Nature's Extremes: Eight Seasons Shape a Southwestern Land

by Lawrence W. Cheek

Summer, fall, winter, spring. Four Seasons . . . right? Not according to author Larry Cheek, who makes a strong case for there being eight -- in Arizona, anyway. Because of the numerous climatic zones found within its borders (ranging from lush Alpine forests to arid Sonoran deserts), the state is blessed, some might say cursed, with weather at its most extreme, and everything in between. Cheek (and the photographers who contributed to this book) are clearly intrigued by extremes. They've gone out to observe when the weather promised its worst because that's when the landscape delivers its best. And they've caught the magic of Arizona's soft seasons, too. With lyrical, heartfelt text, and vivid, gripping photography, they invite readers into a relationship with Nature -- no holds barred. We see Nature on the torn apart by flash floods, carved by rapid rain-and-freeze cycles, ignited by lightning-cracked monsoon skies, and ablaze in timber- and wildlife-destroying fires. But the softer side is readily apparent, the spectacle of wildflowers in mind-boggling profusion filling mountain bowers and covering desert foothills, the music of waterfalls cascading over mossy rocks and trickling through ferns, and the heart-stopping sight of golden aspens and coppery-hued sycamores transformed by nippy nights into brilliant displays of color. Illustrated with more than 130 full-color photographs by Arizona Highways photographers, this beautiful coffee-table book makes a perfect gift for nature lovers.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000

About the author

Lawrence W. Cheek worked for the Tucson Citizen for 14 years as a reporter, music, and architecture critic, essayist, and Saturday editor. He then edited Tucson's City Magazine, a free-ranging monthly that comprised investigative reporting, politics, popular culture, and the arts. His work frequently appears in Arizona Highways magazine, which also has published three of his books: Scenic Sedona, Photographing Arizona, and A.D. 1250: Ancient People of the Southwest. In addition, Mr. Cheek is also the author of Compass American Guide: Santa Fe.

Reviews

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

The chapter titles and quotes prefacing each chapter captures attention, which is maintained and complemented through text - essays - and a spectacular portfolio of Southwestern photos. This is a favorite among a collection of photography books.