The Best of Edward Abbey

The Best of Edward Abbey

<div>This is the only major collection of Abbey’s writings compiled by the author himself: in his own words, “to present what I think is both the best and most representative of my writing—so far.” It serves up a rich feast of fiction and prose by the singular American writer whom Larry McMurtry called “the Thoreau of the American West.”<br>Devoted Abbey fans along with readers just discovering his work will find a mother lode of treasures here: generous chunks of his best novels, including <i>The Brave Cowboy, Black Sun</i>, and his classic <i>The Monkey Wrench Gang</i>; and more than a score of his evocative, passionate, trenchant essays—a genre in which he produced acknowledged masterpieces such as <i>Desert Solitaire</i>. Scattered throughout are the author’s own petroglyph-style sketches.<br>This new edition adds selections from work that appeared shortly before Abbey’s death: a chapter from <i>Hayduke Lives!</i>, the hilarious sequel to <i>The Monkey Wrench Gang</i>; excerpts from his revealing journals; and examples of his poetry. A new foreword by Doug Peacock—Abbey’s close friend and the model for the flamboyant activist Hayduke—offers a fond appreciation of this larger-than-life figure in American letters.</div>