"In the Arms of Saguaros - Iconography of the Giant Cactus"

An essential and monumental member of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, the saguaro cactus has become the quintessential icon of the American West.

In the Arms of the Saguaros shows how, from the botanical explorers of the nineteenth century to the tourism boosters in our own time, saguaros and their images have fulfillled attention-getting needs and expectations.  Through text and lavish images, this work explores the saguaro's growth into a western icon from the early days of the American railroad to the years bracketing World War II, when Sun Belt boosterism hit its zenith and proponents of tourism succeed in moving the saguaro to the center of the promotional frame.

The history of the saguaro points to the current moment in which the saguaro touches us as a global icon in art, fashion, and entertainment.

11” x 8.5 x .5” Softbound, 223 pp.
Copyright 2023 The Arizona Board of Regents
ISBN-13: 979-0-8165-5283-2

Author:  William L. Bird Jr.

Cover Design: Leigh McDonald