Marc Simmons of New Mexico: Maverick Historian

Phyllis S. Morgan

Foreword by Mark L. Gardner

New Mexico's best known and most distinguished historian, Marc Simmons, is also fully deserving of the epithet maverick, a term that originally referred to a calf that had strayed from the herd and that is also used to describe a person who takes an independent path in his life, work, and philosophy. An independent scholar who has published at least 42 books, as well as over 1,400 magazine and newspaper articles, over 50 scholarly articles, and 74 chapters or introductions in books by other authors, Simmons is equally remarkable for his lifestyle.

He lives in a house he himself built, writing all his books on a manual typewriter because he has forsworn electricity and other modern conveniences. Simmons is internationally recognized as an authority on Spanish Colonial New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail, the life and times of Kit Carson, and the Spanish documentary records that are the source for so many of his writings. He is known for his determination to write narrative history for general readers rather than speaking strictly to a scholarly audience.

Phyllis Morgan presents a biographical essay, a sampling of his writings, and a comprehensive bibliography that traces Simmons's work into 2004. Her work will be essential for all collections and collectors specializing in Marc Simmons or the Southwest.

Winner of a Southwest Book Awrd 2006 from the Border Regional Library Association. Phyllis Morgan won an Award of Merit from the Santa Fe Trail Association in recognition of her significant contributions to Santa Fe Trail history with the publication of her bio-bibliography of Marc Simmons.

"A fine tribute to a remarkable New Mexican."--New Mexico Magazine

"Marc Simmons is truly one of New Mexico's giants of history and his many books, articles, and talks will be of use for many years. . This is a must for historians, libraries, schools, and those interested in Marc Simmons."--Tradición Revista

"Phyllis Morgan has performed yeoman service in compliling a valuable book. It already had a place reserved among my most-often-used reference books. It is destined to enjoy the same favored status in countless other New Mexico history collections across the Southwest."--Southern New Mexico Historical Review

"Phyllis Morgan's exceptionally useful bio-bibliography, thoroughly displays the extraordinary dimensions of Marc Simmons's remarkable career as a writer and scholar. . . indispensable volume."--New Mexico Historical Review

"This fine volume is a collector's item, an excellent tribute to an outstanding scholar, and an inspiration to anyone with an aspiration to write."--Wagon Tracks

"This fine volume is a collector's item, an excellent tribute to an outstanding scholar, and an inspiration to anyone with aspiration to write."--folio-The Newsletter of the Patrice Press

"This is the most current and comprehensive bibliography of Simmons' work available, with details about his books and other writings. Morgan also includes a delightful biography of this man who is an admirer of the spirit of the America of the 19th century."--Enchantment, NM

Phyllis S. Morgan is a retired New Mexico librarian who resides in Albuquerque.

6 x 9 390 pages 10 halftones, 1 drawing