Desert Solitaire

by Edward Abbey
Desert Solitaire cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Biography and Memoir
Technical:
  • ID: 1242
  • Added: 2025-10-01
  • Updated: 2025-10-01
  • ISBN: 9780671695880
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1990-01-15
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99

Edward Abbey's 'Desert Solitaire' is a timeless account of his experiences as a park ranger in the rugged landscapes of southeast Utah. Through vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, Abbey delves into the essence of wilderness, the impact of human presence, and the delicate balance between preservation and development. His observations on the natural world are both poetic and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and the environment. The book is not just a narrative of Abbey's personal journey but also a commentary on the broader issues of environmental conservation and the ethical responsibilities of society. His candid and often controversial views challenge readers to reconsider their own connection to nature and the consequences of modern civilization on pristine landscapes.

Reviews
Popup Backpacker · 2024-09-17
profound 4.00

The book is celebrated for its heartfelt contemplation of the American wilderness and its beautiful descriptions of nature.

Popup Backpacker's review highlights Desert Solitaire as a book that goes beyond being a mere memoir or nature book. They appreciate its heartfelt contemplation of the American wilderness and the beautiful descriptions of nature that Edward Abbey provides. The reviewer finds the book to be a profound exploration of the natural world, making it a standout read. They suggest that the book's messages are still relevant today and resonate with anyone who has ever sought solace in nature.

Quick quotes

    Although autobiographical, it is more than a memoir or even a nature book; it's a heartfelt contemplation of the American wilderness and his experiences within it.

    The descriptions of the land and wildlife are arresting, and I love the way he captures the essence of the desert.

    When Desert Solitaire was first published in 1968, it became the focus of a nationwide cult.

TrailGroove · 2024-01-16
engaging 4.20

The book is described as a timeless exploration of nature and wilderness, with the reviewer appreciating its poetic prose and deep insights.

The reviewer from TrailGroove finds Desert Solitaire to be a timeless work that captures the essence of nature and wilderness. They appreciate the poetic prose and the deep insights into the natural world that Edward Abbey provides. The book is seen as more than just a memoir or nature book; it's a heartfelt contemplation of the American wilderness. The reviewer suggests that the book's messages are still relevant today, making it a must-read for nature enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    Originally published in 1968, Desert Solitaire is a work of non-fiction describing Edward Abbey's experiences during a season while working as a park ranger.

    Abbey's curmudgeonly account of his time in Arches is a fascinating and highly entertaining read.

    If you love the desert landscape and Utah, this book is for you.

Outward Bound · 2020-08-11
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its exploration of the shortcuts people take to avoid hardship, offering a profound reflection on life and nature. The prose is engaging and thought-provoking.

This review highlights how Desert Solitaire delves into the human tendency to avoid challenges and embrace convenience. The author appreciates the book's ability to make readers reflect on their own lives and the natural world. They find the writing to be captivating and full of depth, making it a standout read. The reviewer suggests that the book's messages are timeless and resonate deeply with anyone who has ever sought solace in nature.

Quick quotes

    Desert Solitaire is a book about shortcuts; the shortcuts in our lives that allow us to circumnavigate hardship and instead veer as quickly as possible towards convenience.

    The prose is by turns passionate and poetic, offering a rare view of one man's quest to experience nature in its purest form.

    This book underscores a very real degradation of the barriers between civilization and wilderness.

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