Perspective

Edward Abbey writes from a solid background in literature, art and music. His lyrical style derives from both the classic naturalist writers and great poets. As for his experience with nature, he grew up in a small Pennsylvania town where he likely first developed his love of nature and the outdoors lifestyle. Other than that, Abbey learns by doing and has incredible luck getting out of jams.

The author writes for anybody who will read his work. According to the Author's Introduction, much of the book comes directly from his journal, and thereby the prose carries flavors of conversation and informal storytelling. The reader can imagine sitting down in a Moab three-point-two bar with Abbey and listening to him spin the yarns, possibly with animated gestures and acting out situations. In places, he becomes a lecturing environmentalist, in others the sensitive observer of humanity, a sociologist without the...