Down the River

I have read many of Abbey's non-fiction books, but I don't think any of them matches the coherence (as in theme) and consistency (as in quality) of Desert Solitaire. Abbey himself thinks "Down the River" is better than Desert Solitaire, but I think otherwise. A recurring problem with Abbey's later books is that they are collections of his essays written over a span of years, some already published in other magazines and books, this rather makes them disjointed, and the quality of the essays sometimes vary a great degree too.Nevertheless, the first essay in this book, "Down the River with Henry Thoreau" is one of my favorite of Abbey's writing. It weaves a river rafting journey with a review of Thoreau's life and work, the format is quite original (although I suspect it had been used before) and refreshing. Other essays in this book are not nearly as impressive.A side note: this book does not include an essay about "rafting Glen Canyon before it was dammed". That is the essay "Down the River" (which is itself a beautiful piece) in Desert Solitaire, don't get them confused. Also, "The Damnation of a Canyon" in "Beyond the Wall" touches on the topic as well.

The book came in good condition. Exactly as described. I've read most of Edward Abbey and IMHO only Desert Solitaire was better.

I actually haven't read this as yet. I'm saving it to read on a rafting trip in the very same area as Mr. Abbey writes about in this book. I've read two other books by him and he's been an inspiration for me not only about his story telling but his look at our national parks and the need to preserve not dispoil, exploit , and ruin them.

Seems to be a compilation of short stories and essys and observations of his of a variety of subjects many of them involving river trips. Typical Abbey stuff and if you like his writing you'll probably like this. Good for before bed or on trips when you don't want to follow a long novel and all of its characters and plot twists. A little dated in some aspects though, one essay is about his opposition to the MX missile project of the 80s so that's a bit of history there. Not bad.

Great nights of reading before bed, the adventures of Edward Abbey going down these rivers, in only the way Edward Abbey can describe it. You won't be disappointed.

Great insight on the life of an early environmentalist.

Tbh everything by edward abbey is cool. This book is neato burrito

A friend of mine suggested I read Abbey As I have waded through his writings I have yet to find a story that wasn't completely captivating and Down the river is no exception!

Edward Abbey pulls together his most memorable river trips in the western USA, writing is such a way that the reader may as well have been there with him. He also, in typical form, laments the way the environment in his beloved west is being destroyed by various levels of humanity. A great read. Abbey, dead now over two decades, is sadly missed by those of us who love clear and untainted recording.

A little late, but received in good shape, Thanks!