Washington

Graham Adams, Jr., is a professor of American history at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.

Without question these four photographic works of the states of Oregon,
Washington, Arizona, and New Mexico contain clear, sharp, and
well-selected photographs of the highest quality that depict scenes of
spectacular beauty and color. Arizona’s arid Grand Canyon and the
cliff dwellings of New Mexico’s ancient Indians stand in stark
contrast to the lush green fields, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes
of Oregon and Washington. Each book is a visual delight.

Unfortunately, the books fail to provide an adequate geographic or
historical context for each region. How did these states evolve? What
problems did they face? What solutions did people find for these
problems? A slightly expanded text would have addressed these issues and
endowed each of the volumes with a sense of continuity and order. These
books will please readers chiefly interested in viewing superb
photographs, but readers seeking a better understanding of these states
will have to explore other sources.