A new book by PSI Senior Scientist Bill Hartmann recounts the initial European explorations north from Mexico in the 1500s into what is now the USA – all the way to Kansas. “Searching for Golden Empires” describes the period from Cortés to Coronado, including both native and European documents, and participants of both genders.
“This project relates to my larger interest in human exploration of ‘alien worlds,’” Hartmann said. “The Coronado expedition was the Apollo expedition of its day, with about 2,000 people venturing north at the same time by land and by sea.”
The book was listed as one of the 33 “best Southwest” books by Pima County libraries, and received an unusual starred review from Publishers’ Weekly (PW). The latter was celebrated by publisher University of Arizona Press, since PW is the national trade journal with significant influence on what books end up displayed in bookstores.
The book is available on Amazon.com or autographed copies may be obtained directly from Hartmann at the Amazon price.
PSI is again participating in the Tucson Festival of Books event on the University of Arizona Mall March 14 and 15. Come check out our display in the Science of Tomorrow section of Science City! Bea Mueller, Nalin Samarasinha, Victoria Klocko, Emily Joseph, Sanlyn Buxner, Rob Bovill, Larry Lebofsky, Thea Canizo and Joe Spitale will be staffing the display, and Hartmann will be part of several panel discussions during the event.
