These eloquent meditations, philosophical musings, and whimsical doodles
offer us the clearest window into the soul of this American literary
legend. Few have cared more about American wilderness than the irascible
Cactus Ed. Author of eco-classics such as The Monkey Wrench Gang and
Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey reveals all his rough-hewn edges and
passionate beliefs in this witty, outspoken, maddening, and sometimes
brilliant selection of journal entries that takes the writer from his
early years as a park ranger and would-be literary author up to his
death in 1989. Everything is here: the acute wit, the searing cynicism,
and the lyrical, effortless prose. This new edition features an
interview with his friend and editor David Petersen in which Abbey
speaks candidly about his own work, his approach to writing, and
technique. Original sketches made by Abbey himself and a detailed index
are also included.