Resist Much, Obey Little: Some Notes on Edward Abbey

by James Hepworth (Editor)

Presents interviews with the late American author and commentaries on his life and work

Genres: Essays, Nonfiction, Journal, Nature

152 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1985

Reviews

[Kevin Spicer · Rating 3 out of 5]

"First of all, I don't have a career, I have a life." Edward Abbey

And other empowering, feel good quotes for all the lifeless, unimpressed, bad tempered and grouchy old souls out there; sentences designed for the deep gutty place usually reserved for the smell of fire, a greasy batter of fat and eggs, the fermented aroma of honey, full of a deep love for the way the world is, all of its barren, ugly and neglected parts.

[Mark Gowan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of essays range from personal correspondence to articles written about Edward Abbey. Abby's name may not be as known as it once was, but he was at the very least a well known environmental contrarian in the school of Hunter S. Thompson. His heyday was the sixties and the seventies although he wrote beyond those decades and into the eighties.

The articles and notes are a nice insight into the personhood of E. Abbey and provide some insight into the kind of man as well as the reactions he may have received at the time. If I were to describe them generally, I would describe them as academic, which is somewhat ironic seeing that Abbey didn't much care for academia (he did have a degree in philosophy and literature[?])

The sixties and the seventies had their own 'vibe' and these writings certainly live up to that 'vibe'. If you are looking for a blast to the literary past, and are interested in an interesting person, then this collection may be for you. It did spurn me to by his most famous novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang, but I can't say I'm a fan of his writing. He wrote several collections of environmental essays, maybe they're not so...dated?

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays about Ed Abbey's life and work, along with a couple of interviews and a handful of eulogies from various writers. The essays vary from middling to superb; Wendell Berry's piece which opens the collection sets a high bar. The authors are a varied lot, with unique perspectives -- one tries to connect Abbey to themes in Hindu & Buddhist philosophy. This collection reminded me of how grateful I am Abbey's Desert Solitaire was introduced to me years ago, for Abbey was a true American character, one whose passion and voice I never tire of encountering.

[jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

encomium, homage, tribute, paean, eulogy, panegyric, resist much obey little is many things, but most of all a celebration of the remarkable (and often contradictory) life of edward abbey, one of america's most neglectfully underrated writers. this collection of essays, reminiscences, anecdotes, and remembrances was composed by some of abbey's most loyal friends, staunchest defenders, and admiring colleagues. despite the mythic caricature often employed to pigeonhole him, "cactus ed" is regularly described, by those who knew him best, as thoughtful, giving, faithful, and even a little shy.


somewhere in an arizona desert:

edward paul abbey
1927-1989
no comment

[Emily Wortman-Wunder · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book, esp. if your bedside reading stack also includes a few of Abbey's books and his biography. It helped me to fill out my inner picture of Edward Abbey, and if you've read Abbey's Road you pretty much have to read it, to get the full thread on some of his letters. Also: all of the essays are short, thoughtful pieces that are perfect in length for, say, reading on your lunch break.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

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