Memorias Sobre la Vida Del Presbítero Don Antonio José Martínez

Padre Martínez, priest of Taos, was one of the most dynamic and controversial figures in the political and religious life of the 19th century New Mexico. In the turbulent period of transition from Mexican to U.S. sovereignty, he served on legislative bodies of both governments, established a school, and on the only printing press in the territory printed not only books but the first newspaper west of the Missouri. Conflict over traditional Hispanic church practices led to his excommunication by Bishop Lamy. This brief and loving biography, written by a devoted follower, was first published in 1903. De Aragón's translation adheres faithfully to the language and style of the original Spanish text, convoluted though it sometimes is, preserving the flavor and fervency of Sánchez's personal "memorias".