Heart of the Desert Wild

I am a Colorado Plateau freak who probably has better than 50 books on the area, and who has taken at least a dozen vacations to the area. Of all of my own books and some I don't own, but have read on the area, this is one of the very best. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was created in 1996. It was long overdue. The monument (And it should be a full-fledged National Park, IMHO.), preserves the most single significant block of Cretaceous strata in the world, numerous exquisite arches and slot canyons of exceptional size and beauty, tremendous geological faults, colorful, spectacular rock formations, fossilized animals and plants, and irreplaceable Native American relics and structures. The area is still being explored and more of these and other wonders are being located each year. This excellent book covers all of these matters and more in considerable written detail. Magnificent color photography follows the text and lays open this wonderful country for all to see. The text is carefully drafted, and the photos follow the text very well. If you never have the good fortune to visit this area, this book will give a very fine glimpse into the need for its preservation. If you have visited it, as I have, the book will evoke countless pleasant memories. IF YOU ARE GOING TO VISIT IT, for the first time, or on a repeat basis, read this book thoroughly to make intelligent decision about what to see and do, since you can't possibly see it all in one trip. This book receives the highest recommendation.

Heart of the Desert Wild, first book by author Greer Chesher and first complete book for photographer Liz Hymans, won the nonfiction category at the Utah State Book Awards in November 2001! Last year Terry Tempest Williams won that award, and the competition was excellent this year - the third year Utah has participated in the Library of Congress, Center for the Book's program. In addition to the usual information found in interpretive books, "Heart of the Desert Wild" features an opening chapter that describes the importance of public lands in general and this monument in particular. Ms. Hymans, one of the leading professional panoramic photographers in the US, illuminates the text with 135 magnificent photos, and Ms. Chesher's text is both informative and a pleasure to read.

This is an excellent book. If you've never been to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument -- and few have -- you'll want to see this book. It's like a voyage to another planet. And if you have been there, you'll certainly want to have this book. It's a memorable summary of an unforgetable place. The photographs of panoramic photographer Liz Hymans are spectacular -- breath-takingly beautiful. And the text by Greer Chesher graphically captures the amazing details of this exotic land. My words, however glowing, can't do justice to the scope and wonder of this book. So I'll just save my effort -- and save you reading more of this dull review -- to say: Go look at the book itself! You won't be disappointed.

This book does a beautiful job conveying the sheer beauty of the new Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument in its photographs, while also presenting a comprehensive and well-written account of the geology, ecology and human history that makes this part of Southern Utah such a trasure. Is is noteworthy that the pictures give a balanced view of the whole area and don't just reiterate the usual postcard images. The text is aimed at a general readership, without "dumming down". And, yes, I found answers to many things I had wondered about (cryptogamic soil, coal beds, etc..) on my visits.

I have found that many coffee table type books on National Parks, etc. contain great photography, but are often lacking for interesting or inspiring text. This is not the case for Heart of the Desert Wild. This book certainly does contain great photos, particularly the foldout panaramic shots, but I was most impressed with the highy informative and exceptionally well written text. I found Ms. Chesher's writing style to be both fresh and creative, taking the reader back into time for a look thru the eyes of prehistoric and historic peoples and individuals who played a part in the history of the Escalante region of southern Utah. The book was obviously well researched and presents an accurate and well balanced view regarding the history and creation of this controversial National Monument. Perhaps most special is that this book is written from the heart. It is obvious that the author is not only very familiar with the area but cares deeply for the effort being made to preserve this remarkable landscape. I feel that she has been very successful in expressing her deeply felt "Sense of Place" for the Escalante region while retaining a high level of objectivity. This was the first book of this type that I could not put down once I cracked the cover. It is truely a remarkable achievement which will remain an enduring classic about a remarkable and enduring place.