Travelers' Tales American Southwest

by Sean Joseph O'Reilly (Editor), James O'Reilly

With its vast vistas, splendid sunsets, and rich history, the American Southwest has always inspired superb writing. Travelers’ Tales Southwest features a selection of some of the best. Tony Hillerman explores the wonders of Canyon de Chelly, while Douglas Preston takes the reader on a poignant journey into the land of the Hopi. Barbara Kingsolver learns how to live in harmony with the desert, and Barbara Beckwith joins the secret world of Native American pottery hunters. The book covers a wide physical and mythic terrain, with essays on director John Ford’s dramatic use of Monument Valley, and the Mad Monks’ bizarre excursion through �Planet Nevada.”

Genres: Travel, The United States Of America

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2001

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of true tales and essays (recommend pairing with actual visit to the region, where possible).

[Kerry Hennigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is nothing quite as mysterious, ominous and at the same time luminous as the Southwest of the United States. Having driven across some of its highways and byways, visited national parks and monuments, travelled it in groups and by myself, I am familiar enough with its attractions and its dangers to respect it - and play it safe. Not so some of the writers in this volume in the Traveler's Tales series - people like Tony Hillerman who was inspired by his visit to Canyon de Chelly to write his series of Navajo Police mysteries, and the irrepressible Edward Abbey, who can make something like a flash flood or getting stuck in quick sand seem humorous. Read all at once, or in small doses, or by picking out some favourite authors first, this is a collection of tales to fire - and inspire - the imagination of travellers who have been too long separated from the trail.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really good stories. Loved the one about the saguaro cactus; especially as I read right before travelling to Tucson.