The Colorado Book brings together some of the voices that have shaped the Centennial State, offering readers an expansive journey through Colorado's literary, historical, and cultural landscape. Curated with deep knowledge of the state's heritage, this collection spans genres and generations—from compelling fiction and poetry to science, narrative history, intimate biography, and thoughtful essays. Each selection captures a unique facet of Colorado's spirit, revealing the diverse perspectives that has defined this remarkable place where mountains meet plains and tradition embraces innovation.
This special edition, celebrating Colorado's 150th anniversary includes all new essays that reflect on the state's sesquicentennial milestone. These fresh contributions explore how Colorado has evolved over a century and a half, examining the challenges overcome, the communities built, and the enduring connection between Coloradans and their magnificent landscape. Whether you're a native seeking to reconnect with your roots, a newcomer eager to understand your adopted home, or simply a lover of great writing, this commemorative volume offers an essential portrait of Colorado—past, present, and future.
Sandra Dallas is a New York Times best-selling novelist and the author of 20 adult novels, five mid-grade novels, and 10 non-fiction books. She was dubbed “a quintessential American voice” by Jane Smiley, in Vogue. A former Denver bureau chief of Business Week (and the magazine’s first female bureau manager), she covered the mountain states for 35 years. Many of those magazine stories were incorporated into her later works of fiction. A member of the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame, she is a three-time winer of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Wrangler Award, a four-time winner of the of the Western Writers of America Spur Award, and the recipient of various other honors.
Thomas Jacob Noel is an emeritus Professor of History and Director of Public History, Preservation & Colorado Studies at the University of Colorado Denver. Tom is the author or co-author of 60 books and a longtime former Sunday columnist for the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post. He appeared regularly as “Dr. Colorado” on Channel 9’s “Colorado & Company.” In 2018 he was Designated State Historian of Colorado and received the 2021 University of Colorado Medal for 50 Years of teaching, co-author or author over 60 books, hundreds of public lectures, tours and programs and over books.
Pam Sandlian Smith's career in libraries includes eighteen years at the Denver Public Library, ten years as Director of the West Palm Beach Public Library and fifteen years as the Executive Director of Anythink Libraries in Adams County Colorado. Anythink was awarded the 2010 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the 2011 John Cotton Dana Award for Outstanding Public Relations, and the Library Journal 2011 Landmark Libraries award. Pam was the 2010 Colorado Librarian of the Year and the recipient of the 2012 Charlie Robinson Award for innovation and risk-taking. She has also been honored for her work in library technology innovation and early literacy projects. Through her speaking and writing, Pam has sparked innovation, creativity, and support for libraries worldwide. Currently she enjoys gardening, cooking, creating community and traveling.
