Signature City Phoenix-Scottsdale

A historical and cultural overview, including discussions of present-day racial, conservation, and economic problems. Easy reading, fascinating history. 364pp

"Once in a generation, a guide to understanding a major North American landscape comes along. This book is such a touchstone, sure to become a classic. The emphasis here is on biodiversity, mutualism, co-evolution, and, especially, ethno-relationships—the long history of connection between desert peoples and their homeland, on both sides of the border.

From the moment it became Arizona's capital in 1912, Phoenix has enjoyed steady population growth and commercial expansion. Today, Phoenix continues to expand, due to mass migration, and has the distinction of being one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. Phoenix Then and Now looks at the development of the city, with historical photographs placed side-by-side with contemporary views of the same locations revealing a vibrant city, benefiting from wave upon wave of Easterners seeking sunshine in a culturally rich, urban setting. Amazing pictorial history of Phoenix, and the surrounding areas, filled with archival photographs of key locations paired with specially commissioned photographs of the same scenes as they are today. See the Heard Building, used for the opening shot of Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. One of Phoenix' first sky scrapers, the building is now used for stores and offices.

Written by Arizona's state historian, this book looks at the Indian tribes, the Spanish, and the Anglos who have played major roles in the history of Arizona and surveys the state's startling physical contrasts, unusual wildlife, industrial development, and politics. 404pp

In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.

Imagine all the adventures you’ll have in Arizona— touring the mountains and red deserts, seeing one spectacular natural wonder after another: the Grand Canyon, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument...Discover the art galleries, museums, resorts, and cuisine that help make Phoenix and Scottsdale such hot destinations. Full-color photographs throughout.

After Berlin, Brooklyn, and Moscow, Phoenix is the ideal fourth city to be explored in Booth-Clibborn Editionss fascinating series about cities that are emerging creatively. Thanks to its majestic desert setting, appealing climate, and abundant economic opportunity, the Phoenix metropolitan area is the fastest growing in the U.S. Along with its population growth, the city has seen a flourishing of expressive arts of all kinds. Phoenix 21: Desert Metropolis captures the historic movement and youthful energy of the region as it evolves into a vibrant world-class metropolis with a unique character. 240pp