Born in Kansas, William J. Smither attended Wichita State University, the U. of Kansas, Wisconsin, and Tulane University where he received the Ph.D. in 1952. After teaching Spanish and Portuguese at Tulane for 35 years he retired as emeritus professor in 1982. During that period he also served as Director of the Language Laboratory and as Acting Dean of Newcomb College (Sophie Newcomb Memorial College of Tulane U.). Besides articles, reviews, and research in second language teaching, he published El Mundo Galleg o de Valle-Inclán in 1986. Medieval Spanish studies at Wisconsin and subsequent interest in the Santiago pilgrimage as an element of Spanish culture, civilization, and art led to extensive photography, some of which was used in one of Smither's courses.

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Puente la Reina Bridge Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

Puente la Reina Bridge Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

The town of Puente la Reina Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

The archivolt entrance, west façade, Church of Santiago Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

Detail of the left side of the west entrance, Church of Santiago Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

Detail of the left side of the west entrance, Church of Santiago,illustrating combat Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

Detail of the left side of the west entrance, Church of Santiago, sculpture and column capitals Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither

Detail of the sculpture from the Archivolt entrance, west façade of the Church of Santiago Puente la Reina, Spain Photographer: W.J. Smither