Álavar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was the first European explorer to cross the North American continent. His years of wandering took him across Texas, part of New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, and down the west coast of México into South America. His altruistic work and healing ministrations among the Indians of the Southwest and the villages of México drew to him multitudes of Indians who revered him as the Child of the Sun. In the words of the narrator, "From time to time through history the Great Spirit shows His concern and love for mankind by sending great teachers, healers, and leaders." Cabeza de Vaca's account of his memorable journey across the continent was published in Spain in 1542. Here is the story--simply told, deeply felt--through the eyes of a deformed itinerant Pueblo trader who joined him, studied with him, and witnessed the Great Spirit working through him. Frank Cheavens, familiar enough with much of the terrain over which this historical journey took place, brings to life these sometimes formidable mountains, rivers, and trails--Cover.