The Lightning Field

The Lightning Field is a series of portraits of people and out-of-the-way places in New Mexico and, occasionally, neighboring states. Eaton ranges throughout the region, and few of his destinations are on the standard tourist itinerary--this is not the New Mexico of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Taos. We spend a day at a huge work of minimalist land art near Quemado, a weekend at an isolated Benedictine monastery near Abiquiu, and a winter in the haunting and disconcerting isolation of Chaco Canyon. The author skillfully weaves accounts of his contemporary travels and experiences with historical anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the landscape to evoke the spirit of the Land of Enchantment, from the stark beauty of the high plains of northeastern New Mexico to the remote border region of the Boot Heel in the southwestern corner of the state.

The Lightning Field was originally published in 1995 by Johnson Books of Boulder, Colorado. This revised edition includes the author's minor corrections and edits to the original text.

"In these arresting vignettes, Eaton transverses New Mexico to plumb the depths of its magical beauty and explore the state's silent places. The radiance of Eaton's prose rests in its masterful restraint, whether he is lyrically conveying a sense of place or rendering respectful portraits of the individuals he meets. . . . Every adventure is an enthralling gift to readers." Alice Joyce, Booklist

"There is a temptation to just call this a travel book, but it is more than that. This is compelling reading, and I highly recommend it." THM, Books of the Southwest

"[His] deep identity with the land has helped Robert Eaton write a literate and fascinating work about New Mexico. For me, he is one of its finest contemporary interpreters. " John Nizalowski, Telluride Times-Journal