All the Wild That Remains

All the Wild That Remains explores the lives and work of two icons of Western American literature: Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner. Through travels across the American West, author David Gessner traces the paths of these writers while examining their differing approaches to environmentalism and conservation. The book moves between past and present, combining biography, travelogue, and nature writing. Gessner visits key locations from Abbey's and Stegner's lives and works, from Utah's canyonlands to Vermont's mountains, while drawing connections between their era's environmental challenges and today's climate crisis. Gessner examines how Abbey and Stegner's opposing personalities and methods - Stegner as the responsible advocate, Abbey as the radical desert anarchist - ultimately worked toward similar goals. Their philosophies and writings continue to influence modern environmental movements and conversations about preservation of the American West. The narrative raises essential questions about different paths to environmental protection and the role of writers as activists. Through these two contrasting figures, the book illuminates ongoing tensions between development and conservation in the American West.

Readers appreciate Gessner's personal journey through the American West while exploring the lives and works of Wallace Stegner and Edward Abbey. They note his ability to connect environmental history with current climate challenges. Readers liked: - Clear comparisons between Stegner and Abbey's different approaches to conservation - Mix of biography, travelogue, and environmental writing - First-hand accounts from people who knew both writers - Relevant modern examples of water rights and climate issues Readers disliked: - Too much focus on Gessner's personal experiences - Uneven balance between the two subjects, with more attention on Abbey - Repetitive passages about water usage - Lack of depth on either writer's complete works Ratings: Goodreads: 3.95/5 (398 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (71 ratings) Common review quote: "A thoughtful examination of two environmental writers that feels particularly relevant as the West faces ongoing drought."

Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey An environmental writer chronicles his life as a park ranger in Utah's Arches National Park while examining the intersection of wilderness preservation and human development.

The End of Nature by Bill McKibben A naturalist explores the effects of climate change on American landscapes through personal observations and scientific research.

Encounters with the Archdruid by John McPhee Three narratives follow conservationist David Brower as he debates with developers about the future of the American West's natural spaces.

The Hour of Land by Terry Tempest Williams A writer travels through twelve national parks to document their significance in American culture and the threats they face from development and climate change.

The Practice of the Wild by Gary Snyder Essays examine the relationship between human culture and wilderness through the lens of Buddhism, Native American traditions, and environmental science.

🌲 Author Edward Abbey, one of the book's subjects, worked as a park ranger at Arches National Park and wrote "Desert Solitaire" based on his experiences there. 🏔️ The book interweaves biographical details of both Wallace Stegner and Edward Abbey while following author David Gessner's 5,000-mile road trip through the American West. 🖋️ Wallace Stegner founded Stanford University's creative writing program and mentored literary giants including Wendell Berry, Edward Abbey, and Ken Kesey. 🌍 Both Stegner and Abbey predicted many of today's environmental challenges in the American West, particularly regarding water scarcity and overdevelopment. 🎬 David Gessner discovered Edward Abbey's work when he appeared as an extra in the film "Fire on the Mountain," based on Abbey's novel about firefighters.