Desert Solitaire Summary
Edward Abbey

Desert Solitaire Summary

Edward Abbey spends a six-month season in the Arches National Monument near Moab, Utah, working as a temporary park ranger. He is the only ranger at the park, which he prefers. Solitude agrees with Abbey, as does the oftentimes very silent desert.

An intense lover of nature, Abbey writes about the flora and fauna in a lyrical way. He knows all the names of the plants and animals, and much of the behavior of the native beasts. The behavior of visiting tourists does not appeal to him though, and he expresses strong contempt about their ways. Another thing that angers him is the ongoing development of the national parks. He thinks this destroys the wilderness, which should be preserved as everyone needs wilderness, whether they visit or not.

The main attractions at the park are the arches, no two alike. Abbey describes how... View more of the Desert Solitaire Summary