Slumgullion Stew: An Edward Abbey Reader

by Edward Abbey

"In compiling this one-man show I have endeavored to present what I think is both the best and the most representative of my writing. Most of my writing has aspects of the human comedy, especially the conflict between our instructive urge toward fraternity, community and freedom and the opposing demands of discipline and the state."

Besides excerpts from seven novels--including a work in process--there are offerings from Edward Abbey's personal histories of travel, ideas, people, nature, places and adventures including ABBEY'S ROAD, BEYOND THE WALL and DOWN THE RIVER.

Genres: Fiction

383 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

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 that influenced his writing. During his service, he was in close proximity to the ruins of ancient Native American cultures and saw the expansion and destruction of modern civilization.

His love for nature and extreme distrust of the industrial world influenced much of his work and helped garner a cult following.

Abbey died on March 14, 1989, due to complications from surgery. He was buried as he had requested: in a sleeping bag—no embalming fluid, no casket. His body was secretly interred in an unmarked grave in southern Arizona.

Reviews

[Philip Burnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reader goes through a wide range of Abbey's styles. He is a very talented writer with a propensity toward the shocking and anarchistic. However his ability to involve you in the scenery of the desert is fantastic. A bit crude at times, this is still a great read.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This contained the only available snippet of 'Jonathan Troy' available to Ed Abbey fans up until about a year ago. So of course I read it. A good selection. -1 star because there wasn't more 'Jonathan Troy'.

[Fredric Rice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not exactly Abbey's best work or his most well-known work, I read this decades ago. As all Abbey novels, this should be read and shared with friends.

[Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide-ranging collection of Ed's writing from his novels and essays.