The Gila, river of the Southwest (Rivers of America) Hardcover – January 1, 1951

The best history of Arizona you will find. And it is a great read too. Edwin Corle is masterful in his story of this crucial river and he interweaves the history of the state into the history of the river in a great fashion.

A few decades ago I picked up a copy of this book from a local used bookstore in Tucson for $2.50, more or less on a whim. The book was already old then. I enjoyed reading it at the time.Over the last few days I've had occasion to read it again. Published in 1951, it's of course even older now, and it reads older. It's author, Edwin Corle, died in 1956, long before the first time I read the book. Still, I think it's suitable to very briefly review this book now, as a tribute to Mr Corle, if for no other reason.A true history book is peppered with footnotes documenting sources. The Gila: River of the Southwest is not a true history book but a story-teller retelling tales (although I must say the bibliography he includes is impressive enough). The general stage for his drama is the watershed of the Gila River, extending from its origins in the Gila Wilderness of southwestern New Mexico near Silver City and running across southern Arizona to its confluence with the Colorado River just north of Yuma. It's true that the book tells the story of the Gila River, but more especially it tells many stories about the people who passed through this region, in particular the lower two-thirds of the state of Arizona. Corle's book is, I would say, engaging and charming, and his memory is to be honored for having created this artifact.In the last few pages Corle is talking about life in southern Arizona in the year 1950 and is wondering what the future holds for the region. As I write this little note in 2020 I feel as if I'm looking back to 1950, possessed now with knowledge of some of the answers to the questions Corle had. This is a fine book about this particular geographical region, clearly a labor of love on Corle's part. After all this time it remains worth a read by anyone else who's fond of southern Arizona.

This book is fasinating. Follows the Gila River from New Mexico to the Colorado River. Tells a great story about Mexico, Arizona and New Mexico. Starting with the Priest coming up from Mexico, the first explorers of the area and follows all the way to the early 50s. Great read, fun book if you like history.

This book is head and shoulders above any history of Arizona I have read.And the style of writing is beautiful. The beginning is perfect.This would make a good movie actually. And there is information in there on the lost dutchman!!!A must-have for any library.

Book arrived as expected and was as described,in very good condition.

I great review of this unique area of Arizona & New Mexico.

This really is the best account of Arizona history I’ve read. Corle is a master storyteller — I particularly enjoyed his habit of quoting directly from journals — and I learned more real history from this book than I expected. As one who has read much Arizona history, I must say this is the most informative and fun-to-read resource of them all. I should be at the top of every list of important Arizona history books. Just my two cents.

very pleased with this book.