Readers Respond to the March 2025 Issue
Your feedback on a pioneering surgeon, a diligent historian and a sacred Southwestern site
Appreciation for a Pioneer
“Major Barbara’s War” (March 2025) brought to mind my father. He was a Northern Irish-Canadian surgeon and oncologist who served with the British Royal Army Medical Corps in North Africa during World War II. During that time he operated on wounded American tank crews. Later, his field hospital was shelled during the Battle of Sangro in Italy. He was badly wounded. Four surgeons wanted to amputate his leg. He knew Dr. Stimson was a highly competent surgeon. He opted to be evacuated to North Africa and have her carry out the operation. It was a success. She saved his leg. —Brian Crook | Ottawa
Thank you for two recent articles in your magazine. The January issue featured a story about the village in Sardinia where my paternal grandfather was born (“Rites of Winter,” January/February 2025). He emigrated to the United States in 1910. My cousins have visited the village, and I learned about the local tradition from them. The March issue had an article about Dr. Barbara Stimson, who joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in World War II. I am a retired physician and am always interested in learning about pioneers in medicine. I will continue to read your magazine with interest. —Paula Wineland | Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
A Profile in Patience
I was inspired by the profile of historian Robert Caro (“The Years of Robert Caro,” March 2025). I had no idea that he was so detailed and thorough in his research. While many would likely urge him to cut his digging short, I appreciate that he is determined to follow the threads of his curiosity as far as he feels the story needs. As a scientific researcher, I felt like I had found a kindred spirit! I had to smile at his reluctant admission that his current project is taking “much longer than I thought.” Take as long as you want, Robert! —Renee Hale | Grapevine, Texas
The article by Chris Heath about Robert Caro is beautifully done and illustrated. I joined the New York Historical last fall because of Mr. Caro and his book about Robert Moses, and I visited the exhibit about him. I am also aware of his monumental tomes on Lyndon Johnson. At 82, I doubt I will live long enough to read all of them myself. —Bettie Miller | Chapman, Alabama
A Sacred Site
The article about Canyon de Chelly by Alastair Lee Bitsóí (“Canyon of the Ancestors,” March 2025) might be the most moving thing I have ever read in your pages. His extraordinary honesty about being squeezed between the needs of archaeology and those of his people is remarkable. Preservation is sometimes just an excuse for interference. I hope the chindi have forgiven him for his invasion of the sacred sites. I sometimes think the ancestors are more accepting of us than we are of them. —Warlen Bassham | Mountain View, Arkansas
My wife and I visited Canyon de Chelly shortly after the death of author Tony Hillerman, who was known for his mystery novels set in the Southwest. Early in the article Bitsóí identifies himself as Diné. I was pleased to read near the end about his concern for his hozho. It reminded me to thank Hillerman for all the information he taught me about the Diné through his works. —Rollie Cavaletto | Nipomo, California
Stone Age Secrets
I found Peter Ross’ article “What Scotland’s Old Stones Know” (January/February 2025) to be very interesting. I fully appreciate the efforts to uncover this fascinating history. I enjoy finding old artifacts. Ross mentions that visitors to Skara Brae are struck by its Hobbit-y appearance. From the pictures, I would say the same thing. It would be a perfect place for the Shire. It is very sad that all those excavations have to be covered back up. It is one long farewell indeed. Scotland definitely has a lot of history. —Japheth Miller | Greenville, Virginia
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This article is a selection from the April/May 2025 issue of Smithsonian magazine