Mexico and Arizona, navigating the same harsh terrain that challenged Coronado's men four centuries earlier. The narrative moves between Preston's modern expedition and Coronado's historical search for the fabled Seven Cities of Gold. Through first-hand experience and historical records, Preston examines the physical and cultural landscape of the Southwest, documenting both what has changed and what remains untouched since the 16th century. This work combines elements of historical investigation, travel writing, and archaeological study to explore themes of conquest, survival, and the enduring power of myth in shaping human endeavors. The parallel journeys - separated by centuries but united by geography - raise questions about how people perceive and pursue wealth, glory, and the unknown.

Readers praise Preston's detailed historical research and his ability to connect the past with present-day locations in the American Southwest. Many note the book offers both a travelogue and a historical account of Coronado's expedition. The descriptions of Native American sites and remote landscapes resonate with history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Common criticisms include the slow pacing in certain sections and too much focus on the modern journey's logistics. Some readers expected more emphasis on the historical aspects rather than Preston's personal adventure. A few reviews mention the writing can be dry at times. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (180+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (90+ ratings) "Brings the Southwest's history alive" appears frequently in positive reviews. Critical reviews often cite "too much about horse problems" and "expected more about Coronado." The book maintains strong ratings among readers interested in Southwestern history and archaeology.

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🌵 Douglas Preston's journey closely followed the original 1540 route of conquistador Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, covering 1,000 miles from Mexico to Arizona on horseback. 🏺 The author discovered several previously unknown archaeological sites during his expedition, including ancient Native American pottery shards and dwelling remains. ⚔️ Preston and his riding companion nearly died in the hostile Sonoran Desert when they ran out of water, mirroring the near-fatal experiences of Coronado's men centuries earlier. 🐎 The horses used in Preston's journey were Mexican Criollo horses, descendants of the same breed brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors. 🗺️ Much of the terrain Preston traversed remains so remote and unchanged that he was able to use Coronado's original 16th-century maps and descriptions to navigate parts of the journey.