A Favorite Book
Scrutinizing the books in my library I came across Desert Solitaire
The Deadman at Grandview Point, one of the essays in the collection, has remained with me since I first read it and has fueled many daydreams and thoughts about life.
Abbey also wrote The Monkey Wrench Gang
A Man on Foot
Abbey was a wanderer, hiker, backpacker among the many other things he did with his life. His writings appeared for me at a time when I was restless and helped quiet the discord in my head. I still remember on of the lines from this book:
“A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles.”
― Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire
I’ve walked a lot of miles and can attest to the truth of that statement EXCEPT I include the Vespa scooter along with foot, horse and bike.
Book Inscription
Almost 26 years ago I wrote, “To remember my growing disgust with civilization” inside my copy of Desert Solitaire. I don’t remember now what caused me to write those words and without some research regarding the politics of the time or a retrieval of a journal from that time I won’t know for sure. It’s a strange reminder though of who I was and what I was thinking. Different than I feel today.
My father would say I have a case of the old mellows. I gave him a copy of this book. He didn’t like it. It’s not for everyone.
Hmmm. “Old mellows” seems to fit the tone of your recent posts. I’ve been reading your blog off and on for several years, not as regularly as I should have, and did notice a sense of melancholy in your writings of late. I’ll have to remember old mellows.
This sounds like a book I might enjoy. One, I always said I should have become a Park Ranger. Two, I could absolutely wander through the deserts of Utah for months on end just looking at and taking pictures of the gorgeous landscape. Three, I enjoy essays, but in small doses. Thanks for the info.
I may seem mellow but I have my moments. Kim might argue that I’m not mellow. Writing does have a calming effect.
Abbey’s essays are fun, sometimes sad, but always insightful. And best in small doses.
The book that did it for me was William Least Heat Moon’s “BLUE HIGHWAYS” — been on the road ever since.
I’ll have to take a look at that one. I actually bought a copy when it came out but never read it. Gone now but I can get another.
I lived for 10 years in central Utah, before I moved to central Pennsylvania. I spent a lot of time there exploring that state; and I found it all beautiful.
I’ve visited Utah twice. I thought it was beautiful, at least where I was near Moab. But desolate too.
I echo Frank’s comments about “Blue Highways”. Have been trying to read his “Roads to Quoz” but just can’t get into it. Also – “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” and “Shop Class as Soulcraft” would fit.
I need to read Shop Class as Soulcraft. A lot of people have pointed me in that direction but I’ve resisted so far.
Hey Gordon. Are you reading this? What would happen if when the weather turns warmer Steve and I ride scooters to your new crib? Did you see my new three wheel Cushman?
Steve: Thank you for heartfelt and sensitive words. I’ve for the last 20 years referred to you either as my best friend or one of my best friends. My gut feeling is you will be there for me if I need you. I can’t say that about a lot of people.
It’s always an adventure getting together with you Paul!