The Best of Edward Abbey
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Book Overview
This is the only major collection of Abbey's writings compiled by the author himself: in his own words, "to present what I think is both the best and most representative of my writing--so far." It serves up a rich feast of fiction and prose by the singular American writer whom Larry McMurtry called "the Thoreau of the American West." Devoted Abbey fans along with readers just discovering his work will find a mother lode of treasures here: generous chunks of his best novels, including The Brave Cowboy, Black Sun, and his classic The Monkey Wrench Gang; and more than a score of his evocative, passionate, trenchant essays--a genre in which he produced acknowledged masterpieces such as Desert Solitaire. Scattered throughout are the author's own petroglyph-style sketches. This new edition adds selections from work that appeared shortly before Abbey's death: a chapter from Hayduke Lives , the hilarious sequel to The Monkey Wrench Gang; excerpts from his revealing journals; and examples of his poetry. A new foreword by Doug Peacock--Abbey's close friend and the model for the flamboyant activist Hayduke--offers a fond appreciation of this larger-than-life figure in American letters.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1578051215
ISBN13:9781578051212
Release Date:July 2005
Publisher:Counterpoint LLC
Length:458 Pages
Weight:1.16 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 5.3" x 8.3"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Exceptionally enjoyable
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
This is a great group of bits and pieces from Ed. Abbey's books, a sampler if you will. Well put together and gives you an idea of the flavor of his work, each piece has the year date, so it gives you an idea of the mood of his work throughout the years. I highly reccomend to those who think they might like Abbey, this is a good place to start.
New to Edward Abbey
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
If you have been pondering whether you should read Ed Abbey or not, than this is the book for you. Abbey is an author who had been in the back of my mind for years, but I had never made the effort to read any of his works. I recieved this book as a gift and let it sit on the shelf for about two years. I waited too long. What a great read. Bits and pieces of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and personel thoughts, the Best of is a book that was put together by Abbey himself of snipets he thought any general reader could enjoy. His writing style, his topics, and his genuine enjoyment of what he does makes this a fine read. I went out and bought a number of his books upon finishing this book and have been very pleased with The Monkeywrench Gang, Hayduke Lives, and Down the River. Anyone who treasures our outdoors, our rivers, our mountains, and a sarcastic take on the system should pick this book up. I'm looking forward to plenty more Edward Abbey. If you have been waiting to get into Abbey, I highly reccomend it and this book is a great place to start.
New to Edward Abbey
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
If you have been pondering whether you should read Ed Abbey or not, than this is the book for you. Abbey is an author who had been in the back of my mind for years, but I had never made the effort to read any of his works. I recieved this book as a gift and let it sit on the shelf for about two years. I waited too long. What a great read. Bits and pieces of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and personel thoughts, the Best of is a book that was put together by Abbey himself of snipets he thought any general reader could enjoy. His writing style, his topics, and his genuine enjoyment of what he does makes this a fine read. I went out and bought a number of his books upon finishing this book and have been very pleased with The Monkeywrench Gang, Hayduke Lives, Fire on the Mountain, The Fool's Progress, Down the River, etc. etc. Anyone who treasures our outdoors, our rivers, our mountains, and a sarcastic take on the system should pick this book up. I'm looking forward to plenty more Edward Abbey. If you have been waiting to get into Abbey, I highly reccomend it and this book is a great place to start.
An Exceptional Protrayal
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
An outstanding portrayal of what it means to be on foot in the middle of the harsh desert wilderness. Of the balance between beauty and the harsh reality of an environment where every animal (from stealthy mountain lions to invisible bugs) every plant (from majestic saguaros to innocent weeds) and even the land itself (from river-bottom quick sand to valley fever lurking in the dust) is at any moment ready to strike, sting, bite, scratch, poke, infect or crumble away beneath your feet without warning.Humbling. Awe-inspiring. Solid environmental consciousness hard to argue against. And written in a voice that recollects Hunter S. Thompson in its appreciation of the beauty in the weirdness of it all. Having grown up in Arizona, and exploring these same lands, Abbey accurately represents what it feels like to be there. And pithy profundities abound for the deeper meaning of it all.
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