In 1851, Father Jean Marie Latour travels across the country to assume the position of Apostolic Vicar to New Mexico.  Daunting challenges await the young priest including hostile Native Americans, treacherous terrain, and, at times, overwhelming solitude.  Father Latour's story offers an amazing testimony to the Catholic faith and to the dedication of those early missionaries.  Through the work and travels of Fr. Latour, Cather provides brief, yet descriptive, glimpses into many Mexican folktales and traditions. Willa Cather also includes a brief description of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego and other stories that comprise Mexico's rich history. With its vivid imagery of pueblos, adobes, and mesas, Death Comes for the Archbishop truly captures the essence of Southwestern life in the days following the United States' annexation of Mexican territory. (PB, 297 pages, Ages 14 & up)    * LB Syllabus U.S. History/Literature & Geography