The Folklore of Spain in the American Southwest: Traditional Spanish Folk Literature in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado
Chapters five through seven deal with the California expedition itself; with extensive analysis of cartography; the nature of ships, sailing, and sailors; methods of navigation; and the extant vague "logs" of the voyage. A final chapter is devoted to an analysis of post-voyage hearings and litigation, contemporary accounts, and a historiography of the voyage. Kelsey concludes his book by quite properly stating: "In the grand scheme of Spanish settlement in the New World, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo played only a supporting role." The author has done an excellent job in documentary analysis as well as in producing a biography of a heretofore elusive figure. Extensive notes and an exhaustive bibliography of manuscripts, books, and periodical articles in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese reflect the diligent research of the author. A judicious selection of illustrations and maps, and the inclusion of an analytical index enhance the work. Lest it be said that this review is excessively praisworthy, a few "nit picks" may be found in accenting and spelling of Spanish words and names, probably the result of typographical slips; also, there is room to doubt Peninsular Spanish devotion to the Mexican Virgin of Guadalupe as early as 1543, since devotion to the Castillian Virgin of the same name had existed for over a century earlier. Scholarly and readable, nicely printed and bound, this book is a major contribution to the history of Spanish California, and no collection of Californiana is complete without it. It is particularly recommended to the California Portuguese community. University of San Francisco W. MICHAEL MATHES