Richard Melzer Livres

Highlighting New Mexico's rich history, this book combines stunning imagery with insightful essays that explore the social and political elements shaping the state over the past century. It serves as both a photographic tribute and a historical narrative, celebrating the centennial of New Mexico's statehood. The content captures the imposing and exciting aspects of the state's journey, making it a significant contribution to the centennial celebration.

Exploring the often-overlooked experiences of children in the American Southwest, Richard Melzer delves into their formative adventures and cultural transitions. Focusing on New Mexico, he utilizes memoirs, oral histories, diaries, and autobiographies to present a rich tapestry of childhood stories, featuring figures like Billy the Kid and Douglas MacArthur. This comprehensive collection sheds light on the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by youth, making it a significant contribution to the historical literature of the region.

Focusing on the gravesites of notable New Mexicans, Richard Melzer's book serves as a tribute to the influential figures in the state's history, from artists to military leaders. Through vivid photographs and engaging narratives, it highlights the often-overlooked monuments that commemorate these individuals, including both celebrated and controversial characters. This comprehensive work not only provides valuable insights for historians and genealogists but also entertains casual readers with humorous epitaphs and unusual gravesite stories.

Focusing on the unique perspective of Ernie Pyle, this biography captures his role as a war correspondent during World War II, emphasizing his dedication to telling the stories of ordinary soldiers rather than grand military strategies. Richard Melzer presents Pyle's experiences with authenticity, detailing both his challenges and triumphs. The narrative is crafted to resonate with readers, mirroring Pyle's own straightforward style. Recognized for its thorough research and engaging prose, this account offers an insightful look into the life of a legendary figure in journalism.

In 1941, New Mexico was an agrarian state with just over half a million people, many of whom lived without electricity, running water, indoor plumbing, or paved roads. However, the state provided more military volunteers per capita--including eight Medal of Honor winners--than any other state and had the highest casualty rate per capita in the country. New Mexico provided essential resources ranging from oil and coal to potash and copper. The state is often remembered for being the location where the first nuclear weapon was designed and tested in 1945, but more important at the time were the development of the proximity fuze and the testing of the top-secret Norden bombsight. The state also housed German and Italian prisoners of war, and, in one of the darkest moments in US history, incarcerated American citizens of Japanese descent in several concentration camps

Exploring the architectural and cultural significance of the Fred Harvey Houses, this book delves into their role in shaping the hospitality landscape of the Southwest. It highlights the unique design elements and historical context of these iconic structures, revealing how they contributed to the development of tourism and the railroad industry. Through vivid imagery and engaging narratives, readers will discover the legacy of Fred Harvey and the lasting impact of his vision on American travel and dining.

Spanish settlers founded Albuquerque in 1706, making it the third of only four villas (towns) in colonial New Mexico. Located in the Rio Abajo along a wide turn on the Rio Grande, the settlement developed from a small farming community into New Mexico's largest, most modern city. Many notable men and women participated in this remarkable growth, lending their talents and sacrificing their time, energy, and sometimes their very lives. Dozens of these legendary figures are portrayed in this unique book, with chapters devoted to those who played important roles in politics and diplomacy; the military; law and order; religion and education; art and literature; culture and entertainment; business and tourism; health, science, technology, and space; and sports. A final chapter describes several of Albuquerque's sung and unsung heroes. The result is a collage of a Western city filled with diversity, tradition, and cultural pride.

USS New Mexico (BB-40) was commissioned into the fleet near the end of World War I, and the battleship's name was a great honor bestowed upon a state that was but five years old. Because of her superlative performance, New Mexico came to be known as the "Queen of the Seas." During World War II, she was one of the fiercest fighting ships in the Pacific theater, earning six battle stars. This book describes how battleships evolved over the years, how New Mexico was constructed and later modernized, and how she proudly displayed the American flag across two oceans. At the same time, it offers a rare glimpse into her inner workings, shipboard life, and her role in taking the fight to the enemy after the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The sailing list for USS New Mexico (BB-40) reflects the highest credit upon her officers and crew. These men signed their names to naval history and will long be remembered for their incredible service to the Navy and the nation.

The narrative explores the surprising vulnerabilities within the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos site, which was believed to be highly secure. Historian Richard Melzer reveals how several Communist spies infiltrated this supposedly secretive environment, leveraging their access to share atomic bomb secrets with the Soviet Union during World War II. Through interviews, memoirs, and declassified documents, he highlights the ease with which these spies obtained security clearances and emphasizes the implications for modern security challenges, particularly in light of recent espionage scandals.

Focusing on the historical context, the book explores New Mexico's rise as a treatment hub for tuberculosis during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the region's appeal due to its clean air and sunny climate, which attracted patients seeking relief. The narrative delves into the establishment of sanitariums and the dedicated healthcare professionals who worked within them, illustrating the impact of the TB epidemic on the state and its communities leading up to World War II.