PHILLIP W. BRITTENHAM is a writer, editor, and Gila rock hound. His long-time fascination with how the Gila Region of New Mexico has been portrayed in literature led to more than a casual involvement with the books that define the special quality of this region of New Mexico. He says, "These books, both the old and the new, are passed around and spoken of like family jewels. My hope is that this book will reveal them for the treasures they truly are."