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A pictorial exposition of the natural wonders that fashion the Utah wilderness, supplemented by personal thoughts on the reasons for its conservation
- GenresWesterns
143 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1971
2 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Edward Abbey
77 books2,075 followersEdward Paul Abbey (1927–1989) was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views.
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.
His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.
Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.
His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.
Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 8, 2012
I like Edward Abbey more and more and more everytime I read him. I particularly love that in this book he makes an impassioned argument for the removal of that hideous dam at Glen Canyon that gives us the biggest, nastiest eyesore in the West, Lake Powell. I have never read a book that describes so well what is wrong with these resevoirs, and I love that Abbey was able to put into compelling prose my feelings exactly.
Additionally, Abbey manages to convey the stark beauty of the Escalante region which is an area of the world that I personally find to be some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. This book contains some gorgeous photography too. Think of it as a coffee table book with amazing prose.
Finally, I love the gadfly in Edward Abbey. On not one, but two occasions, he manages to use the phrase "American slob" to describe the lazy individual who refuses to get out of their car and go walk anywhere and who demands that roads be built to make everying "accessible." I love his lack of self-censorship; he comes right out and says what I think many people think, but won't say out loud (at least not now, we wouldn't say things this way even if we still think it).
If you decide to read this book, keep in mind that was published in the early 70s and it reflects the attidudes of that time with regard to women, Mormons, businessmen, elected officials etc... That might get on some people's nerves and I understand that, but I don't think it is fair to apply the moral attitudes of the 2010s on a guy who was writing in the late 60s.
Additionally, Abbey manages to convey the stark beauty of the Escalante region which is an area of the world that I personally find to be some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen. This book contains some gorgeous photography too. Think of it as a coffee table book with amazing prose.
Finally, I love the gadfly in Edward Abbey. On not one, but two occasions, he manages to use the phrase "American slob" to describe the lazy individual who refuses to get out of their car and go walk anywhere and who demands that roads be built to make everying "accessible." I love his lack of self-censorship; he comes right out and says what I think many people think, but won't say out loud (at least not now, we wouldn't say things this way even if we still think it).
If you decide to read this book, keep in mind that was published in the early 70s and it reflects the attidudes of that time with regard to women, Mormons, businessmen, elected officials etc... That might get on some people's nerves and I understand that, but I don't think it is fair to apply the moral attitudes of the 2010s on a guy who was writing in the late 60s.
May 9, 2019
The book is a great collection of prose and photography. Edward Abbey's writing always makes me miss the southwest desert. I miss it especially so after reading his words in this book.
June 30, 2011
This is a fantastic book. Abbey is at the top of his game as an essayist. I don't think there is a better advocate for wilderness around. I wish he was still writing. The pictures by Hyde are stellar considering the Kodachrome used in 1971. Its a seminal work in the wilderness canon. Layout is a little clunky.
December 27, 2013
An awesome description of some places that I hold dear to my heart but will never see since they have been flooded out of existence. So sad. Is there any resource on Earth that we are prepared to spare?
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews