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The Best of Edward Abbey
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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 ...more
Devoted Abbey fans along with readers ...more
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Paperback, 458 pages
Published
July 1st 2005
by Counterpoint
(first published March 12th 1988)
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I should start out by saying I could see why someone wouldn't like Edward Abbey. And even though my focus here is to tell you why I loved this book, I think he wouldn't mind my saying so because he started his book with a selection from his most poorly received book.
I hated this selection, honestly- two pages of small print with no periods about a young man trying to find himself or whatever- and I dreaded what I felt would be a long and terrible experience. But then the rest of the book was ...more
I hated this selection, honestly- two pages of small print with no periods about a young man trying to find himself or whatever- and I dreaded what I felt would be a long and terrible experience. But then the rest of the book was ...more
Abbey's writing triumphed over my disagreement with him on co-evolving civilization and nature. I've been trying to follow his footprints invisible in the desert with limited means and gradually firming fortitude. I was in league with him, with little attention to examine every single action we (including Abbey) commit. This collection is (can be an introduction of Abby's complete works in different time period) for ones who love his prose style and appreciate how essential and rare a passionate
...more
Edward Abbey satisfies the populist bent in my politics and soul. I love his combination of contrarianism, nature and political observations, and his rough edge. I'm enjoying his essay, "In Defense of the Redneck". Though not a redneck, I personally don't fit in in bars - too many conversations and stimuli for me - and I don't drink beer - I still root for the working man, the farmer and rancher... Abbey is a odd mix of environmentalist yet still protective of his second amendment rights and
...more
What a rascal he is....An endearing irreverent soul...A man ahead of his time whose passion for nature shines in all of his works...A worthwhile read for those of us who fight against that constant pull into assimilation ...His descriptive prowess is remarkable when confronted with the beauty around us - both in the wilds and in the city...He truly understood dignity and the value of the human spirit... Would be aghast in today's techno- dominated world...RIP No Comment
Abbey can be an amazing writer for America's wild spaces, as is demonstrated by the excerpts from Desert Solitaire, his best book. But sometimes, he is just a kooky old man, raving about technology, big corporations and big government that are too large for a single individual to understand.
In some ways, Abbey is the best post-War American nature writer, following in the footsteps of Muir. Indeed, his prose is better, but he is crazier. Whereas Muir's writings are dominated by wilderness, Abbey ...more
In some ways, Abbey is the best post-War American nature writer, following in the footsteps of Muir. Indeed, his prose is better, but he is crazier. Whereas Muir's writings are dominated by wilderness, Abbey ...more
The Best of Edward Abbey contains many different stories written by him. The book could have many perspectives/opinions. Some people might not like it because literally, two or more pages talk about a man trying to discover himself or whatever... However, the book can be very enjoyable if you are a person who loves to read short stories in a short amount of time, instead of one long story that takes about like a week to finish. Personally, one of my favorite chapters was The Journey Home. I
...more
Nov 26, 2014
Rob Shurmer
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
bushcraft-and-wilderness
Love this guy! A cross between Thoreau and Hunter S. Thompson.
"The one thing we could do for a country like Mexico, for example, is to stop every illegal immigrant at the border, give him a good rifle and a case of ammunition, and send him home. Let the Mexicans solve their customary problems in their customary way."
"The one thing we could do for a country like Mexico, for example, is to stop every illegal immigrant at the border, give him a good rifle and a case of ammunition, and send him home. Let the Mexicans solve their customary problems in their customary way."
Another great one by Edward Abbey. This one is a collection of some of his best essays and non-fiction (which I enjoy much more than his novels). A good introduction to Abbey if you have never read any before.
I always enjoy his environmental, rebellious, seventies time travel.
There is some good tongue-in-cheek humour and that always makes me smile, yet Abbey's humour tends to come across in bitterness, which does not make me smile. But here's good example of his humour that made me smile in talking about the damming of a river system for some production/irrigation system which he disagrees with: (my paraphrasing) It's just a small dam they said. But it's just a small river I said! Dammit! Ha hah.
I don't particularly like how he stereotypes all scientists and ...more
I don't particularly like how he stereotypes all scientists and ...more
A wonderful way to sample Abbey, but then, Abbey is not always
easy to take. Vivid descriptions portrayed by a man who
seemingly engaged life in three dimensions at all times,
and with strong opinions.
easy to take. Vivid descriptions portrayed by a man who
seemingly engaged life in three dimensions at all times,
and with strong opinions.
I was enjoying this book until in one chapter you mentioned that you sink your beer cans in a lake, and in the next chapter you bitterly mocked Henry David Thoreau.
Feb 19, 2009
Dee Renee Chesnut
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2009,
i-bought-while-traveling
This is good for reading a chapter/section at a time.
Great selection of short stories, actually compiled by Abbey so you get a great sense of what he thought about his own writing. A perfect books to pick up and read and intervals.
Abbey has some interesting points of view but I definitely don't agree with some of his anarchist/anti-establishment POV.
Jul 29, 2009
Giulio
added it
I am a huge Abbey Fan, but this was not his best work...anyway, what happen to "Rites of Spring"
My all time favorite author.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| An Edward Abbey Illustration: does anyone know what this is or what it means? | 1 | 1 | Aug 21, 2016 06:47PM |
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Edward Paul Abbey (1927–1989) was an American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of environmental issues, criticism of public land policies, and anarchist political views.
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment ...more
Abbey attended college in New Mexico and then worked as a park ranger and fire lookout for the National Park Service in the Southwest. It was during this time that he developed the relationship with the area’s environment ...more
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“You can't study the darkness by flooding it with light.”
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