The Literature of Arizona

Authors who define and reveal our amazing state

From Indigenous stories by unknown writers, to the 19th-century adventures of Martha Summerhayes, to Zane Grey’s popular cowboy fiction, to modern day detective novels from Judy Jance and Clive Cussler, Arizona has been home to important voices who reveal the social and natural environments that define our state.

A selection of other writers featured in the talk includes Leslie Silko, Gail Gardner, Gary Paul Nabhan, Scott Momaday, and Edward Abbey.

Edward Abbey’s fiction and nonfiction challenged our understanding of the Southwest’s environment.

N. Scott Momaday’s House Made of Dawn was the first novel by a Native American to win the Pulitzer Prize, in 1969.

"Educational, great photos and interesting historical information, Jay Cravath is entertaining."

Attendee, Pinal County Historical Society

"The music that was included to help you feel and understand the history."

Attendee, Pinal County Historical Society