This large anthology is divided into 15 parts with each one containing a number of short selections. Mostly nonfiction, there is a section for tall tales and another for fiction, and covers everything from the earliest explorers to traveling Route 66 in the 20th century. The authors of these short selections range from Meriwether Lewis John Wesley Powell to Eleanor McGovern and John Steinbeck. Sometimes a little dry but still fascinating and full of interesting nuggets of information about the Southwestern United States. A book to be read in small bits and an introduction to a lot of intriguing characters and authors. This is a book I wish I didn't have to return to the library!