Desert Solitaire

A Season in the Wilderness

By: Edward Abbey

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

When Desert Solitaire was first published in 1968, it became the focus of a nationwide cult. Rude and sensitive. Thought-provoking and mystical. Angry and loving. Both Abbey and this book are all of these and more. Here, the legendary author of The Monkey Wrench Gang, Abbey's Road and many other critically acclaimed books vividly captures the essence of his life during three seasons as a park ranger in southeastern Utah. This is a rare view of a quest to experience nature in its purest form -- the silence, the struggle, the overwhelming beauty. But this is also the gripping, anguished cry of a man of character who challenges the growing exploitation of the wilderness by oil and mining interests, as well as by the tourist industry.

Abbey's observations and challenges remain as relevant now as the day he wrote them. Today, Desert Solitaire asks if any of our incalculable natural treasures can be saved before the bulldozers strike again.

©1968 Edward Abbey (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Like a ride on a bucking bronco . . . rough, tough, combative. The author is a rebel and an eloquent loner. His is a passionately felt, deeply poetic book . . . set down in a lean, racing prose, in a close-knit style of power and beauty." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Great story woven in between authors rambling

We listened to this story as we wandered in Arches and Canyonlands staying in Moab. The story helped see the beauty of the parks and surrounding area AND a desire that it remain protected from visitors.

At times the author was annoying and opinionated it seemed more for effect than from belief (based on his treatment of other humans).

As is many flawed books, listening to a good editor can be helpful.

That said read the book and hurry over his ramblings on the world.

sublime

Sublime. In the truest sense of the word. And the narrator is perfect for this book.

The entire book is great, but the Glenn Canyon vignette is some of the best writing (and narration) I've ever experienced.

Amazing

Edward Abbey has a true vision of how southern Utah truly is raw natural beauty.

wonderful land

What did you love best about Desert Solitaire?

I love the canyon country, Mr. Abbey paints the picture in words that I see with my eyes. I have some problems with his politics, but it did not stand in the way of a great read

What other book might you compare Desert Solitaire to and why?

It is really a series of short stories and personal experience. Perhaps parts pf Maos last dancer description of the China land and life.

What does Michael Kramer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is well read by Mr Kramer and he gives voice toMr. Abbey that I could not as a reader. His voice fits my mind view of Mr. Abbey and bring out the mixed messages in the writing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death on the Mesa where Mr. Abbey gives his meaning to a needless death that may not have been as tragic as first seemed

this book captures the feel of being in the desert

I really liked this book. boy does he talk about a lot of things. the briged version may have been more interesting but I wanted to hear the whole thing. I agree with Abbey on a lot of things so I really connected
the narrator was ok. I would have preferred more emotion.

A beautiful evocation of the arid west

This is one of the best if not the best of Abby's writing. His wild questionable tangents were amazing too. I grew up in the area and he did a great job of displaying it in this book.

For the love of the desert southwest

Abbey does a fine job of painting the picture of what it was like back then. Communicating his dislike of civilized progression that will one day make many of the areas he describes no longer nearly as wild, or free.

Enjoyed every minute

I feel much the same as he does - man ruins so much and does not appreciate the beauty of the wild places enough.

Spectacular!

Love the story.... Makes me itch to get south again. I quite like the reader! Good choice!

By turns Peaceful, Rollicking, Inspiring, Original

Kramer's narration gives perfect voice to Abbey's tough but caring, humorous, poetic language. Abbey is an American original and this book should be required reading.

Everyone should have Abbey's words and opinions dancing around their heads anytime the natural world is being abused or big business is overreaching to satisfy shareholders - at the cost of a more profound vision for America.