This novella, by Lydia R. Sanchez and Ranae J. Wischmann, is written in the style of medieval, romantic chivalry, such as the Quest of the Holy Grail. For the ease of the reader, the prose is modern, but still evokes a time of fantastical and mystic possibilities.
Lydia Sanchez was always interested in the legends of the Holy Grail, and also the beauty and deep mysticism of the Catholic faith in New Mexico. She loved the primitive, home-made look of the santos (statues of the saints), retablos (painted images of the saints) and altarpieces found in the historic churches and missions, and yearned to bring the two together in a fascinating work of literature.
When she was young, she worked as a teacher in Tomé, New Mexico, and was deeply impressed by the historic Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at its heart. For her it was a place of mystery and magic, where even the Holy Grail might be found. What better place for Pablo to begin his quest?
Her hope was to share with the world the extraordinary landscape of her New Mexico home, the deeply mystical cultures of both the Spanish and Native Americans, and wrap them up with Old World grail legends in a way that would appeal to all. I think she has achieved her goal and I hope you enjoy her delightful tale!
Ranae Wischmann
Lydia Sanchez, 1958
The Golden Cup by Lydia Sanchez and Ranae Wischmann 