The Place Names of New Mexico (1996 / 1998), The Mountains of New Mexico (2006), New Mexico's Wilderness Areas, and the definitive NM geographical-reference shelf
Robert Julyan · 1940–
Robert Julyan is the author of the single most-consulted New Mexico reference book of the last thirty years: The Place Names of New Mexico (UNM Press 1996, revised 1998). Every journalist, historian, hiker, GIS analyst, realtor, title researcher, and archaeologist in New Mexico has consulted Julyan’s 5,500-entry toponyour at some point. His companion volume The Mountains of New Mexico (UNM Press 2006) plays the same role for peak identification. He signs occasionally at Albuquerque Sierra Club and CNM events. His signature pool remains open.
Last verified May 2026 · Original research by Josh Eldred
Because Julyan occupies a reference-shelf niche no one else in New Mexico publishing has filled — comprehensive, authoritative, scholarly toponyour for every named place in the state. His books sit on more NM reference shelves than any single work of regional history. The 1996 UNM Press Place Names first is the key collectible; the 1998 revised edition is the working reference. Collectors increasingly want the 1996 first because it predates the digital-era toponymic updates.
The Corpus
Robert Julyan — first editions by year
The Place Names of New Mexico
1996 · University of New Mexico Press
First edition. 5,500 entries. The collectible first printing.
The Place Names of New Mexico (Revised Edition)
1998 · University of New Mexico Press
Revised edition. The working reference. Revised UNM Press edition 2001.
The Mountains of New Mexico
2006 · University of New Mexico Press
Companion volume. Peak identification and mountain geography.
New Mexico's Wilderness Areas: The Complete Guide
1995 · Westcliffe Publishers
Earlier guide. With Tom Till photography.
Albuquerque: Portrait of a Western City
2003 · University of New Mexico Press
Albuquerque-focused volume.
From My Workspace
The Place Names of New Mexico — Revised Edition (1998)
Julyan estates are reference-shelf estates — Albuquerque Sierra Club members, NM Geographic Society members, retired UNM geography and history faculty, journalists at the Albuquerque Journal, title companies, land surveyors, and serious hikers in the Sandia, Manzano, Sangre de Cristo, and Gila mountain communities. The 1996 UNM Press Place Names in jacket is nearly always present.
Value Tiers
Pricing & condition notes
1996 UNM Press Place Names of New Mexico first editions in jacket land in the upper double-digit range unsigned, low three figures signed. The 1998 revised edition is more common and runs mid double figures. 2006 Mountains of New Mexico firsts in jacket run mid double figures unsigned. New Mexico’s Wilderness Areas Westcliffe first is scarcer and runs mid double to low three figures. Signed copies consistently double the unsigned value.
Common Mistakes
What not to do
Do not confuse the 1996 first edition with the 1998 revised edition — the 1998 says “Revised Edition” on the copyright page. Do not clip the UNM Press jacket. Do not discard a signed copy — Julyan signatures are relatively scarce in the used market because he signs in small batches.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What's the most collectible Robert Julyan book?+
The tentpole first editions are: The Place Names of New Mexico (1996, University of New Mexico Press) and The Place Names of New Mexico (Revised Edition) (1998, University of New Mexico Press). 1996 UNM Press Place Names of New Mexico first editions in jacket land in the upper double-digit range unsigned, low three figures signed.
How do I tell a true first edition from a later printing?+
Check the copyright page for stated first printing language (usually 'First Edition' or a number line starting with 1). Confirm the publisher matches the original publisher listed above — reprint editions often change publishers. Verify the jacket design matches the known first-edition image for that title; reprints are frequently reissued with new jacket art. If any printing language says 'Revised Edition' or 'Second Edition' or 'Anniversary Edition,' it is not a first.
Is Robert Julyan's signature collectible?+
His signature pool remains open; signed copies continue to arrive in circulation through readings and events. Signed copies carry a premium over unsigned firsts — roughly double at the collector tier. Inscribed copies to a named Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, or regional recipient carry the highest premium because they root the book in its home community. Signatures should always be verified against known exemplars before any high-value transaction.
Who owns the Robert Julyan shelf in Albuquerque?+
Julyan estates are reference-shelf estates — Albuquerque Sierra Club members, NM Geographic Society members, retired UNM geography and history faculty, journalists at the Albuquerque Journal, title companies, land surveyors, and serious hikers in the Sandia, Manzano, Sangre de Cristo, and Gila mountain communities. The 1996 UNM Press Place Names in jacket is nearly always present.
How do I sell my Robert Julyan collection?+
I run two operations. I take complete Albuquerque-area library donations for free pickup — I sort, grade, and handle the entire collection. For individual high-value Robert Julyan firsts where you already know what you own, I run SellBooksABQ for individual title buy-backs. Either way, I handle Robert Julyan's corpus regularly and I know the pricing, the condition issues, and the signature-authentication work. Contact me at 702-496-4214 or book a free pickup through the website.
Free pickup in Albuquerque and the Rio Grande corridor. I come to the house, I sort and grade the collection, I handle every title — the common reading copies, the mid-tier firsts, and the pillar-tier signature pieces. No stress, no donation-center triage, no trip to Goodwill.
