Ancient City Press

Ancient City Press: A Legacy of Southwestern Scholarship

Ancient City Press was a distinguished Santa Fe-based publishing house that played a pivotal role in documenting the rich tapestry of Southwestern history, anthropology, and folklore. Throughout its operation, particularly during its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, the press became a vital outlet for scholarly and cultural works that might otherwise have lacked a platform.

Key Contributions and Specializations

The press was renowned for its deep commitment to the cultural heritage of New Mexico and the surrounding regions. Its catalog focused on:

• Anthropology and Ethnography: Producing foundational texts on Indigenous cultures and traditions.
• Regional History: Chronicling the diverse lived experiences of New Mexicans across centuries.
• Folklore and Oral Tradition: Preserving the stories and linguistic nuances of the American Southwest.

Notable Authors and Collaborations

The press was closely associated with Adobe Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and benefited from the editorial leadership of influential scholars:

• Marta Weigle: A prolific folklorist and historian whose work defined much of the press's direction.
• Barbara Babcock: Known for her significant contributions to the study of Pueblo art and cultural symbols.
• Signature Titles: The press published acclaimed works such as Women of New Mexico and Pueblo Mothers and Children, which remain essential resources for regional studies.

Historical Reach

Spanning nearly eight decades from 1940 to 2019, Ancient City Press built a catalog of over 100 works and e-books. While its physical presence in Santa Fe was a hallmark of the local 20th-century intellectual scene, many of its titles continue to be distributed and preserved through partnerships with institutions like the University of New Mexico Press.

Note: The press is often remembered for bridging the gap between rigorous academic research and accessible community history, making the complex social fabric of Santa Fe and its neighbors understandable to a broad audience.