Esteban’s Journey

Esteban’s Journey

This is the story of the Negro who may have been the first White Man (non-Indian) to enter five or six of our states. (Foreword)

The map divides the book into three parts: the travelers’ tales of 1513 to 1527, the Narvaez expedition and its aftermath from 1527 to 1538, and Esteban’s road to Cibola in 1539. From Chapter Ten Lafferty runs the journey on two levels, a Low Road of places and dates and a High Road of procession and legend, and you can read either one.

Places are set where Lafferty identifies them. Where he gives only a river, a region, or a relation, the position is approximate. Readings he attributes to others appear faintly beside his, and the places he says cannot be located are listed rather than drawn.