“[S]uperb . . . . [A] conceptually sophisticated state-of-the-art discussion of social, cultural, and environmental history.” — James Krippner-Martínez , Latin American Research Review
“In Wandering Peoples, Cynthia Radding makes in important contribution to our understanding of the history of the indigenous peoples of northwestern Mexico in a superb study that artfully integrates anthropological and historical approaches to enthnohistory. . . . Radding provides insightful analysis of the dynamics of culture change and culture conflict, particularly as these are related to ecological adaptations. The book has a great deal to offer Latin Americanists as well as anyone interested in these general issues. Finally, it is a beautifully written book that is a pleasure to read.” — Janine Gasco, Journal of Anthropological Research
“Radding’s multilayered analysis is grounded on the central themes of ethnicity, class, and community. . . . Largely free of loaded jargon, this book is a refreshing example of ‘new’ cultural geography. — Jeffrey S. Smith , Geographical Review
“The depth and thoroughness of Cynthia Radding’s personal grasp and articulate presentation of every aspect of the challenging Sonoran desert is unparalleled in the desert’s expanding historiography.” — Kieran McCarty, Colonial Latin American Historical Review
“Wandering Peoples is an example of regional history at its best. Cynthia Radding is one of the finest practitioners in the emerging field of Latin American ecological history; indeed, she is playing a major role in shaping the field. This book is an important and innovative contribution to colonial Mexican studies and will resonate with scholars working on any part of the globe who are engaged with its key themes.” — Ann Wightman, Wesleyan University
“Here, for the first time, we get an extensive treatment of the ‘ordinary’ men and women who populated the missions, presidios, mining camps, and other settlements of Sonora—they have names, identities, agendas, and complex strategies for coping with the multiple demands they face. Those specializing in other geographical areas—not just Latin Americanists—would do well to consider the concrete grounding of this working model.” — Cheryl Martin, The University of Texas, El Paso