First Impressions: A Reader's Journey to Iconic Places of the American Southwest

First Impressions pairs the author William deBuys with photographer Alex Harris to retrace the paths of early Anglo-American chroniclers through the American Southwest. Following writers like Charles Lummis and Mary Austin, deBuys and Harris visit the locations these pioneers first documented in their influential accounts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The book moves through Arizona, New Mexico, and surrounding territories, comparing historical written observations and images with contemporary ones. DeBuys examines how these early documentarians shaped public perception of the Southwest through their descriptions of landscapes, Native peoples, and regional culture. Each chapter focuses on a specific location and the writer who brought it to national attention, creating a dual portrait of place and perception. The narrative combines historical research, personal observation, and meditation on how meanings and landscapes transform over time. The work raises questions about authenticity, preservation, and the role of outsider perspectives in defining a region's identity for the wider world. Through parallel experiences separated by more than a century, the book explores how first encounters with unfamiliar places become lasting interpretations.

Readers praise deBuys' personal connection to the Southwest landscapes and his ability to weave together history, memoir, and travel writing. Many note his skill at capturing both the physical beauty and cultural significance of iconic locations. Positives: - Strong descriptions that transport readers to each location - Balance of historical context and personal observations - Insightful commentary on environmental changes - High-quality photographs by Joan Myers Negatives: - Some readers found certain chapters overly academic - A few noted the writing can be dense and slow-paced - Limited coverage of some significant Southwest locations Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (6 ratings) "The author brings these places to life through both personal experience and deep research," wrote one Amazon reviewer. Another noted: "Beautiful writing about beautiful places, but occasionally gets bogged down in historical minutiae." Note: Limited review data available as this is a relatively new/niche book.

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🌵 William deBuys has lived in New Mexico since 1972 and is considered one of the most prominent environmental writers of the American Southwest, with nine books about the region. 🏜️ The book follows in the footsteps of early Anglo-American explorers of the Southwest, including Charles Fletcher Lummis and John Wesley Powell, retracing their historic journeys. 🗺️ The places featured in the book include iconic locations like the Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, and Death Valley—each explored through both historical and contemporary perspectives. 📝 DeBuys collaborated with photographer Joan Myers for this project, combining his narrative with her modern images of these landmark locations. 🏆 The author won the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Best Western Nonfiction Contemporary for his book "Salt Dreams: Land and Water in Low-Down California."