Book Review: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey

“The scope of the book encompasses Edward Abbey’s personal reflections and experiences during his time as a park ranger in the desert landscapes of the American Southwest. The purpose is twofold: it serves as both an elegy to the disappearing wilderness and a critical examination of human impact on the environment. The content comprises Abbey’s vivid observations, philosophical musings, and a call to action against the encroachment of industrial tourism on the natural beauty of the national parks.”

1. What does Abbey mean that the book is “an elegy . . . a tombstone”?

Abbey articulates a deep mourning for the vanishing wilderness by characterizing “Desert Solitaire” as an elegy and tombstone (Abbey 226). The term “elegy” conveys a poetic lament, emphasizing Abbey’s sorrow over the irreversible transformation of untouched landscapes. By likening the book to a tombstone, he underscores its role as a memorial, marking the loss of the pristine environment he once knew. Abbey’s choice of words implores readers to share in his grief and underscores the urgency of conservation efforts.

2. What are the Arches?

The Arches refer to natural sandstone arch formations in the Arches National Monument in Utah. Abbey vividly describes these geological wonders, highlighting their beauty and significance in the desert landscape (Abbey 44). The Arches symbolize the delicate balance between natural forces and human impact, prompting contemplation on the environment’s fragility.

3. What is your opinion of Abbey’s “solitaire”? For example, would you tend to agree, whether you’ve smelled it or not, that “the odor of burning juniper is the sweetest fragrance on the face of the earth”?

Abbey’s portrayal of “solitaire” in the desert, especially his claim about the aroma of burning juniper, is a subjective and sensory experience (Abbey 13). While I haven’t personally encountered it, Abbey’s prose encourages readers to reflect on their connections to nature. The assertion may resonate with those appreciative of natural scents, forging a sensory link to the environment. Nevertheless, the subjective nature of such experiences means not everyone may share Abbey’s olfactory sentiments. The beauty lies in its subjectivity, prompting readers to contemplate their distinct sensory perceptions and how people connect with the natural world.

4. What is Abbey’s opinion of coyotes eating lambs?

Abbey holds a pragmatic view on coyotes consuming lambs, acknowledging it as part of the natural order. Rather than condemning the behavior, he recognizes the coyotes’ role in maintaining ecological balance (Abbey 31). Abbey’s perspective aligns with an environmental awareness, accepting the intricacies of predator-prey relationships in the desert ecosystem.

5. What is Abbey’s solution for the overcrowding in the national parks?

Abbey proposes a solution to overcrowding by advocating for limitations on access and promoting a more conscientious approach to tourism (Abbey 50). His prescription reflects a desire to preserve the natural beauty of national parks while minimizing the environmental impact caused by large crowds. Abbey’s stance advocates for responsible tourism, ensuring that the influx of visitors does not compromise the ecological integrity of these protected areas.

6. What happened to the Husk family?

Abbey weaves a cautionary tale around the ill-fated Husk family, led by the foolhardy uranium hunter, Husk. Motivated by post-World War II uranium speculation, Husk mortgages his farm and relocates to Moab, Utah, partnering with prospector Charles Graham (Abbey 62). The pursuit of fortune results in tragedy as Graham seduces and kills Husk’s wife, leading to a fatal altercation with Husk. Abbey employs this story as a local legend, condemning the destructive greed that exploits the earth for financial gain. While Abbey values isolated self-discovery in the desert, Husk’s tale warns against pursuing such isolation for motives contrary to nature’s inherent rewards.

7. Does Abbey consider industrial tourism a solution for Navajo poverty?

Abbey rejects the notion that industrial tourism is a solution to Navajo poverty. He argues that tourism exploits the environment without benefiting local communities (Abbey 93-99). Abbey advocates for a more sustainable and equitable approach to economic development for the Navajo people, emphasizing the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and their connection to the land.

8. If quicksand can’t drown you (assuming you don’t thrash around), how can it kill you?

Abbey explains that while quicksand may not drown someone outright, the real threat lies in exhaustion and exposure (Abbey 100). If an individual panics and struggles vigorously, they may become fatigued, making it challenging to extricate themselves from the sandy trap. Abbey’s insight underscores the importance of remaining calm in difficult situations, highlighting the psychological aspect of survival in the desert environment.

9. Did Abbey find Moon-Eye? Did he convince Moon-Eye to return to civilization?

After tracking Moon-Eye’s prints and engaging in a lengthy standoff, Abbey attempts to persuade the horse to return to civilization. Despite Abbey’s logical and persuasive efforts, Moon-Eye remains elusive, consistently bucking and maintaining a safe distance (Abbey 128-131). This fruitless attempt, marked by hours of dialogue and physical exhaustion, underscores the wild and untamed nature of the horse. Remarkably, Moon-Eye provokes Abbey’s most extended discussions in the novel, surpassing even his contacts with human characters like Ralph Newcomb.

Abbey’s extensive focus on Moon-Eye reveals a particular regard for the horse, seeing him as an equal in the natural order. This aligns with Abbey’s overall point throughout the book that people should not feel themselves superior to animals or the environment. Moon-Eye becomes a symbolic image of the untamed, uncompromising spirit of the forest, opposing human attempts at control and demonstrating the essential value of wild, autonomous living. Despite the lack of success in urging Moon-Eye to return, the encounter is a compelling demonstration of the underlying ties between humans and the uncontrolled elements of nature.

10. How did the “Hole in the Rock” get there?

Abbey describes the historical Mormon expedition chiseled through the “Hole in the Rock,” a sandstone formation (Abbey 180). This accomplishment represents the tenacity and resolve of the first settlers in overcoming the challenging desert terrain and making a lasting impression on the environment.

11. Who put up the only billboard ever in Glen Canyon?

Abbey narrates the story of a lone prospector who erected the only billboard in Glen Canyon, promoting his mining claim (Abbey 172). The billboard’s presence becomes a poignant symbol of human intrusion and exploitation in the pristine wilderness.

12. What was the “overwhelming stroke of rare good luck” for the dead man at Grandview Point?

An “overwhelming stroke of rare good luck” is how Abbey characterizes the fortunate circumstances that kept the body of a deceased man at Grandview Point intact (Abbey 186). The statement suggests that the circumstances prevented the typical deterioration and scavenging, enabling nature to nearly mummify the remains.

13. ‘What is the peculiar quality or character of the desert that distinguishes it, in spiritual appeal, from other landscape forms”?

Abbey explores the spiritual allure of the desert, emphasizing its vastness and solitude. With its stark beauty and isolation, the desert offers a unique and profound experience that distinguishes it from other landscapes (Abbey 112). Abbey suggests that the spiritual connection to the desert arises from its unforgiving yet captivating nature, encouraging introspection and contemplation.

14. What does Abbey mean by “moderate extremism”? Did you find the book, or Abbey’s opinions, primarily obnoxious, moderately extremist, or right on?

Abbey’s term “moderate extremism” refers to his passionate but balanced advocacy for environmental preservation (Abbey 233). Readers may react differently to the book’s tone; some may find it provocative, some may find it moderately extreme, and others may regard Abbey’s point of view as spot-on. The appeal of “Desert Solitaire” is its capacity to elicit a wide range of responses and conversations regarding the precarious balance that must be struck between advancing humankind’s needs and protecting the environment.

Book Evaluation

“Desert Solitaire” blends vivid nature descriptions with Abbey’s critical analysis of society and environmental challenges to create a gripping and thought-provoking novel. The book excels at challenging preconceived notions about nature and inspiring a solid connection to the wilderness. Abbey’s writing style is aggressive and poetic, drawing readers into discussing the fine line between environmental preservation and humankind. The author’s goal of producing a thoughtful and contemplative work that challenges readers to reevaluate their relationship with nature is accomplished. Abbey is a fervent supporter of protecting wilderness areas and despises industrialization. His opinions, though, can polarize some readers, and the subjective aspect of the book might only appeal to a select few.

In summary, “Desert Solitaire” tells a compelling story beyond conventional nature writing. Abbey’s unique synthesis of environmental campaigning, philosophical reflections, and personal experience results in a book that continues to be robust and relevant in the conversation about conservation and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Work Cited

Abbey, Edward. Desert solitaire. University of Arizona Press, 1988. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=lkhMtksYyhYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR7&dq=desert+solitaire+edward+abbey&ots=QhKM1NtN4x&sig=B_ZOYzd-zNX_DGjiGZECwEYWylo