Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey paints a vivid picture of the land, flora, and fauna of the canyon country surrounding Moab, UT. Thanks Jon for sending it my way. What an amazing book. Please find an excerpt and review below…
Water
Long enough in the desert a man like other animals can learn to smell water. Can learn, at least, the smell of things associated with water- the unique and heartening odor of the cottonwood tree, for example, which in the canyonlands is the tree of life. In this wilderness of naked rock burnt to auburn or buff or red by ancient fires there is no vision more pleasing to the eyes and more gratifying to the heart than the translucent acid green (bright gold in the autumn) of this venerable tree. It signifies water,and not only water but also shade, in a country where shelter from the sun is sometimes almost as precious as water.- Abbey
Besides the vivid imagery, Abbey writes a compelling argument for conservation of wild lands, water, nature. Abbey discusses “industrial tourism” i.e. car touring and argues that it is bad for parks, tourists, pretty much everyone except the auto industry, road builders, and oil companies. With continuing development in our public lands, this work, circa 1968 is still relevant today. I hope you’ll read this wonderful book.
I'm reading this right now, as a matter of fact. I completely agree. I'm not too far in it, but there's something entrancing about Abbey's style of writing. It's very easy to slip into his world.
Having lived in the desert for the last 3 years, I can relate to the subject matter the Abbey is so pasionately connected. You should read The Monkey Wrench Gang and its sequel. The same images are brought into your mind with a little added "sticking it to the man" activities!
When I was reading that, Eli, you were the first person I thought of. Abbey is a terrific writer — not because he has a command of syntax and conjugation and grammar — but because he so ably expresses his deep and abiding feeling for the desert Southwest. I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I hope other folks pick it up, too.