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Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West: A Literary Legacy Explored

Edwin Cox

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Published in All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey Wallace Stegner And The American West

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The American West, with its vast landscapes, rugged mountains, and arid deserts, has long captured the imagination of writers and artists. Among the most influential figures in American literature who depicted the West were Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner. Their literary works explored the region's unique character, its environmental challenges, and the human experience within its untamed wilderness. This article examines the lives and writings of Abbey and Stegner, revealing how they shaped our understanding of the American West and left a profound legacy on American literature.

All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West

by David Gessner

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Edward Abbey: The Desert Wanderer

Edward Abbey was born in Indiana in 1927. After serving in the military, he moved to the Southwest, where he spent much of his life exploring the desert landscapes of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Abbey's experiences in the desert profoundly influenced his writing, which is characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural world and a fierce opposition to its exploitation.

Abbey's most famous work, "Desert Solitaire," published in 1968, is a collection of essays and reflections that chronicle his time spent as a park ranger in Arches National Park. The book vividly portrays the beauty and fragility of the desert environment, challenging the prevailing attitudes towards wilderness preservation. Abbey argued that the West should be protected for its intrinsic value, not merely for its economic or recreational potential.

Abbey's writing is often characterized by a blend of lyrical prose and acerbic wit. He was a master of satire, using humor to expose the absurdities of modern society and its destructive impact on the environment. Abbey's work has inspired generations of environmental activists and nature lovers, solidifying his place as a leading voice in the conservation movement.

Wallace Stegner: The Chronicler of the West

Wallace Stegner was born in Iowa in 1909. His family moved to Saskatchewan, Canada, when he was young, and his experiences there instilled in him a lifelong love for the Western landscape. Stegner later attended the University of Utah and taught at Stanford University for many years.

Stegner was a prolific writer, producing novels, short stories, essays, and non-fiction works. His writing encompassed a wide range of Western themes, from the settlement of the frontier to the preservation of the environment. Stegner is perhaps best known for his novel "Angle of Repose," which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972. The book traces the lives of a pioneering family in the American West and explores the complex relationship between humans and the land.

Stegner's writing is often characterized by a deep sense of place and a compassionate understanding of the human condition. He was a keen observer of the West's history and culture, and his work provides invaluable insights into the region's transformation over time. Stegner's legacy as a literary chronicler of the West continues to inspire contemporary writers and readers alike.

Shared Perspectives and Legacy

Despite their different backgrounds and writing styles, Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner shared a deep love for the American West and a deep concern for its future. Both writers were passionate advocates for wilderness preservation and believed that the West's natural beauty and ecological integrity should be protected for generations to come.

Abbey's fiery rhetoric and Stegner's thoughtful prose contributed significantly to the growing environmental awareness of the postwar period. Their writings helped shape the public's perception of the West as a place of both immense beauty and fragility. They also influenced the development of federal policies aimed at protecting wilderness areas and wildlife.

The legacy of Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner extends far beyond their individual works. They inspired countless others to appreciate the beauty of the American West and to fight for its protection. Their writing continues to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the urgent need to preserve our wild places and to live in harmony with the natural world.

Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner were two of the most influential literary figures of the American West. Their writing captured the region's rugged beauty, explored its environmental challenges, and illuminated the human experience within its untamed wilderness. Their works continue to shape our understanding of the West, inspire environmental action, and provide timeless insights into the human relationship with nature. Abbey and Stegner's legacy as literary giants and passionate advocates for the American West will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West

by David Gessner

4.3 out of 5